I-DE, Iberdrola España's distribution company, offers advice at Agroexpo on how to avoid electrical hazards in agriculture
- Respecting the safety distances of machinery, tools and other equipment from electrical wiring is one of the keys to preventing accidents
- Taking preventive measures can make the difference between a successful work day and an accident
Electricity is an indispensable ally in agricultural activities, but it can also be a risk if installations and equipment are not managed properly.
During the AGROEXPO 2025 fair being held in FEVAL (in Extremadura), specialists from i-DE, Iberdrola España's distributor, are giving various talks where they are explaining to farmers and stockbreeders measures electrical risk prevention and safety in the agricultural sector, since it is an environment where working conditions and the means and machines used can amplify the dangers.
Iberdrola España’s i-DE debunked common myths about electricity, such as the belief that tyres or wood are insulators, or that only high voltage poses a significant risk. "Two out of every three electrical accidents occur on low-voltage lines, which underlines the importance of adopting preventive measures regardless of the type of installation", the experts pointed out.
Main Risk Factors
In the explanatory material provided to the farmers, emphasis was placed on the need to be cautious with electrical installations since "you don’t have to touch a conductor to get shocked; all you have to do is get too close to a high voltage source".
They were also reminded that agricultural machinery and equipment with metal parts can come into contact with electrical lines, generating dangerous discharges, so being extremely careful was important.
The risks that can occur when working with irrigation pipes were pointed out, which can be caused by the pipes’ direct contact with the cables, by electric arcs that can be caused without direct contact due to short circuits, humidity or even the presence of animals.
Contact hazards, which are caused by irrigation water that, propelled by the cannons or sprinklers, can come into contact with the cables, also generating an electrical risk, were added to this list.
Keys to preventing accidents
In addition to warnings about risk factors, i-DE also offered keys to prevent accidents, such as respecting safety distances, making sure you "always keep machinery, tools and other equipment away from power lines".
Likewise, caution should be exercised when there are downed power lines. Never assume that they are de-energised and immediately report the incident to the distribution company and stay away from the area.
If you’re doing any digging, remember that power lines may run under the ground. If you’re working with hand tools, when the working distance is less than half a metre, or with power tools, when the distance is less than one metre, ask the supplier to deenergize the wires.
They also reiterated the protocol to follow in the event of electrical contact with machinery, such as a tractor: the driver should "remain in the cab and, if they can, move the vehicle away from the site".
I-DE made it clear that electrical safety is a "non-negotiable". In agriculture, where conditions are often adverse, taking preventive measures can make the difference between a successful work day and an accident.
Grupo Iberdrola
