The Legislature finds and declares that improperly designed and installed electrified fences have caused injuries and in some instances have resulted in the deaths of persons, particularly children, coming into contact with the conductive elements thereof. In order to prevent further such accidents, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to provide for the study and development and enforcement of safety standards for electrified fences.
Animals at LargeElectrified Fences
Section § 17150
This law points out that electrified fences can be dangerous, especially to children, because they can cause injuries or even death. To prevent these accidents, the law aims to establish and enforce safety standards for these types of fences.
electrified fences injuries deaths
Section § 17151
This section defines what is meant by an 'electrified fence' for the purposes of this chapter. An electrified fence is any type of fence with attached devices that carries an electrical charge, capable of giving a person or animal an electrical shock when touched. It can be a single strand of wire or more complex structures but does not include electrified security fences as described in another specific legal provision.
(a)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 17151(a) As used in this chapter, “electrified fence” means any fence and appurtenant devices, including, but not limited to, fences and devices used in animal control, and including, but not limited to, a fence consisting of a single strand of wire supported by posts or other fixtures, which has an electrical charge or is connected to a source of electrical current and which is so designed or placed that a person or animal coming into contact with the conductive element of the fence receives an electrical shock.
(b)CA Food And Agriculture Code § 17151(b) For purposes of this chapter, “electrified fence” does not include an electrified security fence as described in Section 835 of the Civil Code.
electrified fence definition animal control fences electrical charge
Section § 17152
In California, electrified fences can only be sold, installed, or used if they have an electrical controller that meets safety standards. These standards come from organizations like the National Electrical Code, International Electrotechnical Commission, or Underwriters Laboratories. This ensures the electrical current is safe and controlled.
No electrified fences shall be offered for sale, sold, installed, or used in this state, or otherwise connected to a source of electrical current, unless the electrical current is limited and regulated by an electrical controller which meets or exceeds the standards or specifications of the National Electrical Code of the National Fire Protection Association, international standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission, or the Underwriters Laboratories for intermittent type electric fence or electrified fence
controllers.
electrified fences electrical current safety standards
Section § 17153
This law section allows cities and counties to regulate electrified fences, such as requiring permits, but any local rules must still meet the basic standards set by this chapter. They cannot allow fences that don't follow these rules.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to preclude regulation of electrified fences by cities and counties, including, but not limited to, requiring the installation or use of electrified fences under permit, except that such regulation shall not permit the installation or use of electrified fences which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
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