Fences: Frequently Asked Questions

• Will it kill my child?
  No, the pulse is intermittent. Should a child or for that matter an adult touch the fences the immediate reaction is to pull away.
• Will my dog get hurt or electrocuted?
  Dogs would usually touch the fence, but thereafter not continue to touch it, they will not die by merely touching it.
• Can a criminal place something like a blanket or rubber mattress on top of it to climb over?
  Due to the fence design using springs the wire will be shorted out when touching.
• Is it possible to connect the fence to my rapid response company?
  Yes, most electric fences are connected to a rapid response company
• What would happen if the wires were cut?
  Firstly it would be difficult to cut the live wire without been shocked and if this did happen the fence would immediately go to alarm when wired in series.
• What sort of voltage is in the fences?
  The maximum voltage allowed by law is 10,000 volts. However it is the capacity of the energizer that gives the shock. The capacity is measured in joules not volts.
• Will my monthly electricity account increase dramatically?
  No, an energizer uses very little power, for the average house it could be less than twenty rand per month.
• Do tree branches have an effect on the fence?
  It is advisable to keep these trimmed back; however a good energizer is not adversely affected.
• What happens should there be a power failure?
  The good energizers have a battery backup and therefore will continue to work.
• Do I only switch on the fence when I go out, or at night time?
  No, the fence is to remain on day and night every day of the year.