Trystan Casey
Electric fences are used for agricultural purposes and to control non-human animals. They are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons. The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on the shock it delivers. The voltage of an electric fence can range from 6,500 to 8,000 volts or even exceed 10,000 volts. The voltage must be high enough to deliver a strong shock that acts as a deterrent for humans and animals attempting to cross the fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary |
| Use | For agricultural purposes, non-human animal control, and high-security areas |
| Height | 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) tall |
| Voltage | 6,500 to 8,000 volts |
| Pulse frequency | 1 Hz (one pulse per second) |
| Grounding | Minimum of three, six-foot-long galvanized steel ground rods spaced at least 10 feet apart |
| Wire material | Galvanized steel, high tensile, or polywire |
| Wire spacing | 12 to 16 inches between wires, with the bottom wire 12 to 18 inches above the ground |
| Post material | Wooden or steel posts spaced about 60-90 feet apart |
| Power source | Permanent electrical circuit, lead-acid or dry cell batteries, or solar panels |
| Wire configuration | All-hot system (all wires charged) or hot/ground system (alternate hot and ground wires) |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fence grounding
Electric fences are used to contain animals and keep predators out. The grounding system is critical to the proper functioning of the fence. The grounding system ensures that the electric current passes through the animal's body, shocking it, and completing the circuit through the earth to the ground rod, and then up the ground wire to the ground terminal of the charger.
Most problems with electric fences can be traced back to improper grounding. If the fence is not working as expected, it is most likely due to a problem with the grounding. This can be caused by worn-out or damaged wires, insulators, and connectors, which can cause resistance or faults on the fence. It is important to check your ground system and voltage during different seasons to ensure adequate grounding.
To ensure proper grounding of your electric fence, follow these steps:
- Use the proper type and number of grounding rods: The most common type of grounding rod is galvanized steel, which is recommended by many manufacturers. The rod should be at least 4 to 6 feet long, and you will need a minimum of two or three rods, depending on soil conditions. Space the rods at least 10 feet apart near the starting point of the fence. Do not use copper ground rods as they can react with galvanized steel and corrode the connection, reducing the effectiveness of the connection.
- Connect the grounding rods: Using a ground rod clamp at each rod, connect the insulated hook-up wire rated at 20,000V or higher to each rod in a linear fashion. Strip the end of the wire to expose the metal when clamping it to the rod to establish a connection. Once all the rods are connected, hook up the wire to the ground terminal on the charger, not the fence wire or terminal.
- Bury the ground wire: When carrying the hot and ground wires past gates, bury heavy-duty insulated cable in a trench about 10 inches deep. Do not staple the cable to the post. Carry the ground wire across the gateway using the same type of cable, and bury it in the same trench as the hot cable.
- Avoid connecting to other utility grounding rods: Your grounding rod system should not be connected to other utility grounding rods, such as those used in houses or barns.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your electric fence has proper grounding, which is essential for its effective functioning.
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Electric fence construction
Electric fences are used for agricultural purposes, livestock control, and to protect high-security areas such as prisons or military bases. The effectiveness of an electric fence lies in its ability to deliver a shock, which is achieved through a combination of factors, including good grounding, conductivity, insulation, and the type of wire used.
The construction of an electric fence involves the following key components:
- Electric Fence Energiser: This component converts power into a brief high-voltage pulse. One terminal of the energiser releases an electrical pulse along a connected bare wire, while the other terminal is connected to a metal rod implanted in the earth, known as a ground or earth rod. Gallagher energisers are a popular choice and are available in multiple makes and sizes.
- Fence Wire: The fence wire, also known as the "live conductor," carries the electrical pulse. It is typically made of galvanised steel, high-tensile wire, or polywire (conductive wires in a plastic wire). The thickness of the gauge is important, with thicker wires being more effective. Multiple wires can be used to reduce resistance and increase the voltage available to shock an animal.
- Posts: Wooden or metal posts are driven into the ground to support the fence wire. The posts should be spaced appropriately for the type of fencing and the number of wires used. For example, in a three-wire border fence for cattle, wooden or steel posts are spaced about 75 feet apart.
- Insulators: Plastic or porcelain insulators are attached to the posts to hold the fence wire in place and insulate it from the post, preventing the loss of electrical current.
- Grounding System: A sufficient grounding system is crucial for the effective functioning of the electric fence. It typically consists of galvanised steel ground rods that are at least six feet long and spaced at least 10 feet apart. These rods are joined together with a continuous galvanised wire and connected to the ground terminal of the energiser.
It is important to note that electric fences should be properly maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Vegetation should be cleared from the fence line to prevent interference and reduce the risk of short circuits. Additionally, warning signs should be posted at appropriate intervals to alert people to the presence of an electric fence.
