Wiktor Wise
Electric fences are designed to deliver a strong shock to deter animals and humans from crossing them. While electric fences have high voltages, the amperage or current (amps) is very low, which makes them relatively safe. The voltage of electric fences ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 volts, while the amperage is typically between 120 and 500 milliamps. It is important to select an appropriate amperage level for the animals being contained and to consider factors like fence length, vegetation, and animal size. Modern electric fences use low impedance circuitry, with voltage delivered in controlled, short pulses, allowing the shocked entity to retreat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 2,000-10,000 volts |
| Current/Amps | Low |
| Amperage | 15-500 milliamps |
| Pulsating Current | Yes |
| Joules | 0.2-2 |
| Length of Fence | Longer fence lines require higher joules |
| Type of Animal | Larger animals require higher joules |
| Vegetation/Obstructions | More vegetation requires higher joules |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fence safety
Electric fences are generally considered safe, with a low risk of serious injury or death. However, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the difference between voltage and amperage. Voltage refers to the strength of the electric shock, while amperage or current measures the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit. A high voltage can deliver a strong shock, but it is the amperage that can cause harm or even death. Therefore, electric fences are designed to have high voltage and low amperage, minimizing the risk of serious injury.
To ensure safety, modern fence energizers use low impedance circuitry, where a capacitor is charged by a solid-state circuit. When an animal or person comes into contact with the fence, the charge is released in controlled, short pulses, typically a few milliseconds long. This pulsing effect causes a transitory muscle contraction or cramp, allowing the individual to retreat from the source of energy. The low amperage and pulsating current make electric fencing relatively safe.
However, there are still risks associated with electric fences. If an animal becomes trapped in the fence and is unable to extricate itself, it could be exposed to continuous shocks, which can be dangerous. Additionally, accidental head or neck contact with electrified wires can occur, leading to potential injury. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance from electric fences and never allow anyone, especially children, to touch them.
The voltage requirements for electric fences vary depending on the type of animal. For example, aggressive bulls require higher voltages, while smaller animals like rabbits or dogs need lower voltages. It is important to select an appropriate voltage and amperage for the specific animals being contained to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the fence.
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Voltage and amperage
Electric fences use voltage and amperage to deliver a shock to animals that come into contact with them. The voltage of an electric fence measures the strength of the electric shock delivered to the animal touching the fence. The higher the voltage, the stronger the shock. For example, electric fences can have voltages of 10,000 volts, which would deliver a more severe shock than a 120-volt home circuit.
Amperage, or amps, measures the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit and is used to measure the amount of current that flows through the 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 an electric fence with an appropriate level of amps for the animals being contained. For example, a 220-volt shock will hurt just as much as a 10,000-volt shock if the amperage is the same. Amps are what can kill.
Electric fence energizers put out high voltage (around 7,500-8,000 volts) but very low amperage or current (around 120-500 milliamps). This low amperage makes electric fencing safe to use. Modern fence energizers use low impedance circuitry, where a capacitor is charged by a solid-state circuit. When an animal touches the fence, the charge is released by a thyristor, an automatic switch that controls the voltage delivered and makes the shock pulse much shorter, typically just a few milliseconds. This pulsating current allows the animal to experience a muscle contraction similar to a muscle cramp and retreat from the source of energy.
The voltage and amperage requirements for electric fences can vary depending on the type of animal being contained. For example, beef cattle require 2,000-3,000 volts, while dairy cattle require 2,000 volts. Horses typically require 2,000-3,000 volts, but a fence made of politape, wire, or rope is recommended if a spooked horse tries to run through it. Llamas, deer, elk, sheep, and goats typically require 4,000-5,000 volts due to their thick coats or wool that insulates them from electric shocks. Wolves, coyotes, and bears also require higher voltage (4,000-5,000 volts) due to their thick, insulating fur. Smaller animals, such as rabbits or dogs, generally only need a joule rating of 0.2 to 2.
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Electric fence energisers
The strength of an electric fence is determined by the voltage and amperage of the electric current. Voltage measures the strength of the electric shock, with higher voltages resulting in stronger shocks. Amperage, or amps, measures the amount of electrical current flowing through the circuit and the animal's body. While high voltages can result in stronger shocks, it is the amperage that is the deadly component of an electric shock, as it can cause the "'grabbing effect' that makes it difficult for the victim to remove themselves from the source of the shock.
Modern electric fence energisers use low impedance circuitry, delivering high-voltage shocks (around 7500-8000 volts) with very low amperage (around 120-500 milliamps). This combination of high voltage and low amperage makes electric fences relatively safe for humans and animals, with less than one serious injury per year worldwide attributed to electric fences. However, it is important to note that the risk of injury or death increases with higher amperage, and certain animals with thicker coats or fur may require higher voltages to overcome the insulating effect of their fur.
