Otis Singleton
Electric fences are a safe and effective way to keep animals in or out of your yard or pasture. They are simple to install and maintain, and work by passing a high-voltage, low-amperage electric pulse through wires attached to fence posts. The wires are charged by a fence charger, which converts power into voltage. This voltage is then pulsed through the wires, delivering a shock to any animal that touches them. To connect an electric fence, you will need to install insulators, run the wire, and connect the fence to a power source and ground system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keep livestock contained and wild animals and other intruders out |
| Installation | Not complicated but must be done correctly |
| Types | Temporary, permanent, or a combination of both |
| Fence Charger | Electric, solar, battery or voltage-powered |
| Power Source | Converts power into voltage, which pulses through the fence wire |
| Ground Rod | Three 6-foot long ground rods, spaced 10 feet apart |
| Hot Wire Runs | High-voltage, low-amperage shock, safe and effective |
| Insulators | Prevent electricity from reaching the posts |
| Wire | Coated wire, braid or rope to indicate electric fencing |
| Voltage | 5,000 to 8,000 volts for a properly constructed electric fence |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Next, carefully measure the area you want to enclose. You can do this by walking the distance and counting your steps, or by using a GPS device to track the length. Consider the number of animals you need to contain and the number of wires you will need to use. Decide on the length of each run, as well as the height and the number of wires necessary to complete the job.
Then, you need to select the type of electric fence charger you want to use. You can choose from electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options. If you don't already have a fence in place, calculate the number of corner braces and fence posts required. For 6 or fewer lines, you will need one brace at the ends and each corner, and for 7 or more lines, a double brace is necessary.
It is also important to purchase enough wire for your area. Electric fencing should be easy to see, so consider using electric fence tape, or installing coated wire, braid, or rope to indicate the location of the fencing. A joule rating will determine how consistent the electrical current will be, so opt for high-joule chargers, especially if you are securing a large area.
Finally, remember that electric fencing requires regular checks to ensure it is working properly. You should check the voltage at least once a day, walking the fence and looking for any potential issues such as broken insulators or loose connections.
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Choosing a fence charger
The charger is the heart of an electric fence system, providing the electric current that flows through the fence wire. The size of the fence charger needed depends on your fencing needs, which are determined by the following factors:
- Length of the fence: The longer the fence line, the bigger the charger you will need to maintain the required voltage along the entire length.
- Number of wires: The number of wires you need depends on the number of animals you need to control.
- Power source: The most common power sources for fence chargers are AC, DC, and solar. AC-powered chargers are the most popular type of fence charger used in permanent electric fence systems. They are convenient and easy to use, but they require a connection to the electrical grid, which may be impossible in remote locations. DC-powered chargers use a variety of batteries as a power source, which need to be purchased separately and recharged or replaced. Solar-powered chargers are perfect for remote locations without access to an AC outlet or other power sources. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for rotational or strip grazing systems.
- Type of animal being contained or excluded: Low-impedance chargers are best for land with weeds, while solid-state chargers are best for controlling shorthaired livestock, small animals, and pets where light weed conditions exist.
It is important to note that electric fences should be kept clean of vegetation, as weeds and grass touching the wires will reduce voltage and can make your fence less effective. Additionally, dry soil tends to be a poor conductor of electricity, so you may need a stronger charger if you have issues with grounding efficiency.
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Installing the fence
Before installing an electric fence, you must first decide on the type of charger you want to use. You can choose between electric, solar, and battery or voltage-powered options. Next, you need to plan your layout. Measure the amount of space you want to fence in by walking the amount and counting your steps or using a GPS device. Consider the number of animals you need to control and determine the spacing and number of wires you need to install. If you don't already have a fence in place, calculate the number of corner braces and fence posts required. For 6 or fewer lines, 1 brace at the ends and each corner will work, but if you use 7 or more lines, you will need a double brace.
Purchase enough wire for your area, ensuring it is easy to see. You can use electric fence tape, or install coated wire, braid, or rope to indicate the location of the electric fencing. A high-joule charger is recommended for larger areas.
