Iowa Code Title XI. Natural Resources [Chs. 455-485] § 478.19. Manner of construction

1. Transmission lines shall be built of strong and proper wires attached to strong and sufficient supports properly insulated at all points of attachment; all wires, poles, and other devices which by ordinary wear or other causes are no longer safe shall be removed and replaced by new wires, poles, or other devices, as the case may be, and all abandoned wires, poles, or other devices shall be at once removed. Where wires carrying current are carried across, either above or below wires used for other service, the said transmission line shall be constructed in such manner as to eliminate, so far as practicable, damages to persons or property by reason of said crossing. There shall also be installed sufficient devices to automatically shut off electric current through said transmission line whenever connection is made whereby current is transmitted from the wires of said transmission line to the ground, and there shall also be provided a safe and modern improved device for the protection of said line against lightning. The utilities board shall have power to make and enforce such further and additional rules relating to location, construction, operation and maintenance of transmission lines as may be reasonable.

2. All transmission lines, wires or cables outside of cities for the transmission, distribution or sale of electric current at any voltage shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with standards adopted by rule by the utilities board.