When selecting an electric fence energiser, it is important to consider the type of animal being contained or excluded, the length of the fence, and any vegetation or obstructions along the fence line. The joule rating of the energiser is a key factor in determining the power of the shock, and higher joule ratings are necessary for longer fences, larger animals, and thicker vegetation. For example, small animals like rabbits or dogs typically require a joule rating of 0.2 to 2, while thicker-coated animals like sheep or goats may require higher voltages of 4000-5000 volts.
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Electric fence requirements for different animals
Electric fences are versatile tools for managing animals, whether to keep them inside a designated area or to deter them from entering specific spaces. They are suitable for livestock, pets, and wildlife. The effectiveness of electric fences depends on the animal's nature and behaviour.
Electric fences are commonly used for cattle, which are usually deterred by the shock delivered by the fence. Bulls, being more aggressive, require a higher voltage of 2000-3000V, while dairy cattle need a lower voltage of 2000V. Horses also fall into this category of animals that are easy to control with lower voltages of 2000-3000V. They are intelligent, quick learners, and easy to control. A fence made of politape, wire, or rope is less likely to injure them if they get spooked and try to run through it.
Sheep and goats have thick insulating coats and require higher voltages of 4000-5000V. They tend to test fences, so the wires should be low to the ground and high enough to prevent them from jumping over. Goats, in particular, can vary in ease of control depending on their docility and how well they are trained to respect the fence.
Pigs, known for their curiosity and determination to explore, can be managed with electric fences at 2000V. For pets, a voltage of 700-1000V is recommended.
For more challenging animals, higher voltages are necessary. For example, deer and elk require 4000-5000V due to their ability to spook easily and jump higher than most other animals. Similarly, llamas have thick coats that insulate them from electric shocks, necessitating a voltage of 4000-5000V.
Some predators, such as wolves and coyotes, also require higher voltages of 4000-5000V due to their thick insulating fur. Bears, with their thick insulating fur, are recommended to have a voltage of 5000V, and bait fences can be used to train them to avoid the area.
It is important to note that electric fences are not 100% effective 100% of the time, and the right combination of voltage, amps, and pulse length is crucial. The wires should be positioned strategically to prevent animals from jumping over, crawling under, or wriggling through.
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Electric fence effectiveness
The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on several factors, including the voltage, amperage, and type of animal the fence is intended to contain or exclude. While voltage is important, it is not the only factor that determines the effectiveness of an electric fence. For example, a 220-volt shock will hurt just as much as a 10,000-volt shock if the current or amperage is the same. Amperage, or amps, refers to the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit and is more dangerous to animals and humans than voltage. Therefore, it is crucial to select an electric fence with an appropriate amperage level for the animals being contained.
To increase the effectiveness of an electric fence, it is recommended to use an energizer that can deliver a higher voltage (around 7500-8000 volts) and a higher joule rating. Joules refer to the amount of energy the energizer can deliver to the fence and are more important than voltage in determining the effectiveness of the fence. A higher joule rating will result in a stronger shock, which is essential for longer fence lines, thicker vegetation, or larger animals. For example, bulls, horses, and llamas require a higher voltage due to their thicker coats or more aggressive nature.
Additionally, the design of the electric fence plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. An electric fence consists of an open electrical circuit with two arms. The first arm is the fence itself, which must be insulated from any conductive material. The second arm is the ground, connected to the energizer by an earth stake or post. When an animal touches both the live fence and the ground simultaneously, it completes the electrical circuit, receiving an electric shock. This shock causes a muscle contraction similar to a muscle cramp in humans, allowing the animal to retreat from the source of energy and discouraging future contact.
It is important to note that electric fences are not 100% effective and can result in the death of an animal, although this is rare. The risk of injury or death can be mitigated by following safety precautions, such as avoiding head or neck contact with electrified wires and ensuring visitors and children do not touch the fence. Overall, electric fences are a safe and effective method of containing or excluding animals, with a low risk of serious injury or death.
When selecting an electric fence, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements, including the length of the fence, the type of animal, and any vegetation or obstructions along the fence line. By choosing an appropriate voltage, amperage, and joule rating, you can ensure the effectiveness of the electric fence while maintaining safety for both animals and humans.
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Frequently asked questions
The strength of an electric fence depends on the type of animal it is meant to contain or exclude. For example, beef cattle require 2,000-3,000 volts, whereas dairy cattle require 2,000 volts.
You should consider the length of the fence, the type of animal, and the vegetation or other obstructions that may be in the fence line.
Volts measure the strength of the electric shock delivered to the animal touching the fence. Amps measure the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit. Joules measure the energy delivered by an electric fence pulse, taking into account both voltage and amperage.
While electric fences are generally safe, there is a small level of risk associated with them. The voltage sent through the wires is typically high, but the current or amplification (amps) is very low, which makes it safer. However, it is important to remember that accidental head or neck contact with an electrified wire can be dangerous.
The recommended joule rating depends on the specific needs of the fence. For small animals such as rabbits or dogs, a joule rating of 0.2 to 2 is usually sufficient. A minimum of 0.5 joules is recommended for most general electric fences, with higher ratings needed for longer fence lines, thicker vegetation, or larger animals.
