INTRODUCTION                                                                            
to the Electric Fencing Association's
CODE of PRACTICE for the UK

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1. Electric fencing is not a new concept, indeed, it has been used as an aid to animal containment and management for over 50 years.
   Modern electronics have, particularly during the 90's, enabled vastly improved designs of energisers to built which bear little resemblance to the those of a decade earlier and, by a combination of low impedance, discharge pulse shape, and information feedback, they can be used safely and effectively under situations unheard of a few years ago.
   
   
2. In parallel with improved electronics, the range of insulators and conductors on the market, ranging from traditional polywires, through to a huge range of tapes, netting, rope and high tensile steel, all with different conducting capability, mean that the user has the widest choice ever, quite often without the guidance to make a correct selection for his individual application.
   This means that the need for careful planning and product selection is more important than ever as an unbalanced combination of energizer I conductors I insulators may not give the most effective fence.
   
   
3. This guide has been produced by the UK Electric Fencing Association to provide help and assistance to those involved with electric fence design, construction and management.
   Its purpose is to ensure that the user buys the most appropriate range of products for his needs, understands the principles of electric fencing for animal control, and correctly installs his system to ensure the best possible results.
   
   
4. All energisers sold by the members of the EFA conform to the European standards of design and safety, presently EN61011 plus updates.
   We strongly recommend that you only buy those which are manufactured to these exacting standards.
   
   
5. SAFETY
   As with other forms of fencing, an animal can occasionally become entangled in an electric fence.
   While the electric shocks it receives as a result are of themselves harmless, they cause repeated involuntary muscular contractions, so that if the animal is exposed to them for a prolonged period it will suffer from physical exhaustion and may even die as a result.
   Animals with horns are more vulnerable to becoming entangled in fencing, whether or not electrified.
    

6. DUTY of CARE
   6.1.      It is important to realise and accept that that everyone and particularly the owner, that there is a duty of care to be observed when involved in the installation or maintenance of any electric fence. 

   6.2.      Ensure that you do not contact electric fence wires with the head, neck or torso and do not climb over, through or under a multi-wire electric fence – use a gate or especially designed crossing point. 

   6.3.      Do not use multi-wire electric fences with alternate live and earth wires.

   6.4.      Do not pass electric fencing wires across or adjacent to any form of water trough. 

   6.5.      NEVER electrify barbed wire 

   6.6.      Do not allow children to play near an electric fence
   6.6.1.                   Where small children are likely to access a fence, the duty of care requires some form of obstacle such as a one metre high chain link or agricultural mesh fence. 

   6.7.      Never connect more than one energiser to the same fence. 

   6.8.      Anyone that is likely to come close to or in contact with an active electric fence, is entitled to be made clearly aware that they are likely to receive an electric shock.
   6.8.1.                   This warning is usually in the form of prominent signs fixed to or adjacent to the fence at no greater intervals of 50m, and which are constantly maintained so as to be effective [it is no defence to state that ‘others’ damaged or destroyed the signs]. 

   6.9.      Generally, it is your duty to minimise the risk by an innocent party of any accidental electric shock.