Electric Fence Requirements & Regulations in South Africa (2025)
By JD Gates Pretoria | Compliance Guide | Published: 15 October 2024
Electric fence installation and operation in South Africa is regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, specifically the Electric Fence Systems Regulations (2011) and the SANS 60335-2-76 standard. This guide summarises the key requirements for residential property owners in Pretoria.
Who Can Install an Electric Fence?
Only a registered electric fence system installer may install a new electric fence or carry out repairs that require a COC. Installation by an unregistered person is illegal. JD Gates is fully registered and issues COCs for all installations and repairs.
Certificate of Compliance (COC) Requirements
A COC is required when: a new electric fence is installed; an existing fence is repaired or modified; a property is transferred (some insurers and conveyancers require it); and when a fence is inspected and found compliant after a previous non-compliance finding. The COC is issued by the registered installer and must be kept by the property owner.
Key Technical Requirements (SANS 60335-2-76)
- Maximum impulse energy: 5 joules
- Maximum open-circuit voltage: 10,000 V
- Minimum height of live conductors above ground level: 1.8 m (when topping a wall)
- Warning signs: at least every 10 m, permanently fixed, text in English and one other official language
- Earth electrode: adequate earth resistance (<25 ohms)
Call JD Gates on 012 012 6285 for a COC compliance inspection or new electric fence installation in Pretoria. We cover all of Pretoria and Gauteng.