Regulations on electric fencing in or near residential areas

If you are thinking of installing electric fencing or have a question about electric fences near your home this information is for you. Read our expert guide…

Can you put electric fencing in a garden?

If you live in or near the countryside, you’ll see plenty of electric fencing. You’ll probably know that it’s most common use is to keep livestock in fields.

What you might not be aware of is that this type of fencing is becoming more common in residential areas. Customers frequently ask us, “Can I put an electric fence in my garden?”, to which the answer is “yes”.

This type of fencing is increasingly being used in towns and cities. The reasons for the use in urban and residential areas include to keep out foxes and badgers and to protect lawns, and prized fruit and veg from other busy visitors. People also use it to keep pets in gardens.

What you need to know

The installation of electric fencing in gardens doesn’t always go down very well, especially with neighbours with children or pets. “Is it legal to have electric fencing in a garden?” is something we are also asked regularly online and in our shop.

So, whether you are thinking of installing this type of fence or you live close to some (in a residential area or near farmland), we’ve compiled some useful information for you.

Key Points To Remember

If erecting an electric fence near a roadway or in a residential area where it is in close proximity to the general public, it must be indicated by multiple signs that warn of its presence. These signs must be placed along the fencing at eye level.
The wires and connecting leads of the fence should not cross above power or communication lines.
If you’re installing an electric fence in your garden, do a risk assessment first. The risk assessment should include a consideration of whether there is an alternative solution available.
Choose high-quality parts and get the fence properly installed. Modern fencing is very reliable, but poor installation can cause problems.
Razor or barbed wire should not be electrified by an energiser.

You must ensure that animals or people are not at risk of becoming entangled in electric fencing
Your energiser earth electrode should go at least a metre into the ground. Any connected leads that run under the ground should be contained in insulated tubing.
Ensure that Earth stakes are not placed in ground that contains lots of stones and rubble (i.e., near building foundations) or in ground near a tree. Also, dry soil affects conductivity and the effectiveness of your fence.
Your energiser and earth stake must be at least 10 metres from any other power supply system.
Earth stakes must be at least 10 metres from buried communication lines, mains earth systems and water pipes.

Furthermore, if your garden borders a bridle path or land that is frequently used by horses, you should read this advice on electric fencing from the British Horse Society.