Electric fencing is increasingly common in South Africa as homeowners look for ever more effective ways of safeguarding their property.

When used along with other security measures such as an alarm system and CCTV cameras, an electric fence can offer the peace of mind that homeowners crave.

What Is An Electric Fence & How Electric Fencing Works?
An electric fence, as the name suggests, is an electrified barrier that prevents unauthorized people from gaining access to a property or keeping animals within a confined area.

When a would-be intruder touches the fence, they complete the circuit and receives a shock.

The fence does not carry a constant electrical charge, but rather a short burst of current every second. This electrical pulsing prevents the typical grabbing effect that happens when a person is electrocuted.

The fence also does not carry a lethal voltage and is meant to deter rather than cause serious bodily harm.

How Can An Electric Fence Bolster Your Security?
The security advantages of an electric fence are threefold.

Firstly, the fence and accompanying warning signs act as a psychological barrier. Intruders are less likely to attempt to break into a property that is well secured and risk injury or worse.

Secondly, the fence acts as a physical barrier. It might be the case that a determined prowler can bypass the fence, but it will slow down their progress. Most culprits are unwilling to go through the trouble, to begin with.

Lastly, a good electric fence is linked to an alarm that can alert you and your security company of a crime in progress. Such a system is designed to detect and warn of an imminent breach, such as when a person attempts to short or cut the fence.

Where Can Electric Fences Be Installed?
Electric fences can be installed in three main places:

On top of an existing wall – if you already have a perimeter wall around your property, you can choose to install an electric fence on top of the wall. This is the most common type of electric fence for residential properties. This design is known as a wall top electric fence.

On top of an existing fence – it’s not just concrete walls that can be secured with electric fencing. You can also bolster your mesh or wire fence that surrounds your property. The advantage here is that the electric fence is installed using the existing posts, cutting costs on materials and equipment. This design is called a piggyback electric fence. Please note that you cannot electrify a mesh or wire fence and to do so would be illegal.

As the main fence – although not used for residential applications, you can have an electric fence as the perimeter barrier. This design is called a standalone electric fence and is commonly found in ranches, large farms, national parks, and maximum security areas.
Electric Fence Equipment
An electric fence is made up of a few different parts that work together to deter intruders.

Energizer
You can think of the energizer as the heart of the electric fence.

This equipment is responsible for sending the appropriate amount of current through the wires and at the appropriate intervals. Some energizers are outfitted to detect and warn in case of a breach of the fence.

The energizer may also send a signal to the homeowner and/or security company in case of a breach.

The equipment may be powered from the main power source or battery powered. You can also power it from the main source and have a battery backup that can last anywhere from 4-10 hours.

Cables
Cables are designed to pass on the current from the energizer to the wires and back to the source.

The cables are also specifically built to carry the voltage without melting or other damage.

Additionally, the cables also link the wires to ensure that they are all charged.

Wires
You need the wires to carry voltage along the fence.

The wires will give an electric shock when touched. These are also insulated to avoid charging the posts in case of metal posts.

Grounding Rods
The grounding rods are metal poles that are anchored to the ground to help complete the circuit.

Posts
The posts may be made from wood or steel and help to support the fence or wires in the case of a free-standing fence.

Wall top or piggyback fences use wall-top brackets which can vary in size, shape, and design depending on the type of wall or fence.

Warning Signs
You need a way to warn people of potential electric shock.