When installing the fence, use insulators to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. The type of insulator you use will depend on the type of fence wire you purchase, as manufacturers usually include and design insulators tailored to their products. Most commonly, insulators allow braided or rope-style fencing enough space to slide through, helping to avoid rubbing. Run the wire using the connector clamps included with your fencing wire to mount the wire on the posts. Start at the post that is the farthest away from the charger and hang as many lines of wire as you need to charge the line. Pull the wires taut at the anchor end using a self-locking ratchet-style wire tensioner, a come-along cable puller, or another method. Never just wrap the wire around the fence posts, as the cable will come loose more easily and corrosion can occur.
Use a voltmeter to test the lines to ensure the electricity flows through the entire fence. Write down the voltage and keep the number on hand to compare to daily checks of the current. Depending on the strength of your charger, it should read somewhere between 6000 and 10,000 volts unconnected. Connect the lines together with a 10 to 14-gauge jumper wire and attach a jumper wire from the top line of the electric fence to the charger. Recheck all the lines before turning the charger on. After everything is attached, recheck the voltage at a point farthest away from the charger. You should notice a slight drop in voltage, but no more than 2000 volts, which may indicate a short circuit or some kind of interference in the fence.
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Connecting the fence charger
Firstly, decide on the type of electric fence charger you want to use. You have several options, including electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered chargers. The choice depends on your specific needs and the area you want to cover. If you're securing a large area, opt for a high-joule charger for better performance.
Next, prepare the necessary components for installation. You'll need a fence charger, a power source, a ground rod system, and hot wire runs. The ground rod system typically consists of three six-foot-long ground rods, spaced about ten feet apart, with ground rod clamps, and galvanised wire or insulated cable.
Now, let's move on to the installation process. Install the ground rods securely into the ground, following the recommended spacing. Connect these ground rods to each other and to the fence charger using the appropriate insulated cable or galvanised wire. Ensure you don't use your house ground rod to avoid damaging your electronics with high voltage.
Once the ground system is in place, you can install the fence charger, also known as the energizer. Position it under cover, several feet above the ground. If you're using a solar-powered charger, ensure it's installed in an open area facing south in the northern hemisphere.
Before connecting the charger to the fence, turn it on and use a voltmeter to check the voltage. It should ideally read 5,000 volts or more. Then, connect the charger to the fence and the ground system. Recheck the voltage at the farthest point from the charger. If the voltage drops by more than 2,000 volts, there might be an issue with your fence or the charger might not be powerful enough.
Finally, schedule daily checks of the current to prevent signal problems and make corrections as necessary. A properly constructed electric fence should have between 5,000 and 8,000 volts, depending on your charger.
Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines for your specific electric fence model to ensure a correct and safe installation.
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Maintenance and daily checks
Daily checks of the current are necessary to prevent signal problems and to make corrections as required. Disarm the system and walk the perimeter fence daily to visually check the energizer, which is crucial for power and energy conversion. Examine its connection to the power supply and the fence to ensure it is not corroded or loose. Check the voltage at least once a day, if possible, and walk the fence regularly to look for broken insulators, loose connections, and other potential problems. Listen carefully for an audible snapping sound, which could indicate a fault.
Regularly trim and clear vegetation around the fence line, especially during peak growth seasons. Vegetation can reduce voltage and make your fence less effective. Charges can also weaken as the soil freezes since the moist ground is more conductive, so monitor and clean power sources and sensors during late fall and winter. Autumn leaves or winter precipitation can impact the ability of solar cells or sensors to charge, and heavy frozen precipitation can cause wires to sag or weaken their connection. Clear snow and ice as soon as possible to prevent damage and maintain performance.
If you notice issues, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for repair or contact a skilled technician for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a fence charger, a power source, a ground rod, and hot wire runs. You will also need insulators to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts.
First, decide on the type of electric fence charger you want to use. You can use electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options. Then, calculate the number of corner braces and fence posts you will need. Purchase enough wire for your area and use connector clamps to mount the wire on the posts.
Use a voltmeter to test the lines to ensure electricity is flowing through the entire fence. A properly constructed electric fence will have 5,000 to 8,000 volts, depending on your fence charger.
Electric fences should be kept clean of vegetation. Weeds and grass touching the wires will reduce voltage and can make your fence less effective. Electric fences are a psychological barrier—animals will stay away for the most part.
