Frequently Asked Questions

about Electric Fencing

Why Electric fencing Just Makes Sense

Let’s face it—security isn’t something you can take lightly anymore. Whether you own a home or run a business, you deal with real risks every day. You need a solution that works around the clock, and electric fencing delivers exactly that. It’s your first line of Défense, stopping intruders before they even get close. And it cuts down on those “opportunity thefts” that seem to happen out of nowhere. Just ask one of my clients—he left his mower out for a quick drink and came back to find it gone. Electric fencing? That kind of thing doesn’t happen.

On top of that, electric fencing sends a clear message. When criminals see those wires and warning signs, they think twice. No one wants to tangle with high-voltage protection.

If you’re after a budget-friendly way to secure your property, we’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation and let’s talk options.

Is Electric Fencing Legal?

Absolutely—it’s legal. But you can’t just throw up a few wires and call it a day. South Africa’s Electrical Machinery Regulations (2011) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act set out strict rules. You need to follow them, not just to avoid fines, but to make sure your insurance actually pays out if something happens.

What is the Legal Checklist for electric fencing?

Thinking about installing or upgrading your electric fence? Here’s what you need to know:

• Compliance Certificate for Electric Fencing: Every new electric fence or upgrade needs a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from a qualified electric fence installer.
• Warning Signs: You have to put up warning signs every 10 metres or less, and not just along public roads—everywhere.
• Height Rules: No live wires below 1.5 metres from the ground, measured from outside your property.
• Stay in Your Lane: The electric fence has to be inside your property line. Don’t build on your neighbour’s land or municipal space.
• Approved Energizers: Only use energizers and equipment that meet SANS 10222-3 standards. We trust Nemtek—they’re reliable and fully compliant.
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Why You Need to Get Compliance Right for your electric fence?

A electric fence that doesn’t meet the rules is a problem waiting to happen. You risk fines, lost insurance claims, or worse—someone getting hurt, and you’re on the hook. But when you do it right, you get real peace of mind. Your security is legal, safe, and solid.

At Safety & Security, we include compliance into every single item of electric fence we install

Smart Electric Fencing Installation Tips from the Professionals:

We’ve been at this a long time, so here’s what works:

- Install at the right height—usually on top of your wall or existing electric fence for maximum coverage.

- Choose quality materials—SA weather isn’t gentle, so we use tough insulators and wiring.

- Keep the electric fence wiring neat—messy wires aren’t just ugly; they can actually cause problems and more maintenance.

- Use zones—breaking up your electric fence into zones helps pinpoint exactly where something happens.

- Battery backup for your electric fence —when load shedding hits, your electric fence keeps working. Want full independence? Go solar and stay protected 24/7.

- Connect your electric fence to your alarm—if anyone tampers with the electric fence, you get an instant alert, wireless or wired. No surprises.

- Schedule regular maintenance—routine checks keep your electric fence running and compliant, year after year.

- Don’t forget lightning diverters—SA storms mean business.

If your current electric fence needs an upgrade, just ask. We’ll get you a no-hassle quote from our certified team.

How We Do Electric fencing at Safety & Security

We believe in doing the job right the first time. Every project starts with a free assessment—we look at your wall, your power supply, and every detail that matters. Then we design a setup just for you. Whether you own a house, a business, a complex, or farmland, we make sure you get:

- Proper earthing and grounding

- Tidy, professional wiring

- Equipment that meets all SANS requirements

- Lightning protection

- Earth mats

- Warning signs

- Sirens and warning lights

We stand by Nemtek energizer systems. Security professionals trust them, and so do we.

Not Sure If Your Electric Fence Is Up to Code?

If your electric fence is a few years old—or installed by someone else—there’s a good chance it doesn’t meet today’s standards. That’s risky. Your insurance, your safety… both could be in jeopardy.

Let us check it out. We’ll inspect, test, and certify your electric fence so you know you’re protected.

Ready for peace of mind? Book your Electric fence Compliance Check now. Call us at 078 077 6636.

How much does electric fencing cost?

We don’t do “one size fits all” pricing. To give you a proper quote, we’ll need a few details:

1. Your address (so we can measure the electric fence distance on Google Maps)

2. Photos of all four sides of your property, including gates

3. What type of electric fence you want (6-line or 8-line)

4. Your preferred wire type

5. Where you want the energizer installed, and how far that spot is from the wall

6. Is your wall straight all the way around, or are there steps or changes in height? (Sudden height changes mean extra poles.)

