Trystan Casey
Electric deer fences are an effective way to keep deer away from gardens and farms. They are affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance. The energizer, or fencer, is the cornerstone of any electric deer fence, and it is important to select one that is suitable for your needs. The number of joules required for an electric deer fence depends on various factors, such as the length of the fence, the number of wires, and the presence of debris. A good ground is also essential to delivering a shock when a deer encounters the fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum height | 6 feet |
| Fence wire material | Woven wire, turbo-braid, turbo-wire, poly wire, poly tape |
| Fence post material | Metal, T-posts |
| Number of wire strands | 7 to 9 |
| Wire spacing | Close enough to prevent the animal from stepping through or putting its head between the wires |
| Fence post depth | 3 to 4 feet |
| Voltage | 4,000 to 6,000 volts |
| Energizer output | At least 1 joule |
| Energizer stored joules | 30% more than output |
| Grounding | Good grounding is essential; for every output joule of the energizer, 3 feet of buried ground rod is needed |
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What You'll Learn
Energizers should output at least 1 joule of energy
Electric deer fences are an excellent choice for a permanent perimeter fence to keep deer out. They are affordable, easy to install, and low maintenance. When selecting an energizer for your electric deer fence, it is important to ensure it can output at least 1 joule of energy. This is because deer are strong animals that can strike at night, and a higher energy output will deliver a sufficient shock to deter them.
The output joules rating of an energizer indicates the amount of energy it can send through the fence. It is important to note that energizers power miles of wire, not the fence itself. Therefore, the number of wires in your fence will impact the required output joules of your energizer. For example, a single-strand fence that goes five miles requires much less power than a five-strand fence covering the same distance.
Manufacturers often claim their energizers can power 8-20 miles per joule of output, but these numbers are obtained under ideal laboratory conditions. In reality, you might only get 1 mile per joule under heavy loads, such as when there is a lot of debris touching your fence. Therefore, it is always better to buy a bigger energizer when in doubt. If you plan to expand your electric fence in the future, it is more cost-effective to factor in the additional output joules you will require and purchase an energizer that can handle the future load.
To ensure your electric deer fence is effective, it is recommended to have a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and highly visible. The wire spacing should be close enough to prevent the deer from stepping through or putting their heads between the wires. An electrified top wire above the deer's head can also help prevent jumping. Additionally, a good ground is essential to delivering a shock when a deer encounters your fence, so it is important to install ground rods in soil that stays moist year-round or can be easily watered.
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A good ground is essential for delivering a shock
An electric deer fence is only as good as its grounding. A good ground ensures that the fence delivers a shock when a deer encounters it. Most problems with electric fences stem from poor grounding. The ground completes the electrical circuit that runs from the energizer, down the fence, through the deer, and back to the energizer via the ground rods. Therefore, the ground is essential in keeping the fence functioning properly.
To ensure a good ground, it is important to first locate an area of soil that contains good, conductive earth. Avoid sandy or rocky soil as these can interfere with the transmission of the electric current. Very dry soil may also require additional ground rods. The grounding system should be within range of the fence energizer but at least 25 feet away from buildings with metal siding. It is also important to keep the area under the electric deer fence mowed as grass or debris can cause the fence to short out.
Most fences will need two or three grounding rods, spaced about ten feet apart, near the beginning of the fence. The grounding rods can be made of galvanized steel or pipe, or rebar, and should be at least four feet in length for best results. Copper rods, on the other hand, should be avoided as they diminish the overall effectiveness of the electrical fence system. To install the rods, simply pound them into the ground and connect them to the energizer using an insulated wire and a ground rod clamp.
It is also important to regularly check the level of electrical current to ensure that it is effective in deterring deer. This can be done using a volt meter or voltage tester. During dry seasons, it may be necessary to upgrade the grounding system by adding more ground rods. Vegetation and other plant growth can also affect the circuit, so it is important to check the system frequently and make small changes as needed.
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High-tensile fencing is affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance
Electric deer fences require energizers that can output at least 1 joule of energy, with the best results coming from energizers that can output 5,000-6,000 volts. The energizer's power source is an important consideration, as the distance from a power outlet can impact the cost and practicality of running wires. Deep-cycling 12-volt marine batteries are another potential power source.
High-tensile fencing is a strong, durable, and cost-effective option for fencing. It is made of smooth wire and generally consists of four to ten strands, depending on the animals being contained. It is easier to install than barbed wire, requiring fewer posts and offering more flexibility in post placement. High-tensile fencing is also low-maintenance, only requiring occasional tension adjustments due to thermal expansion and contraction. It is more economical and has a longer life expectancy than barbed wire, with a 50-year rust-free guarantee.
