Why You Need an Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance (Electric Fence COC) When Transferring Your Property

When selling your property, it’s now mandatory to supply a valid Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance (EFCOC) before your property transfer can be concluded.

If you’ve had your electric fence installed by the guys from your local hardware store, you’ve got good reason to worry. While most homeowners know that an electrical certificate of compliance (COC) is required by law through a registered engineer when a new property is built, many do not realise the laws and regulations that are associated with installing electric fencing around their property.

According to new regulations and by-laws, homeowners having their electric fence altered, having a new one installed, or selling their property must have an electric fence COC.

What is an Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance (EFCOC)—and why it’s mandatory?

Set out in the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an electric fence COC verifies that the electrical work on your electric fence is up to date with the regulations required by the South African National Standards (SANS 10222-3:2012). 

Laying out the law for implementing prescribed electrical work, a COC warrants that the public is protected from dangerous shocks, and it also prevents radio and satellite interference caused by poorly installed energizers and poor earthing.

An EFCOC also protects homeowner by specifying minimum fencing material quality and acceptable erection standards. Fundamentally, it will ensure that if a fire breaks out or if someone is injured, insurance will cover you.

But, there’s a big problem in South Africa—and its unlicensed, cheap electricians.

With 1,3 million house breakings reported between 2018/2019— alongside alarm systems and CCTV camera, the use of electric fencing to secure both commercial and residential property has grown dramatically. With almost a third of the population jumping onto the security bandwagon—homeowners are easily deceived by dubious operators that promise cheap installations that are far from compliant. An unlicensed installation is not only criminal, but it’s also dangerous—to your family, your home, your neighbours, and outsiders passing by.

You can be held civilly and criminally liable for injuries

Electric fencing is made up of multiple strands of wire powered by an energiser or transformer, which creates intermittent electronic pulses of up to 10,000 volts. If installed correctly, the system is not lethal when touched. But if the transformer that converts low-voltage power to high-voltage power is faulty—and a person with a heart problem gets subjected to a high voltage electrical shock, there will be a risk of serious injury, or even death.

Simply put, non-compliant electric fence installations place homeowners at risk of insurance claim rejection, and it may also hold them legally liable for any injuries inflicted upon others, including intruders. Yes, you heard right—if an intruder gets tangled in your fence wires and has a heart attack, you could go to jail.

So, if you’re about to put your property on the market and don’t have an Electric Fence COC—you won’t be able to sell your house.

Who should perform the work for an electrical fence certificate of compliance inspection?

Only registered electricians may wire homes and business premises (as per SANS 10142), and only registered electric fence installers can install electrified fencing, which is why homeowners should always confirm the company and the electrician’s registration number. A licenced fencing electrician can be verified via the E.C.A. (Electrical Contractors Association)—https://ecasa.co.za, or the Department of Labour—www.labour.gov.za.

Become safe and compliant with Electrical Compliance Certificate

Whether you’ve decided it’s time to increase your security, upgrade or extend your fence, or maybe you’re a homeowner looking for a fast, efficient property sale—let Electrical Compliance Certificate take care of it. Backed by the Electrical Contractors Association (T&C), we are a team of licensed electricians in Johannesburg that provide repairs and upgrades according to the latest SANS 10143 wiring code, book of practice.

The regulation for electric fencing in South Africa

A significant component of electric fence compliance is that it should not be able to make inadvertent contact with anyone, including animals. For instance, it is not permissible to angle brackets into a neighbour’s property without their knowledge or consent. Gates and access points must have warning signs (black on yellow with the symbol of a hand touching a wire that indicates flashes), and earth spikes must be installed every 30 meters.

Besides the above, fence energizers must be installed in locations far from possible fire breakouts, and energy cannot electrify barbwire or razor. Also, if the electric fence is freestanding, it should not be higher than 450mm, or if installed on top of a wall, it must be at least 1,5 meters above ground level. At Electrical Compliance Certificate, we can help you achieve the above—fast, efficiently, and affordably. 

We deliver EFC standards for the Residential, Commercial and Industrial sectors

As specialists in electric fence compliance requirements, we deliver professional electrical inspection services for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. As with anything electrical—an electric fence needs to be maintained. Trees and vegetation such as creepers are the biggest causes of false alarms and electric fence shorts and need to be dealt with regularly. We also provide electrical maintenance and repairs services, general and custom electrical work, and public liability insurance.

At Electrical Compliance Certificate, we believe that the safety of your family and property are foremost. Offering detailed, accurate advice and quotes, skilled workmanship, and superior quality services at reasonable prices—our maintenance, repairs, and inspections bring value and peace of mind.