We don’t quote per meter, because it just doesn’t add up. Sure, a standard rate might be R150 a meter, but installing four meters of electric fencing for R600 isn’t realistic the energizer cost R2950, and for a long electric fence, that rate gets too high. Instead, we quote based on your exact needs.

Is electric fencing dangerous for kids?

Electric fences are designed to deter, not harm. Installed properly, they don’t cause intentional injury and meet all SANS 10222-3 standards, as well as South Africa’s Electrical Machinery Regulations of 2011.

The energizers run at high voltage but low amps, so the shock is more of a jolt than a real danger. Nemtek set the voltage below the 10,000-volt limit (usually around 9,000 volts). People with pacemakers only need to worry above 13,000 volts, and healthy folks would have issues only over 16,000 volts.

But if you touch the electric fence, expect a sudden muscle spasm — you could lose your balance, especially if you’re on a ladder or wall. A shock to the head can even knock you out briefly. Burns or serious injuries only happen if the system’s faulty, illegal, or wrongly installed.

What the Rules and regulations for electric fences:?

- The electric fence must sit on a wall at least 1.5 meters high.

- If you use angled brackets, they can’t go out more than 45 degrees and must face inside your property.

- If those brackets hang over your neighbour’s side, you need their consent.

- Install so there’s no risk of people or animals getting tangled up.

- Posts can’t be more than three meters apart. (There are exceptions to this rule)

- You need at least 3 earth spikes at the start (spaced 1.2 meters apart), plus one more for every 30 meters, and one at the end.

- No barbed or razor wire electrification allowed.

- Place yellow warning signs at every gate and entry point. And every 10 meters

- Gates must open and close safely, without giving shocks.

- Multiple energizers must be synchronised

Lightning diverters must be installed.

With all these in place, the electric fence is safe for kids, pets, and adults.

Do I need a compliance certificate for your electric fence?

Yes. Every new or upgraded electric fence must have a Certificate of Compliance from a qualified professional. You’ll also need one if you sell your property.

Some insurance companies will not cover you with out a certificate of compliance (C.O.C)

But for now, if you have an existing fence, you will only need to apply once the property changes ownership.  But it’s a good idea if you cover your self by getting a C.O.C.

How long does an electric fence last?

The average installation should last 15+ years

You get what you pay for at the end of the day.

 There are “persons” selling electric fence poles that starts to rust after 2 years and even the screws holding the bobbins starts to rust in the first 2 years.

Yet there are ultimate poles out their main use will be for the coast but away from the coast I have seen them last for 30 years and still holding strong.  Full Stainless-steel poles for example.

Then the wire you use makes a difference:

Standard wire will rust in the first 3 years

Galvanised wire will last up to 7 years

Aluminium or Stainless-steel wire should last 20+ years

Also make sure you use a Fully UV treated bobbin that can handle the African sun. 

If you install it right and keep up with maintenance, you’ll get 15+ years or more out of your electric fence.

Can use electric fencing for all sorts of animals?

Yes, there are a wide range of energizers and equipment for animals—horses, cows, sheep, dogs, cats, pigs, donkeys, you name it.

We actually offer energizers made specifically with animals in mind, so you don’t have to worry about their safety.

Different animals need different setups. Some, like sheep and cats, can sense when the electric fence is live, while others just figure it out the hard way. Horses are extra sensitive to electric fences, so they need a special kind of energizer.

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to animal electric fencing. You’ll find everything from a single rope with electric wire woven in, to full rope nets with electric wiring throughout. Honestly, it’s a pretty specialized area—animal electric fencing is very popular. We supply the whole range.

Which brands do you use or recommend?

We stick to Nemtek energizers and gear. They’re reliable, and they meet SANS standards.

Can you fix an old or non-compliant electric fence?

Absolutely. We can repair, test, and certify any existing system, so it’s safe and legal.

Can my electric fence connect to my alarm?

Yes, we can link your electric fence to your alarm or control panel. If someone tampers with it, you’ll get an instant alert — another layer of security.  You can do this wired or wireless

Let’s Secure Your Property — The Right Way

Don’t leave your safety up to chance. Whether you want a new electric fence, need repairs, or just a compliance check, Safety & Security is ready to help.

Call: 078 077 6636 or WhatsApp 

Email: safetysecurity911@gmail.com

www.safetysecurity.co.za

Let’s make your property safe, compliant, and ready for the future.