Electric Fences and Fencing Wire Issues
[ Last Updated 23 April 2007 ]
Some important points to note concerning fencing:
Electric fencing is an important tool that is used in efficient farm management, although its use entails certain electric shock hazards. These can be minimised by taking prudent actions to avoid any possibility of getting trapped in an electric fence.
You should:
- ensure that the energizer complies with the Australia/New Zealand standard for electric fence energizers;
- not connect any other mains-operated equipment to an electric fence unless the manufacturer guarantees that the isolation between its mains and fence circuits is not less than that of energizer, complying with the Australia/New Zealand standard for electric fence energizers;
- install the electric fence wires in accordance with the guidance given in Australia/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 3014;
- make sure that you display prominent signs on your electric fences when they are installed in areas where the public may legally gain access to them.
Further details relating to AS/NZS 3014 are available for free download from the Standards New Zealand website and search for 3014.
Fencing Wire flicking upwards and touching (or even simply coming close to) overhead powerlines, has accounted for several accidents and deaths in recent years.
If you simply can't avoid working near overhead powerlines or passing under them, be on your guard at all times.
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