South Africa Tightens Safety Requirements for Electric Fences

South Africans using electric fences for property protection must now comply with updated safety requirements as stipulated by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Introduced in June of last year, these new regulations, known as SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1, were not well-publicised, leading to a knowledge gap amongst property owners and installers.

The revised standard places a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and the correct usage of materials in electric fencing. It covers a wide variety of fences, including those used for domestic pet control, strip grazing, and high-security requirements. One of the key updates is the detailed procedures for the installation of joints and a focus on 'electromagnetic compatibility'.

To enhance safety further, it introduces comprehensive lightning protection and earthing requirements. The aspect of certification has also evolved, with the previous annex on inspection and tests being replaced.

A significant change addressed by the Gido Group, experts in electric security measures, is the specification for warning signage. To increase visibility and awareness, signs are mandated to be placed at closer intervals, particularly in urban regions, as well as at strategic points such as corners and gates.

Douglas Deerans from the Gido Group detailed the protocol enhancements, highlighting that the new standards necessitate regular inspections and maintenance to ensure continued safety and functionality. This will bolster the performance and durability of the systems as higher-grade materials are now specified for components like wires and insulators.

Conduits must now be used for cabling to facilitate inspection, thereby prohibiting the burial of cables which can lead to hazards. Moreover, a rigorous approach to testing and certification intends to keep installers accountable to modern safety standards and practices.

Given these stringent new requirements, the role of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa (ECASA) has become increasingly pertinent. With electric fences growing in popularity, strict guidelines for installer training and accreditation have been put in place. Electric Fence System Installers must obtain a registration with the Department of Labour to legally operate, ensuring that they are appropriately skilled and equipped to comply with the updated SABS standards.

The Department of Labour has also been vested with the authority to handle misconduct, providing a structured mechanism for complaints via an Electric Fence System Installer (EFSI) number. Sub-standard installations or unethical practices may result in the cancellation of an installer's accreditation.

Insurance implications are a critical factor to consider under the new requirements. Installations must be compliant with current standards, affecting the validity of insurance claims. While a certificate of compliance (CoC) has its importance, Deerans mentions that insurance companies may conduct additional investigations into the installation's standards before settling a claim.

The revised regulations signify a marked step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of electric fences in South Africa, seeking to protect users and maintain high industry standards.