SAFETY IN ELECTRIC FENCING

Properly installed and maintained, electric fencing is safe for humans and animals. However, you must adhere to the following:

• Never electrify barbed wire or any other material that could entangle an animal or person.
• Never attach more than one energiser to a fence. Maintain a gap of at least 2 metres between separate electric fences.
• Put up Warning Signs at intervals of no more than 10 metres on any electric fence installed along a public path or highway, or at any other point where people may encounter the fence.
• Where your fence intersects a footpath or highway, you must incorporate a non-electrified gate or stile to cross the fence.
• Never install connecting leads (underground cable) in the same conduit as mains supply wiring, communication cables, or data cables.
• Avoid running electric fences parallel with overhead power or communication lines, as it may induce a dangerously high voltage on the fence line. When crossing under power lines do so at right angles and make sure the fence height doesn't exceed 2 metres.
• Make sure you leave a distance of at least 10 metres between earth rods and any other earthing system for power supplies or telecommunication systems.
• Install mains fence energisers under cover, near a mains supply. Make sure they are out of reach of children, and away from flammable materials.