Six year old electrocuted by electric fence

[Harold]

Tragedy for a local farming family when their 6 year old son was killed.

How can this be? If electric fences could kill they would banned!

[ChrisF]

Tragedy for a local farming family when their 6 year old son was killed.

How can this be? If electric fences could kill they would banned!

Specific mention in the OHS Act regarding these fences.

IF set up correctly they cant kill.

[Mud Dog]

Definitely supposed to be non-lethal. Amperage is limited and it's a pulse, not continuous. Doubt that this was a legit installation, probably more likely something that they had set up themselves using direct mains current and possibly a transformer.

[Scott]

i have seen people hold a standard electric fence without much effect.The point is that a standard electric fence should be erected and if someone breaches the fence the person has the right to shoot to kill.But people are scared of prosecution even if they are in the right.So fences go up with bigger punches to deter unwanted.

[zepplin]

Or the child had a cardio issue??????

[Hangover]

Fences are limited to 8 joule energy at a resistance of 500 ohms which should not be able to kill... A heart defect or illegal fence comes to mind... @Scott, I have a properly designed and installed electric fence and i will seriously pay you a hand full of cash if you can take a few shots on my fence... It knocked a 10 month old calf down the other day so doubt you will be able to handle it... The main issue is they dont earth it properly and the punch is bad... ive heard that in the near future a requirment of a electrical fence installation will be to have a Professional MV engineer inspect and sign off on your fence... Something like a structural engineer sign off on roof trusses or COC for electrical wiring.

[Stef]

Regulations for COC for Electric fences already in place; but courses and certification for "competent persons" not too available. Been looking to add to my current Wireman's lisence.

Personally don't mind fences with more punch...not as if criminals come without "punch" and non lethal fences are no match for determined thieves....neon txformer will work well, also 9000 - 12000 V, only diffrence is 50Hz vs 1 pulse every 3 sec of a standard energizer, and no current limiter.

[Mr_B]

Horrible... was/is this elec fence possibly a DIY installation?

[ChrisF]

klip in die bos ....


HOE raak n 6 jarige aan so heining ??

die goed is mos normaalweg 6-voet BO die grond ....

[Mr_B]

Chris, first post mentions them as a local farming family... is it not possible this was a control fence for live stock, which start at ground level?

[Toppie4x4]

Not sure when but the spec regarding electric fences change. We removed a lot of the old energisers for a cell company back then.

Very sad to hear about the six year old.

[Harold]

Fellows -please lets put this subject aside. I am finding it rather painful. The matter is been thoroughly investigated. The family, relations and friends are devastated - it's going to be a tough week for them all.