While the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) published new safety requirements for electric fences last year in June, it was not ‘widely publicised’, so many people are not aware of the new rules for the implementation of electric fences.
The new requirements include material quality, warning signage, installation and maintenance, as reported by MyBroadband.
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The amendment, named SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1, includes several updates, with clauses on electric fences for domestic pet control, strip grazing, game control and specialised security fences.
Additionally, a note was included on the installation of joints, along with updated ‘electromagnetic compatibility’ requirements.
Annexes on lightning protection requirements and earthing were updated, while the annex on certification to add a ‘revamped one on inspection and tests’ was discarded.
Gido Group, an electric fence, alarm and CCTV company, told MyBroadband that the updated standard included several fundamental changes.
New requirements include the placement and frequency of warning signs along the fence, for the purpose of ensuring visibility and awareness of the fence.
In urban areas, the maximum distance between signs should be ten metres, but according to the updated standard, warning signs should be placed at the corners of the property as well as over gates.
These gates include ‘vehicle and pedestrian gates’.
The standard further included more detailed instructions on ‘proper grounding and earthing’ of electric fence systems to prevent electrical hazards, according to Douglas Deerans, Gido Group manager.
Conduits for the cabling from the fence to earth spikes are required for inspection purposes, meaning that it is prohibited for the cable to be buried.
Protocols for ‘testing and certification’ to ensure compliance with modern safety standards were also updated, Deerans added.
These protocols include inspection that should be performed regularly, with set minimum maintenance schedules, to ensure the electric fence remains in a ‘safe working condition’.
Enhanced testing methods to verify the safety and functionality of the electric fence systems after they are installed are also compulsory, according to the new standard.
The standard further specifies that components classified as higher-grade materials, such as wires and insulators to enhance durability and safety, should be utilised.
‘These updates focus on improving overall safety and ensuring better performance of electric fence systems,’ said Deerans.
According to the Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa (ECASA), electric fences were ‘unregulated’ until they became more common in cities and suburbs.
‘The amendments tightened up the industry and made it compulsory for electric fence installers to undergo tough training before being able to register with the Department of Labour as an Electric Fence System Installer,’ according to ECASA.
In the case of a customer having a complaint, contractors can supply their Electric Fence System Installer (EFSI) number to customers.
In the case of installer misconduct, such instances can be reported to the Department of Labour and the chief inspector can ‘cancel their accreditation’.
Deerans stated the importance of ensuring your electric fence is compliant for insurance purposes and while having a certificate of compliance (CoC) is important, many insurance companies will investigate a claim further.
This is to ensure if an electric fence installation is up to standard, with or without a certificate.
A customer’s claims will only be rejected if they cannot produce a certificate and their electric fence installation is not up to standard.
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Picture: Deaan Vivier / Beeld / Gallo Images