Electic Fencing in South Africa is a topic that no one really seems to know about. This article will help you understand the laws around electric fencing in South Africa.
Electric fencing remains the more popular home and business security solution in South Africa, and alongside home alarm systems and CCTV camera installations, it remains security must-have for both business and residential property owners.
Electric fencing can be potentially dangerous as it is designed to physically deter any potential home invaders or intruders looking to gain entry onto a property.
Any homeowner who does not have a valid Certificate of Compliance can be held civilly and criminally liable for injuries caused by the electric fencing.
Electric fencing is made up of multiple strands of wire powered by an energiser or transformer. When properly installed and maintained, the energiser creates intermittent electronic pulses of up to 10,000 volts. Due to the fact that the electricity surging through the wires is switched on or off intermittently, the system is not lethal when touched. When the transformer that converts low-voltage power to high-voltage power is faulty, or an animal or person gets entangled in loose wiring, there’s a risk of serious injury and even death.
Children and people with heart problems or who have pacemakers are particularly vulnerable when subjected to continuous high-voltage electrical shocks.
Criminally Liable
Any homeowner who does not have a valid Certificate of Compliance, issued by a qualified electric fencing installer registered with the Department of Labour, can be held civilly and criminally liable for injuries by the fencing.
In addition, according to the Electrical Machinery Regulations of 2011, electric fencing that does not conform to the Electricity Security Installations Regulations outlined below is illegal:
- it must be installed on a wall with a minimum height of 1.5 metres
- if angled brackets are used, the maximum outward angle is 45 degrees and they must be installed on the inside of the boundary wall
- neighbours’ consent is required if you plan to angle brackets into their property
- the fencing must be installed and operate such that it won’t cause hazard or entanglement to people or animals
- the maximum distance between posts is 3 metres
- a minimum of three earth spikes must be installed for every 30 metres
- electrification of barbed or razor wire is prohibited
- yellow warning signs are required at all gates and access points
- hot electrified gates must enable a person to open and close them without receiving a shock.
Any property owner whose electric fencing doesn’t comply with the regulations may face a hefty fine or jail time, especially if the fencing seriously injures someone.
If you or your child is injured by electric fencing that doesn’t comply with the electrical installation regulations, you may have a personal injury claim against the property owner responsible for the fencing.
Contact EFI Cape today for all your electric fencing and home security requirements.