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Electric fence maintenance
Electric fences are used for agricultural purposes, livestock control, and to protect high-security areas. The effectiveness of an electric fence lies in its ability to shock. To ensure that your electric fence remains functional, proper maintenance is required. Here are some maintenance tips for electric fence owners:
Firstly, it is important to ensure that your electric fence is properly grounded. In fact, inadequate grounding is the most common cause of power fence failures. To maximize the conductivity of the ground rods, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the number and length of ground rods required. For instance, Gallagher recommends using a minimum of three 6-foot-long galvanized steel ground rods, spaced at least 10 feet apart, and joined with a continuous galvanized wire. Additionally, ensure that the ground wire is carried across gateways using heavy-duty insulated cable, and avoid using bare wire as it will corrode rapidly when in contact with the soil.
Secondly, the electric fence must be kept insulated from the earth and from any materials that may conduct electricity, such as vegetation, wood, or metal posts. As such, it is important to regularly clear any vegetation growing on the fence line. When installing the fence, use plastic or porcelain insulators attached to wooden or metal posts, or opt for plastic posts.
Thirdly, ensure that you select the appropriate energizer for your electric fence. Electric fence energizers are available in multiple makes and sizes, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. Consider factors such as the length of the fence, the remoteness of its location, and the power source you intend to use (permanent electrical circuit, lead-acid or dry cell batteries, or solar panels). If you opt for a battery-powered energizer, ensure that it is properly grounded to prevent battery drain.
Lastly, for electric fences with gates, it is recommended to bury heavy-duty insulated cable in a trench about 10 inches deep to carry the hot and ground wires past the gates. Ensure that the cable is rated for a minimum of 20,000 volts to prevent current leakage with high-power energizers. Additionally, follow safety guidelines by using warning plates securely fastened to the fence posts or wires to indicate the presence of an electric fence.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your electric fence remains functional and effective in deterring humans and animals from crossing the boundary.
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Electric fence power sources
Electric fences are powered by energizers, which emit a brief, powerful jolt of electricity. The energizers can be powered by batteries or through solar power.
Battery energizers can suffer from improper grounding, which can cause the battery to go dead within a week. This can be fixed by using the proper amount of galvanized ground rods as recommended in the Power Fence Manual.
Solar-powered energizers are also available. For example, the Gallagher S400 Solar Electric Fence Charger is a 4.0 Joule solar-powered energizer that can power up to 60 miles or 280 acres of fencing.
Low-impedance electric fences produce a short, strong electrical pulse that is designed to cope with moderate weed load on the fence.
The conductivity of ground rods is important to ensure that any animal touching the fence receives a shock. To carry the hot and ground wires past gates in the fence, it is recommended to bury heavy-duty insulated cable in a trench about 10 inches deep, rated to 20,000 volts minimum.
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Electric fence use cases
Electric fences are used for a variety of purposes, with most being used for agricultural purposes and animal control. Electric fences are also used for security, with some high-security areas such as military installations and prisons using electric fences with potentially lethal voltages.
Agricultural and Animal Control Use Cases
Electric fences are commonly used to keep farm animals in and wild animals out. For example, a one-wire cross fence can contain dairy or trained cattle, while a five-wire boundary is necessary for stocker/yearlings or cow/calf operations. The wires used for these fences vary, with poly wire being a common choice for temporary fencing due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Poly wire is made of plastic strands and embedded thin metal wires, and it won't rust or be damaged by snow loading. Wires less than 3mm in diameter are typically used for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, while larger 5mm diameter wires are used for horses to improve visibility. For horse owners, a semi-permanent tape fence is a popular choice as it is highly visible, easy to construct, and economical.
Security Use Cases
Electric fences can also be used for security purposes, providing a strong deterrent for criminals. In high-crime areas such as Johannesburg, South Africa, it is common for residential houses to have electric fences as perimeter defences. These fences are typically made from painted mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, or aluminium, and they send high-voltage electric pulses through the palisade at a frequency of 1 Hz. Virtual electric fences for livestock and residential security using GPS technology have also been developed. These systems use collars with GPS units that produce an audible warning and then a shock as the animal or person approaches a programmable boundary.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature of an electric fence is determined by the voltage of the power energizer. A plug-in energizer can generate 6,500 to 8,000 volts, while a solar-powered energizer can provide significant power.
The effectiveness of an electric fence is determined by the shock it delivers. To ensure a good shock, maximize the conductivity of the ground rods and ensure proper grounding.
The configuration of an electric fence depends on the area to be fenced and its remoteness. Fence energizers may be hooked into a permanent electrical circuit or run by batteries or a solar panel.
