Beatrice Lang
Earthing is a crucial component of an electric fence installation, and most electric fence problems are caused by poor earthing. A minimum of three earth spikes must be knocked into the ground near the electric fence, at least 1.5 metres apart, with the first three placed as close as possible to the energiser. Earth spikes should be placed at least every 30 metres in urban areas, and every 100 metres for agricultural fences.
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What You'll Learn
A minimum of three earth spikes
After the initial three earth spikes, more spikes need to be installed along the fence line. In urban areas, place additional spikes at least every 30 metres. For agricultural fences, place additional spikes at least every 100 metres. In areas where earthing conditions are poor, you may need to add more earth spikes and connect them back to the energiser.
The earth spikes, or stakes, are used to earth the electric fence system. They are typically made of galvanised metal and driven into the ground. The galvanised earth stake should be placed at least a metre into the ground and at least a metre away from the nearest earth spike of the fence.
To test the earth, it is necessary to create a current flow to make a short or leakage path. Place several steel stakes between the live wire of the fence and the ground, at least 100 metres away from the earth system, to reduce the voltage to 2kV or less. Then, use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage between the earth peg and the nearest earth spike attached to the energiser earth system. Ideally, there should be no reading on the voltmeter. A reading of up to 200 volts is acceptable, provided the fence voltage is below 2,000 volts.
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Spacing and placement
Firstly, it is recommended to have a minimum of three earth spikes near the electric fence. These initial spikes should be placed as close as possible to the energizer unit, maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between them. It is important not to place them closer than 10 metres to the mains earth.
Secondly, after installing the first three spikes, subsequent spikes should be placed at specific intervals along the fence line. In urban areas, it is advised to install earth spikes at least every 30 metres. For agricultural or rural fences, the spacing can be increased to at least every 100 metres. These guidelines ensure adequate earthing along the entire length of the electric fence.
Additionally, when placing earth spikes, it is important to consider the soil conditions. Moist soil is generally more conductive, so placing spikes in areas where the soil tends to stay moist can improve earthing. It is also recommended to use galvanised earth stakes and avoid placing them near corrosive substances such as fertiliser, animal urine, or manure.
Proper spacing and placement of earth spikes can help prevent issues such as electrolysis, which occurs when unlike metal types are joined. By following these guidelines, you can ensure efficient earthing for your electric fence, maximising its performance and security capabilities.
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Materials and connections
To start, you will need a minimum of three earth spikes. These spikes should be made of galvanized metal to prevent rust and corrosion. They should be hot-dip galvanised with nuts and washers, which allow for a good electrical connection with the HT cables. The earth spikes must be knocked into the ground at a minimum of 1.5 metres apart and at least a metre deep. Ensure to locate the stakes where the soil tends to stay moist, such as the south sides of buildings in the southern hemisphere and low spots.
Once the earth spikes are in place, connect them to the energizer or the fence using high tension insulated cable (HT). It is important to use like metal types when joining to avoid electrolysis and breaking the wire connection. Do not connect the HT cable to earth spikes with unlike metal types.
If you are constructing a positive/negative fence, re-earth the negative wires every 500 metres by installing an earth stake at that location. For agricultural fences, place an earth spike at least every 100 metres after the initial three earth spikes. In urban areas, the distance can be reduced to 30 metres.
To test the earth, create a current flow to make a short or leakage path. Bring the fence voltage down to 2kV or less by placing several steel stakes between the live wire of the fence and the ground, at least 100 metres away from the earth system. Then, use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage between the earth peg and the nearest earth spike attached to the energizer earth system. Ideally, there should be no reading on the voltmeter. However, a reading of up to 200 volts is acceptable, provided the fence voltage is below 2000 volts.
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Testing the earth
To test the earth, you must first create a current flow to make a short or leakage path. This can be done by placing several steel stakes between the live wire of the fence and the ground. It is important that this is done at least 100 metres away from the earth system. By doing this, you can bring the fence voltage down to 2kv or less.
Next, drive a galvanised earth stake at least a metre into the ground, and at least a metre away from the nearest earth spike of the fence. Using a digital voltmeter, measure the voltage between this earth peg and the nearest earth spike attached to the energiser earth system. Ideally, there should be no reading on the voltmeter. However, a reading of up to 200 volts is acceptable, as long as the fence voltage has been lowered to below 2000 volts.
If the reading is above 200 volts, you may need to increase the number and quality of the earth spikes on the electric fence. This can be done by connecting two or more energisers to the same earth spikes. It is important to remember not to connect HT cable to earth spikes with unlike metal types, as this can cause electrolysis and break the wire connection.
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Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues with your electric fence, poor earthing is likely the culprit. Here are some troubleshooting steps to optimize your electric fence's performance:
Check the Number and Spacing of Earth Spikes
Start by ensuring you have a minimum of three earth spikes installed near your electric fence, spaced at least 1.5 meters apart. The first three spikes should be placed as close as possible to the energizer, but not within 10 meters of the mains earth. For urban areas, place additional spikes every 30 meters along the fence line. For agricultural fences, space spikes every 100 meters after the initial three. If your fence is in an area with poor earthing conditions, you may need to add more spikes and place them closer together.
Avoid Electrolysis
When joining connections, ensure that like metal types are used to prevent electrolysis and potential breakage of the wire connection. Do not connect HT cables to earth spikes with unlike metal types.
Test the Earth
To test your earthing system, you need to create a current flow to simulate a short or leakage path. Place several steel stakes between the live wire of the fence and the ground, at least 100 meters away from the earth system. Bring the fence voltage down to 2kv or less. Then, use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage between the earth peg and the nearest earth spike attached to the energizer earth system. Ideally, there should be no reading on the voltmeter. A reading of up to 200 volts is acceptable, provided the fence voltage is below 2000 volts.
Maintain Stake Quality
Ensure your earth stakes are made of galvanized or copper-clad material and are not rusty or corroded, as this will impact their effectiveness. Place the stakes in areas where the soil tends to stay moist, such as the south sides of buildings in the southern hemisphere and low spots.
Connect to the Right Systems
Connect your earth spikes to the energizer or the fence using high tension insulated cable (HT). Do not connect to copper lead-out wires or copper earth stakes. For positive/negative fences, re-earth negative wires every 500 meters by installing an earth stake.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can improve the earthing of your electric fence, ensuring efficient performance and maximizing the security of your fencing system.
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Frequently asked questions
You need a minimum of three earth spikes for your electric fence, placed at a minimum of 1.5 m apart.
The first three earth spikes should be placed as close as possible to the energizer. It is important not to place them closer than 10 m from the mains earth.
In urban areas, an earth spike should be placed at least every 30 m after the first three spikes. Agricultural fences should have an earth spike at least every 100 m.
If you get a reading above 200 volts, you should increase the number and quality of the earth spikes on your electric fence. You can also try connecting two or more energizers to the same earth spikes.
