New electric fence regulation set to be implemented
In my humble opinion, this is yet another example of an over-regulated "nanny state", where the "man in the street" is being drowned in red tape.
As an attorney, I guess that I should be happy if government puts so much legislation in place that the individual can't possibly keep track of it all and at any given time may be breaking a hundred laws without even knowing it ... the only beneficiaries being the attorneys dealing with the fall out.
HOWEVER, at the same time it restricts free economic activity and thereby harms the economy ... which is bad for property attorneys (except maybe insolvency practitioners and those representing bank robbers).
Gareth Shepperson
New electric fence regulation set to be implemented
Property owners are going to have to be more careful about who they contract to install electric fences so as to comply with a new regulation.
A new regulation stipulates that electric fences should be certified before a property can be sold.
This regulation stipulates that all electric fences be certified and come with an electric fence system certificate of compliance, as reflected in Regulation 12 of the Electric Machinery Regulations of 2011.
This applies only to systems that came into existence after October 1 last year.
However, it also will apply in cases where the system is
Paltered or added to, or where the premises changes ownership after October 1 this year. Any property transfer after that date, therefore, carries with it the obligation to provide a certificate if there is an electric fence in place.
All properties - including residential, commercial and sectional titles within complexes - must comply.
A number of people have complained about the regulation on social networks, with many saying the it was meant to protect burglars.
"Next they will tell me to remove my burglar proofing because a burglar might get stuck in it and hurt himself... This is total insanity. I'll remove my fence when they remove the criminals," said one.
SA Electric Fences Association founder member Etien van der Merwe said the regulation actually protected innocent people within the property. He added that electrical output from fences had always been regulated.
"Energisers are controlled: the electrical machinery regulations stipulate a certain output. Adjusting fences to be more lethal is actually illegal."
The regulation would ensure installers were held accountable and minimise flyby-night installers.
Failure to have a compliance certificate could cost one a great deal, said John Graham, the chief executive of HouseCheck Home Inspection Services.
"If you don't have the certificate, you can't sell your house, and if somebody gets hurt by a non-compliant fence, you could get sued."
He said electrical fence installers had to write an examination and be registered with the Department of Labour by October 1 this year.
What makes an electric fence compliant?
•It must be installed by a registered electric fence installer, not a non-specialist company.
•Owner must have an electric fence system certificate of compliance.
•Output should not be adjusted to make it more lethal.
•There should be proper warning signs about the existence of an electric fence visible from driveway and pavement.
•It should not over-hang into a neighbour's yard or pavement.
Penalties for non-compliance
•You cannot sell your house without the certificate.
•If someone gets hurt on your property, you have a legal obligation, you could get sued.
•One might have to upgrade to be compliant or be forced to remove the fence.
The Star
As an attorney, I guess that I should be happy if government puts so much legislation in place that the individual can't possibly keep track of it all and at any given time may be breaking a hundred laws without even knowing it ... the only beneficiaries being the attorneys dealing with the fall out.
HOWEVER, at the same time it restricts free economic activity and thereby harms the economy ... which is bad for property attorneys (except maybe insolvency practitioners and those representing bank robbers).
Gareth Shepperson
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New electric fence regulation set to be implemented
Property owners are going to have to be more careful about who they contract to install electric fences so as to comply with a new regulation.
A new regulation stipulates that electric fences should be certified before a property can be sold.
This regulation stipulates that all electric fences be certified and come with an electric fence system certificate of compliance, as reflected in Regulation 12 of the Electric Machinery Regulations of 2011.
This applies only to systems that came into existence after October 1 last year.
However, it also will apply in cases where the system is
Paltered or added to, or where the premises changes ownership after October 1 this year. Any property transfer after that date, therefore, carries with it the obligation to provide a certificate if there is an electric fence in place.
All properties - including residential, commercial and sectional titles within complexes - must comply.
A number of people have complained about the regulation on social networks, with many saying the it was meant to protect burglars.
"Next they will tell me to remove my burglar proofing because a burglar might get stuck in it and hurt himself... This is total insanity. I'll remove my fence when they remove the criminals," said one.
SA Electric Fences Association founder member Etien van der Merwe said the regulation actually protected innocent people within the property. He added that electrical output from fences had always been regulated.
"Energisers are controlled: the electrical machinery regulations stipulate a certain output. Adjusting fences to be more lethal is actually illegal."
The regulation would ensure installers were held accountable and minimise flyby-night installers.
Failure to have a compliance certificate could cost one a great deal, said John Graham, the chief executive of HouseCheck Home Inspection Services.
"If you don't have the certificate, you can't sell your house, and if somebody gets hurt by a non-compliant fence, you could get sued."
He said electrical fence installers had to write an examination and be registered with the Department of Labour by October 1 this year.
What makes an electric fence compliant?
•It must be installed by a registered electric fence installer, not a non-specialist company.
•Owner must have an electric fence system certificate of compliance.
•Output should not be adjusted to make it more lethal.
•There should be proper warning signs about the existence of an electric fence visible from driveway and pavement.
•It should not over-hang into a neighbour's yard or pavement.
Penalties for non-compliance
•You cannot sell your house without the certificate.
•If someone gets hurt on your property, you have a legal obligation, you could get sued.
•One might have to upgrade to be compliant or be forced to remove the fence.
The Star
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