Molly Ayala
Electric fences are a popular method for deterring bears. They are affordable and effective, and can be installed as a permanent or temporary solution. The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on a number of factors, including the number of pulses per minute, the voltage, and the joule rating of the energizer. The joule rating of an energizer refers to the amount of energy it can store or release, and a higher joule rating means higher amperage and a more powerful shock. For an electric fence to be an effective bear deterrent, it should deliver a shock that is powerful and painful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energizer pulse rate | 45 to 60 pulses per minute (approximately 1.0 to 1.5 pulses per second) |
| Energizer voltage | 5000-7000 volts or more |
| Energizer joule rating | Higher amperage is more powerful; 0.7, 0.15, 1.0, and 2.0 joules mentioned as options |
| Fence wire height | Highest wire: 36-42 inches above the ground; lowest wire: 10-12 inches above the ground |
| Fence wire spacing | 8-10 inches apart; narrower spacing is better |
| Fence posts | Metal T-posts, wooden posts, plastic "step-in" posts, or fiberglass posts |
| Grounding | Galvanized steel grounding rod preferred; copper or copper-plated rods conduct well but may cause electrolysis with aluminum fence wire; two or three rods may be beneficial in less-conductive soil |
| Maintenance | Inspect every few days; check voltage weekly; keep grass low under the bottom wire; keep wires tight and batteries charged |
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$299.99
What You'll Learn
- Energizers should provide 35-45 shocks per minute, with 6000-7000 volts
- The joule rating of energizers is either stored or output
- A higher joule rating means higher amperage, which determines shock power
- For dry soils, use a grounding apron to ensure a bear is grounded when touching the fence
- Maintenance is key to an electric fence's effectiveness
Energizers should provide 35-45 shocks per minute, with 6000-7000 volts
Electric fences are one of the most effective ways to deter bears. They work by combining high voltage with low amperage in a pulsating charge. When a bear comes into contact with an electric fence, it experiences an involuntary muscle contraction, which gives it a fraction of a second to let go of the wire.
The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on several factors, including the voltage, amperage, and number of pulses per minute. To effectively deter bears, your electric fence should deliver at least 35 shocks per minute, preferably 40 to 45 shocks per minute. The voltage at the fence should be at least 5000 volts, but preferably 6000 to 7000 volts. This voltage range has been shown to create a powerful and lasting impression on bears, preventing them from getting a food reward.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of an electric fence against bears also depends on the proper construction, installation, and maintenance of the fence. For example, the highest wire should be 36 to 42 inches above the ground, preventing bears from easily stepping over it while allowing deer to safely clear the fence. Additionally, the type of soil can impact the conductivity of the electric fence, with dry, rocky soil or surfaces like sand, gravel, or concrete requiring a ground-return fencing system.
When choosing an energizer for your electric fence, it is important to consider the joule rating. The joule rating indicates the amount of stored or released energy in the energizer. For effective bear deterrence, look for energizers with higher joule ratings, as they will provide higher amperage and a more powerful shock. A 1.0-joule energizer, for example, will deliver a more powerful shock than a 0.2-joule energizer at the same voltage.
By following these guidelines and maintaining your electric fence properly, you can effectively deter bears and prevent them from accessing areas where they are not wanted.
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The joule rating of energizers is either stored or output
Electric fences are designed to deter bears and other wildlife. The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on several factors, including the power source, the number of wires, and the voltage. Energizers, also known as fencers, are the power source for electric fences, and they play a crucial role in their performance and effectiveness.
The joule rating of energizers is a measure of the energy they can store or deliver. There are two types of joule ratings for energizers: stored and output. Stored joules refer to the maximum amount of energy that an energizer can store when it is not delivering energy to a fence. Output joules, on the other hand, indicate the maximum amount of energy that the energizer can deliver to the fence. It's important to understand that the number of stored joules will always be higher than the number of output joules. This is because the transformer in the energizer is not 100% efficient, and some energy is lost in the conversion process.
When selecting an energizer for an electric bear fence, it is crucial to prioritize output joules over stored joules. Output joules represent the actual energy delivered to the electric fence system. Manufacturers may highlight high stored joule ratings while neglecting to mention the loss of efficiency in the conversion process. This can be misleading to customers who are unaware of the difference between stored and output joules. To calculate the output joules, multiply the stored joules by the transformer's efficiency rating, which typically ranges from 60% to 75%. For example, if an energizer has 10 stored joules and the transformer has a 60% efficiency rating, the output joules would be 6 (10 x 0.60 = 6).
To effectively deter bears, it is recommended to have an energizer with a higher joule rating. A higher joule rating indicates higher amperage, which determines the power of the electric shock. While voltage is important, it is the amperage that makes the shock more powerful and painful. Therefore, when selecting an energizer for an electric bear fence, look for one with a higher output joule rating to ensure a powerful and effective shock that will deter bears.
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A higher joule rating means higher amperage, which determines shock power
When it comes to electric fences as a bear deterrent, it is important to understand the role of joules, volts, and amperage. Firstly, let's define what each of these terms means in the context of electric fencing:
Joules: This is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of energy released over time. In electric fencing, joules refer to the energy delivered by each pulse from the energizer to the fence. The joule rating of an energizer indicates how much energy it can deliver before it needs to recharge.
Volts: Volts measure the strength of the electric shock delivered to an animal touching the fence. The higher the voltage, the stronger the shock. Voltage refers to the pressure or force of the electrical current.
Amperage (or Amps): Amps measure the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit, specifically the amount of current that flows through an animal's body when it comes into contact with the fence. Higher amperage can be more dangerous to animals and humans, so it is important to choose a safe level.
Now, let's discuss the relationship between joule rating and amperage. A higher joule rating means the energizer can deliver more energy to the fence before needing to recharge. This higher energy output results in a higher amperage, or more electrical current flowing through the circuit. In simpler terms, a higher joule rating means a more powerful shock. This is because amperage, not voltage, determines the intensity of the shock. For example, a 1.0-joule energizer can deliver a more powerful shock than a 0.2-joule energizer, even if they both provide the same voltage (e.g., 7,000 volts).
When selecting an electric fence to deter bears, it is crucial to consider the appropriate joule rating, voltage, and amperage. Bears require a powerful shock to be effectively deterred. Therefore, a higher joule rating is generally recommended. Additionally, the length of the fence line, the presence of vegetation or other obstructions, and the size of the area being fenced should be taken into account when determining the required joule rating. It is always advisable to consult with a knowledgeable electric fence supplier or installer to ensure the electric fence meets your specific needs and safety requirements.
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For dry soils, use a grounding apron to ensure a bear is grounded when touching the fence
Electric bear fences rely on soil moisture to conduct electricity and deliver an electric shock. If the soil in your area is dry, you will need to design a ground-return fencing system. One option is to use an all "hot" (positive) system with a negative grounding apron. A grounding apron is a 3-foot-wide strip of chicken wire or hog panel laid in front of your fence. When a bear steps on the apron and touches the electrified fence wires, the circuit is completed, and the bear receives a shock. Ensure that the grounding apron is not attached to the fence. You can attach a wire from the energizer's ground outlet to the grounding rod and/or grounding apron.
Another option for dry soils is to set up a positive/negative system, with the top wire and lowest wire as "hot" (positive). This will ensure that a bear that tries to go over or under the fence will get shocked. You can also use poultry netting, which is designed with both positive and negative (grounded) horizontal wires. This can be beneficial on dry soil as it ensures that the bear will be grounded when touching the fence. When using poultry netting, it is recommended to add an extra push-in post between each existing post in the net, with a fence post every 7-10 feet.
It is important to regularly maintain your electric bear fence to ensure it is working effectively. Check for vegetation touching the fence, as this can ground out the system and reduce the power of the shock. It is recommended to walk around your fence every few days to identify possible problems and keep the vegetation low. You can also use a voltmeter to check your fence for proper grounding and adequate voltage.
When selecting an energizer for your electric bear fence, look for one that outputs at least 6,000 volts and has a joule rating of at least 0.5. The joule rating tells you the amount of energy the fence delivers, and a higher rating means a more powerful shock. For portable fences, look for energizers that output at least 0.11 joules, preferably at least 0.20 output joules. The energizer should provide at least 35 shocks per minute, preferably 40-45 shocks per minute, to effectively deter bears.
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Maintenance is key to an electric fence's effectiveness
Electric fences are an effective solution for protecting your property from unwanted intruders, including bears. To ensure the effectiveness of your electric fence, regular maintenance is key. Here are some detailed tips to keep your electric fence well-maintained:
Vegetation Management:
Nearby vegetation can impact the performance of your electric fence. Weeds, leaves, and branches can conduct electricity, wasting electricity by drawing the current away from the fence. Additionally, leaves holding excess water can cause a short circuit if they come into contact with the fence. Therefore, it is important to keep the fence line clear by regularly trimming vegetation and incorporating vegetation management into your maintenance routine.
Weather Considerations:
The weather and seasonal changes can affect your electric fence's performance. For example, charges can weaken during winter as the soil freezes and becomes less conductive. In areas with snowy winters, consider installing a ground-wire return circuit by adding one or two additional uncharged wires to your fence. This will improve grounding and ensure that the fence delivers a shock to any intruders, including bears.
Fence Tension:
Electric fencing is under constant tension and can become stretched over time. Loose wires may result in reduced electric current strength. Regularly check the tension of your fence and tighten the wires as needed, especially during the summer dry months.
Voltage and Energizer Checks:
It is important to check your electric fence's performance every season to ensure that the voltage is not dropping. Use a voltmeter designed for electric fence voltages, as they can be 7,000 volts or more. Additionally, pay attention to the energizer, which is the power source of your electric fence. To effectively deter bears, choose an energizer with a higher joule rating, as it delivers a more powerful shock. The energizer should provide at least 35 shocks per minute, preferably 40-45 shocks per minute, with a voltage of at least 5,000 volts, preferably 6,000-7,000 volts.
Routine Inspections and Repairs:
Routine inspections of your electric fence are crucial to identify potential maintenance issues early on. Check each part of your fencing at the end of every season, including the posts, underground wires, insulators, and connections. Address any issues promptly to prevent small problems from becoming larger, more expensive repairs.
By following these maintenance tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of your electric fence, ensuring it is always ready to safeguard your property and deter intruders, including bears.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal number of joules for an electric fence to keep bears out is not specified, but it is recommended that energizers provide at least 35 shocks per minute, preferably 40-45 shocks per minute, with a voltage of at least 5,000 volts, preferably 6,000-7,000 volts. A higher joule rating means higher amperage, which determines how powerful a shock will feel.
The ideal voltage for an electric fence to keep bears out is at least 5,000 volts, preferably 6,000-7,000 volts.
The ideal number of shocks per minute for an electric fence to keep bears out is at least 35 shocks per minute, preferably 40-45 shocks per minute.
Some important considerations when installing an electric fence to keep bears out include:
- Routine maintenance to ensure the fence is in top shape.
- Checking for fallen tree branches or vegetation that may create a closed circuit.
- Keeping the grass under the bottom wire cut low.
- Ensuring that the wires are tight and batteries are charged.
- Checking the voltage weekly with a voltmeter and ensuring there are at least 3,000 volts at the furthest distance from the charger.
- Using a grounding rod to complete the circuit and ensure anything that comes in contact with the fence will get shocked.
