National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)RegulationsNational Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa, 2023 - effective 1 April 2023AnnexuresAnnexure V : Electrification of perimeter fences |
A perimeter fence to an area in which an elephant population is kept must be electrified in accordance with the following requirements:
| 1. | The fence must have at least three strands of electrical wires that are structured in the following manner: |
| 1.1 | each strand must have a minimum diameter of 2.24mm; |
| 1.2 | a minimum of two electrified strands, one at 1.0 - 1.5 m and the other at the top. In situations where electrification cannot be relied on, the fence must be strong enough to contain elephants without electrification; |
| 1.3 | the second strand must be 1.5m above ground level with 225mm or 450mm double offset brackets; |
| 1.4 | the top strand must be on the top of fence with 450mm double offset brackets; and |
| 1.5 | an earth strand must be affixed to the double offset brackets 1Ocm on the inside of each live wire strand; ideally earth pegs should be every 100 to 200 metres apart to achieve minimum voltage. |
| 2. | A minimum voltage of 6000 V must be maintained on the whole perimeter. |
| 3. | Energisers must be large enough to maintain at least 6000 V over a distance of 8km and should not release less than 6 Joules. |
| 4. | Danger signs indicating electrified fencing and elephants must be erected on the fence at regular intervals and all likely points of human contact. |
| 5. | The perimeter fence should be kept clear of vegetation that could reduce the voltage along fence line. |
| 6. | The perimeter fence should be inspected on regular basis but preferably daily. |