From 1 December 2012 all new, upgraded and repaired electric fence installations in South Africa must be compliant and the government has now established strict new regulations for this industry.
Owners of properties that have an Electric Fence installation must provide the new owner, when selling, with an Electric Fence Certificate to confirm that the Electric Fence installation is compliant and deemed safe.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIFIED FENCING (SANS 60335-2-76 – South Africa):
Wall Height:
Minimum wall height of private property to be secured – 1.5 meters.
Brackets:
Upright brackets may be used without any height restriction. Angled brackets: Brackets can be angled at no more than 45 degrees out and are to be installed on the inside of the boundary wall.
Neighbours:
It is not permissible to angle brackets into a neighbour’s property without their knowledge or consent.
Hazard:
Electrified fences are to be installed and operated so that they cause no electrical hazard or entanglement to persons or animals.
Barbed wire or razor wire:
These shall not be electrified by an energizer.
Warning Signs:
Electric fencing installed along a public road or pathway shall be securely identified with YELLOW WARNING SIGNS (100 x 200 cm) at intervals not exceeding 10 meters. All gates and access points to have warning signs.
Electrified Gates:
To be capable of being opened/closed without the person receiving a shock.
