Electric fences and cameras: what the law asks

The electric-fence certificate, energiser standards, camera privacy, installer registration and radio approval, in plain words.

Electric fences and cameras are common in South Africa, and both come with rules. This is a plain summary of what the regulations and the law say; it is general information, not legal advice.

Electric fences: you need a certificate

Under the Electrical Machinery Regulations, 2011, every user or lessor of an electric fence system must have an electric fence system certificate. A fence that existed before the regulations is exempt only until it is added to or altered, or the property changes owners (after 1 October 2012): then a certificate is needed. The certificate can be transferred with the property.

Only a registered person may issue the certificate, after inspecting and testing the fence (the regulations make one exception: someone who uses a pet-shock or strip-grazing fence and is competent to install it may certify it). Whoever installs, alters or extends a fence must make sure a certificate is issued for that work. Ask to see the installer's certificate of registration: they must show it on request.

Energisers must meet the standard

Fences and energisers must be designed, sold, installed and used according to the health and safety standard the regulations incorporate. Whoever sells, imports or makes an energiser must be able to prove compliance with SANS 60335-2-76 with a certificate. When you buy an energiser, ask the shop for it.

Cameras and privacy (POPIA)

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) does not apply to processing personal information in the course of a purely personal or household activity. Where it does apply, for example cameras at a business, recordings must be processed lawfully and reasonably, be adequate and not excessive for the purpose, have a lawful ground (such as consent or a legitimate interest), and not be kept longer than needed. A business must also tell people they are being filmed, for example with signs, and keep the footage secure. The Information Regulator has no guidance note specifically on CCTV, but on 30 April 2026 it published a draft code of conduct for gated entrances that covers cameras at estate and complex gates (not yet approved). At home, pointing cameras only at your own property keeps you on the safe side; at a business, POPIA still applies to the staff and customers you film on the premises.

Paid installers must be registered with PSIRA

Under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, installing, servicing or repairing security equipment such as an alarm system for payment is a security service, and whoever does it must be registered with PSIRA. Ask for the installer's PSIRA number.

Radio equipment needs ICASA approval

Electronic communications equipment, including radio apparatus such as gate remotes and wireless devices, may only be sold or used in South Africa if ICASA has approved its type. A shop's name proves nothing: look for the ICASA approval label on the device or its box, or check ICASA's list of approved equipment.

Sources: Electrical Machinery Regulations, 2011 (GN R.250); POPIA (Act 4 of 2013); Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001; ICASA type approval page. Rules change: check with your installer.

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Written by the Halvora Directory team and checked against public sources (7 Nov 2026). General information, not advice for your installation.