Regulations on electric fencing in or near residential areas

Thinking of installing electric fencing or have a question about electric fencing near your home?

Then this information is for you.

Can you put electric fencing in a garden?

If you live in or near the countryside, you’ll see plenty of electric fencing and 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 electric fencing is becoming more common in residential areas. We’re frequently asked, “Can I put electric fencing in my garden?”, to which the answer is “yes”.

Electric fencing is being used in towns and cities 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 about electric fencing in residential areas

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. People who live in or near rural areas often have concerns about electric fencing, too.

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

10 things you need to know about electric fencing near or in residential areas

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

Animals or people should not be at risk of becoming entangled in electric fencing
Your energiser earth electrode should go at least a metre into the ground and any connected leads that run under the ground should be contained in insulated tubing.
Earth stakes should not be 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.