The cost of fencing varies depending on the type of fence and the area to be enclosed. Fencing prices for an average yard range from $1,500 to $3,000, or $5 to $16 per linear foot. Vinyl fencing is a more expensive option, costing $30 to $60 per linear foot, while woven wire fencing is more affordable at $1.50 to $1.90 per foot. High-tensile fencing can be electrified to provide extra protection against predators and to contain livestock. The electrification process requires the installation of insulators and an electric fence energizer, which emits pulses of electricity to deliver a shock to any animals touching the fence.
To build a high-tensile fence, you will need various tools and parts, including different types of posts, poly spacers, in-line strainers, tension springs, a spinning jenny, brace pins, keeper staples, and crimping sleeves. High-tensile fencing is easy to install, and its flexibility in post placement can save time and money. It is a popular choice for controlling cattle and sheep and is known for its smooth, clean appearance.
Overall, high-tensile fencing offers a strong, durable, and cost-effective solution for fencing needs. Its ease of installation, low-maintenance requirements, and long life expectancy make it a preferred option over barbed wire fencing.
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Woven wire deer fences should be at least 15 feet high
To keep deer off your farm, an electric fence is a good option. The energizer, or fencer, is the cornerstone of any electric fence, and selecting the right one is crucial. The energizer's output joule rating must be capable of delivering the voltage along the length of the wire in the fence. For every output joule of the energizer, you need three feet of buried ground rod, and you should install the ground rods in soil that stays moist year-round.
When selecting an energizer, you should consider your power source. If the fence is close enough, an energizer that plugs into the mains is often the cheapest and easiest solution. As the fence gets further away from an outlet, running wires becomes expensive, and other power options start to look more attractive. Deep-cycling 12-volt marine batteries are another potential power source for an energizer.
The energizer's output joules indicate the amount of energy sent through the fence. Stored joules are the amount of energy in an energizer's capacitors. Manufacturers often claim their energizers can power 8-20 miles per joule of output, but these numbers are obtained under ideal laboratory conditions. In practice, if you have a one- or two-strand fence that is free from weeds, tall grass, and branches touching it, you might get 3-6 miles per joule. Under heavy loads, you might only get 1 mile per joule. If you're powering a multi-strand sheep fence, you might want a ratio of 0.16-0.33 miles per joule (between 3 and 6 joules per mile).
While electric fences can be effective, woven wire deer fences are also a great option. They are reliable and adaptable, and they can be purchased up to eight feet high, which is typically thought to be almost 100% effective in keeping deer out. Woven wire fencing is also quite noticeable, and it is difficult for cattle to escape without first tearing down the fence. High tensile smooth wires used towards the top of the fence are thought to be successful since deer lack the velocity necessary to jump over and damage the fence. However, to keep costs down, you can employ woven wire fencing with extra-high tensile smooth wires above.
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A volt meter will allow you to test your electric fence
To keep deer away, an electric fence needs to be able to output at least 1 joule of energy. However, energizers are often marketed with their stored joules, rather than their output joules. The output joules rating indicates the amount of energy sent through the fence, while stored joules refer to the amount of energy in an energizer's capacitors. To calculate the output joules from stored joules, multiply the latter by 0.7.
It is important to note that energizers power miles of wire, not the fence itself. Therefore, a single-strand fence that goes five miles requires much less power than a five-strand fence going the same distance. Manufacturers often claim their energizers can power 8-20 miles per joule of output, but these numbers are obtained under ideal laboratory conditions. In reality, a one- or two-strand fence that is free from weeds, tall grass, and branches may achieve 3-6 miles per joule, while a fence under heavy loads might only get 1 mile per joule.
When selecting an energizer, the first step is to determine your power source. If the fence is close enough, an energizer that plugs into the mains is often the cheapest and easiest solution. As the fence gets further away from an outlet, running wires becomes expensive, and other power options become more attractive, such as deep-cycling 12-volt marine batteries.
Additionally, capacitors in the energizer build up electric potential and release it in pulses down the fence line. However, they do not release all the stored energy at once, so stored joules are about 30% more than the output. Therefore, when in doubt, it is advisable to buy a bigger energizer, especially if you plan to expand your electric fence in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
The energizer should be capable of outputting at least 1 joule of energy. However, the number of joules needed will depend on the length of the fence, the number of wires, and the amount of debris touching the fence.
An energizer, also called a fencer, is a crucial component of an electric deer fence as it delivers the voltage along the length of the wire in the fence.
The fence should be running at 4000 to 6000 volts to effectively deter deer.
The recommended height for an electric deer fence is at least 6 feet, with wires placed near the nose level of the deer.
Ensure good grounding to deliver a shock when a deer encounters the fence. Use highly visible materials such as turbo-tape or turbo-wire, and consider baiting the fence with peanut butter or molasses to attract deer and teach them to avoid the fence.
