Legal implications of owning an electric fence

Various compulsory standards are applicable to the design and installation of electric fences, which include the Electrical Machinery Regulations (EMR) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), as well as SANS 60335-2-76/SANS 10222-3). These include a minimum height restriction for exposed electric fences, maximum voltage and current output and minimum frequency of pulses. Although the majority of electric fence installers do not know or comply with these requirements, the owner of the electric fence becomes liable for its safety after hand over. Any illegal structures could render you liable to prosecution. It is wise to establish an installers track record, by asking for contactable references, inspectable sites, trade references and to establish due dilignece, working knowledge of and compliance with relevant legislation, back service and so on. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware!