Otis Singleton
When installing electric fencing, it's important to consider the type of fence, whether it's permanent or temporary, and the type of animal it is intended for. The spacing of electric fence posts and wires can vary depending on these factors. For example, if you are containing large or strong animals, you may need closer spacing or stronger wires. Generally, electric fence posts can be placed anywhere from 8 to 25 feet apart, while the wires should be placed at the typical nose height of the animals to ensure they receive a shock before their eyes, prompting them to back away. Temporary electric fences are often spaced further apart, around 50 feet, for ease of setup and takedown, while permanent fences require more careful planning to ensure they don't sag and follow the terrain.
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What You'll Learn
Spacing depends on the type of animal
The spacing of electric fence wiring depends on several factors, including the type and size of the animal, their feeding habits, intelligence, activity level, coat length, and the animal's value.
For example, if you have large animals such as horses or cattle, posts should be placed no more than 50 feet apart. Smaller animals like sheep or goats can have posts spaced up to 20-30 feet apart. The spacing should also take into account the animal's feeding habits. Wires should be low enough to prevent the animal from reaching under the fence to graze, as their head could get entangled.
The animal's intelligence is another factor. Smart animals usually only need to be corrected once or twice to learn to avoid an electric fence, while other animals may constantly test the fence due to forgetfulness or stubbornness. Highly active animals usually require a fence with more wires to provide a physical barrier.
Additionally, the spacing should consider the animal's coat length. Animals with thick coats may require more wires to provide more points of contact with the fence.
It's worth noting that the spacing of wires is not an exact science and varies for each animal type and breed. It may require some trial and error to find the right spacing that suits your specific needs and requirements.
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Temporary vs. permanent fence
Electric fences can be categorized as temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent. Each type of electric fence has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user.
Temporary electric fences are typically used for short periods, usually no more than a few days, and are often used for rotational grazing systems, portable corrals for livestock and horses, and to keep animals in a certain spot under supervision. They are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and reusable, making them a convenient option for short-term use. Temporary electric fences are commonly made from polywire, polyrope, or polytape, with metal or plastic posts spaced 20 to 30 feet apart. Polywire and polytape are made from fine metal filaments braided with polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, with polytape being more visible and suitable for horses. Polyrope, on the other hand, is a braided rope with nine metal strands and is more visible and sturdy than polytape.
Permanent electric fences, on the other hand, are designed for long-term use and can last for over 40 years with low maintenance. They are made from materials such as wood, barbed wire, pipe, woven wire, vinyl, or high-tensile wire, and are often electrified. Permanent fences require more maintenance and accessories during installation, but they can be used for any type of livestock. The posts are spaced according to the terrain and size of the fenced area, and high-tensile wire or heavy-duty polytape/polyrope are commonly used.
Semi-permanent fences take longer to install than temporary fences and require more accessories. They are suitable for pastures or cross-fencing and can control animals such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats. However, larger animals have a higher chance of escaping or entering a semi-permanent fence.
Regardless of the type of electric fence chosen, it is important to consider factors such as the value of the stock, the behaviour of the animals, and the voltage of the fence. Regular checks and maintenance are necessary to ensure the fence is functioning properly and effectively containing or excluding animals.
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The animal's anatomy
The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on its ability to deliver an unpleasant shock to the animal. The number of strands of wire required is not as important as the location and spacing of the electrified wires. The key is to pay attention to the animal's anatomy.
The height of an electric fence and the number of lines used depend on the animal being contained. Installers must account for the animal's size, feeding habits, intelligence, activity level, and coat length. For example, a bull requires six lines, the first starting at 6 inches off the ground, and the top wire suspended 42 inches above. For poultry, an exterior fence is recommended to keep predators out.
The top wire of an electric fence should reach up to the animal's shoulder to limit its ability to leap over. The wires should also be low enough to prevent the animal from reaching under the fence to graze, as their head could get entangled.
To ensure the animal is corrected, the wires should be placed so that the animal receives a shock from its nose to its eyes, which will cause it to back away from the fence. If the animal is shocked anywhere behind the eyes, it will run forward and may go through the fence. The wires should be spaced so that the animal's head cannot fit between them.
The voltage of the fence is also important. A minimum of 2,000 to 3,000 volts is necessary to contain most animals, but a properly constructed electric fence will have 5,000 to 8,000 volts. The energizer should have a short, intense pulse to eliminate the risk of fire.
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The type of wire
If you are installing a temporary fence, small-gauge steel wire (14 to 17 gauge) is commonly used. This type of wire is less expensive and can be set up and removed quickly and easily. Poly wire is another popular option for temporary fencing. It is made of plastic strands embedded with thin metal wires to carry an electrical current. Poly wire is highly visible to animals, won't rust, and is suitable for containing cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. For horses, a larger diameter poly wire (5mm) is recommended for improved visibility.
For permanent electric fences, high-tensile smooth wire (12.5 gauge) is typically used. High-tensile wire is available in galvanized steel or aluminum. Galvanized steel is more economical, while aluminum offers superior conducting capabilities but tends to be more expensive.
Regardless of the type of wire you choose, it is important to ensure that it is taut to prevent sagging. Additionally, the wire should be placed at the typical nose height of the animal you want to control, with the goal of delivering a shock in front of their eyes so that they back away from the fence.
Other factors to consider when installing an electric fence include the terrain and the size of the fenced area. The spacing of the posts will depend on these factors, as well as the height of the fence and its electrical strength.
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The terrain
If you're installing a fence on uneven ground or through wooded areas, you'll need to adjust the post spacing to suit the terrain. For example, hilly or uneven terrain might require placing posts closer together to maintain tension on the fence line. This adjustment ensures that the fence remains stable and effective, even on sloping or uneven ground.
The height of the fence also plays a role in determining post spacing. A taller fence necessitates closer post spacing to maintain stability, whereas a five-foot-tall fence can have posts spaced up to 15 feet apart without causing sagging.
Additionally, the type of animal being contained is a key consideration. Different animals require different post spacings for their safety and security. For instance, cattle and other large animals need wider spacing than smaller animals like sheep or goats.
The behaviour of the animals is another factor. If you have rambunctious or aggressive animals, you may need to reduce the spacing between posts or use thicker wire gauges to prevent them from breaking through.
Ultimately, finding the optimal post spacing for your electric fence may involve some trial and error. By taking into account the terrain, fence height, and animal behaviour, you can create a sturdy and effective barrier.
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Frequently asked questions
The spacing of electric fence posts depends on the type of fence being installed and whether it is permanent or temporary. For a temporary fence, posts can be placed 50 feet apart, whereas permanent fence posts can be placed anywhere from 8 to 25 feet apart.
The spacing of electric fence wires depends on the type of animal being contained. The wire should be placed at the animal's nose level, with additional wires at grazing height and "head height" to prevent the animal's head from fitting between the wires. For polytapes or polywire, insulators should be spaced every 3 to 6 feet, while for high-tensile wire, insulators should be spaced every 10 to 20 feet.
Ground rods for an electric fence should be spaced 10 feet apart, with one 6-8 foot ground rod per joule of output energy.
