01/07/2019
What is electric fencing?
An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter people and animals from crossing a boundary. Electric fences can be used for animal control in agricultural fencing and to enhance the security of selected areas with security fencing. The voltage of the shock may have varying effects but all certified electric fence energizers are made to be non-lethal in compliance with the SANS standards and laws governing electric fencing.
Why electric fencing?
>Monitored adjustable alarm, one of the most significant advantages of electric fencing is that it is monitored 24/7 with most energizers having battery backup to keep you safe during power failures and load shedding, the alarm sensitivity of your energizer can also be adjusted depending on your fence conditions and other environmental factors to make your fence more sensitive or to prevent false alarms. Your electric fence system can also be connected to your armed response service for added piece of mind.
>Physical barrier, electric fencing creates a physical and mental barrier to deter any would be burglar from attempting to jump over your boundary wall. If the house or property next door is not fitted with an electric fence you are at an distinct advantage.
>Lower cost and effective, electric fencing can show a significantly lower setup cost compared to other types of fencing or walls. Electric fence is also much more effective for the control of pets, livestock, horses and predators.
What is an energizer?
An electric fence energizer is a unit that generates a non-lethal electric pulse and in the case of a security energizer also monitors your fence to detect a short or cut in your fence line. All manufacturers of electric fencing equipment need to conform to strict legislation and must comply with the necessary laws and standards. The maximum voltage allowed on your electric fencing in South Africa is 10 000V or 10Kv the length and frequency of the electric pulse generated is also regulated to ensure the power generated is non-lethal.
Can electric fencing kill you or animals?
Unlike other residential and commercial security options electric fencing is potentially more dangerous and under extreme circumstances can be lethal. The most important factors to keep in mind are the certification of your energizer and possible entrapment on the electric fence. The majority of the laws on electric fencing is to firstly prevent in adverted contact and secondly prevent entrapment. Children and people with heart problems are particularly vulnerable. All the more reason to always ensure your electric fencing equipment and installation is compliant with the laws and regulations governing electric fencing. These include the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 and the SANS 10222.
Can an electric fence cause fires?
There is a common misconception that an electric fence can cause fires, this is very unlikely. In order to cause an arc the vegetation close to your electric fence needs to be damp or green therefore the vegetation will not ignite and once the vegetation dries out it becomes non-conductive and the short disappears. Good fence hygiene is always recommended to ensure optimal power on your fence and longer lifetime of your fence.
