Electrical Fence Compliance Certificate
Did you know that when selling your house an Electrical Fence Compliance Certificate for your electric fence is required? This is to make sure the installation is safe and that the homeowner is not be held liable for any injuries caused to person who touches it.
If there has been any change of owner of the property since 01/10/12 or there has been a change to the electric fence installation after01/10/12 an EFC (Electric Fence Certificate) is required.
This rule applies only to a free standing property. If the area secured by an electric fence is part of a communal system, it is then the responsibility of the Body Corporate.
What is very important to note is that an Electric Fence COC is not the same as an Electrical COC. This means the Electrical COC does not cover electric fences. This is governed by Regulation 12(4) of the Electrical Machinery Regulations which were promulgated in terms of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (No. 181 of 1993). This is a separate certificate since it falls under the provisions of a separate set of regulations. A C.O.C for an electric fence installation can only be issued by a person accredited by the Department of Labour and issued by the chief inspector as an electrical fence installer.
How long is the EFCC valid for?
The certificate is valid for as long as the installation is not altered. It can also be transferred to the next owner as long as the installation has not been changed in any way but with a maximum of two years limit. To keep a certificate current electric fence owners should ensure that the fence is in good working order by conducting general maintenance.
If your fence was erected prior to 1/12/12 with no alternations then the inspector will ensure that the fences is in good working order; cannot be easily touched by accident and complies with electric fence legislation at the time the fence was installed.
The maintenance generally consists of clearing the fence of all vegetation and debris that could cause high-voltage pulses and that could lower the effectiveness of the fence, tightening wires that are visibly slackened and fixing all broken parts of the fence.
If your fence was erected after 01/12/12 you have to comply with the Electrical Security Installations Regulations (SANS 10222-3:2012) to receive your Electrical Fence Compliance Certificate.
