Umair Gaines
Electric fences are a great way to protect your crops from unwanted visitors, including animals and humans. They can also be used to contain pets or livestock. Building your own electric fence energiser is a challenging task that requires careful design and execution to ensure safety. The process involves selecting the appropriate energizer type, testing the earth, installing fence lines, and adding safety features to prevent harm to humans and animals. It is important to prioritize safety and comply with local regulations when constructing and using electric fences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect crops from animals and possibly humans |
| Function | To produce painful shocks if touched |
| Fence type | Electrified high-voltage barrier |
| Voltage | 20,000 volts |
| Power source | Mains or battery |
| Battery type | Dry, wet, or solar-charged |
| Safety | Must be carefully designed to limit current and duration of shock |
| Additional safety features | Warning signs, automatic shut-off |
| Components | Capacitor, transformer, transistor, diode, resistor, potentiometer |
| Design | Circuit board, wires, coil, switch, battery cables, terminal clips |
| Installation | Connect wires to battery terminals, hook up coil, mount on fencepost |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right energiser
The energiser is a crucial component of an electric fence, generating the high voltage that delivers a shock to deter animals and intruders. When choosing the right energiser, several factors must be considered to ensure the fence's effectiveness and safety:
Firstly, the length of the fence is important. Longer fences typically require more powerful energisers to maintain a strong electrical current along the entire length.
The type of fencing material and amount of vegetation on the conductors are also key considerations. Certain materials may conduct electricity better, and heavy vegetation can affect the electrical flow, potentially reducing the strength of the shock.
The choice of energiser also depends on the type of animals to be deterred. For example, deterring small animals may require a less powerful energiser compared to keeping larger, more determined animals contained.
Additionally, the availability of a power source is a significant factor. Mains-powered energisers, which are located indoors, are often preferred as they are low-cost to operate and do not require batteries. However, if your electric fence needs to be frequently moved or is in a remote location without access to mains power, a battery-powered energiser may be more suitable. These can be either dry or wet battery-powered options. Dry battery-powered energisers are easy to relocate and require minimal maintenance, lasting around 4 to 6 months. On the other hand, wet battery-powered energisers are ideal for permanent fences or those that are moved infrequently.
For those seeking a more environmentally friendly option, solar-powered energisers are also available. These typically include solar panels that charge a battery, providing power to the electric fence.
It is important to exercise caution when working with electric fence energisers, particularly those with high voltage outputs, to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
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Testing the earth
The first step is to reduce the fence voltage to 2000V (2kV) or less. Next, using a voltmeter, measure the voltage between the wire connecting through the ground rods to the Energizer ground terminal and an independent ground rod. This independent rod should be made of galvanized metal, be at least 8" long, and placed 3' away from the ground rods or as far away as your voltmeter cable will reach. There should be no reading on the voltmeter; however, up to 200V (0.2kV) is acceptable. If the voltage is higher than this, switch off the Energizer and install more ground rods at the recommended spacing, connecting them to the existing ground system until the voltage is down to the acceptable level.
It is recommended that you test your system at least once a year during the driest period to ensure the grounding capacity is sufficient for the joule rating of the energizer. You should also test during the wet season, as during excessive growth or vegetation on your fence line, it may be necessary to upgrade your ground system by adding ground rods.
The number of earth stakes you need will depend on the electric fence device you use and the type of soil around your property. As a general rule, you should have one earth stake for every five joules of stored energy, with a minimum of three earth stakes. However, if you have sandy, dry, or rocky soil, you may need to add more earth stakes to improve ground performance. These stakes should be placed at least three metres apart and connected to the ground return wire.
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Building electric fence gates
Building an electric fence gate requires careful planning and execution to ensure effectiveness and safety. Here are the steps you can follow to build a functional electric fence gate:
Planning and Materials
Begin by determining the required length of your electric fence and the number of gates you need. Consider the type of animals you want to contain or deter and choose a suitable energizer. You can select between mains-powered, dry battery-powered, or wet battery-powered energizers based on your fence's specifics and your preferences. For instance, a dry battery-powered energizer is ideal if you frequently move your fence, while a wet battery-powered option is suitable for permanent setups.
Installation
Install the energizer, ensuring it is securely mounted and easily accessible for maintenance. Connect the energizer to a power source, following the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. Use insulated wires to carry the electrical charge from the energizer to the fence. Ensure the wires are securely attached to the fence posts and run along or through the fence to deliver the charge.
Gate Setup
When installing the gate, transfer power from one side of the gate to the other using an under-gate cable. This cable ensures that the electrical charge passes uninterrupted under the gate, maintaining the fence's integrity. The wiring for permanent and temporary gates should be identical to ensure consistent performance.
Safety Measures
It is crucial to implement safety measures to protect people and animals from accidental electric shocks. Install warning signs on the fence to alert people of the electric current. Additionally, consider incorporating a timer that temporarily turns off the power to the fence at regular intervals. This feature allows people or animals to safely detach themselves from the fence if they come into contact with it.
Testing and Maintenance
Before using your electric fence, test the voltage to ensure it is working correctly. You can do this by using a voltmeter connected to a metal bar or earth stake. Regularly maintain your electric fence by checking for any damage or wear and tear. Inspect the wires, posts, and connections to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.
Building an electric fence gate requires careful consideration of safety and functionality. Always follow instructions and guidelines provided by manufacturers and local regulations to ensure your electric fence is both effective and compliant with the law.
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Installing fence lines
To install an electric fence, you'll need to start by setting up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. Then, install at least one grounding post that's six feet or longer near the charger using a post-hole digger. Place one grounding rod close to the charger and use a post-hole digger or slammer to set the grounding post. Leave at least two inches of the post above the ground. It is recommended to set another grounding post 10 to 20 feet from the first post.
Attach a grounding wire to the ground terminal of the charger and extend it to all the grounding posts. Secure the wire to the posts with a grounding clamp. Install your fence posts, using a long string to mark a straight line. The distance between line posts will depend on the terrain. On very flat land, line posts can be spaced 10 to 16 feet apart. If electrified, this spacing can be increased to up to 150 feet. Move the line posts closer together in hilly terrain.
Because you need to keep electricity in the wires and away from the posts, insulators are important. Most manufacturers include insulators designed for their products. Run the wire using connector clamps to mount the wire on the posts. Start at the post farthest from the charger and hang as many lines of wire as needed to charge the line. Never wrap the wire around the fence posts, as this can cause the cable to loosen and corrosion to occur. Use connector clamps provided by the manufacturer. The wires will need to be pulled taut at the anchor end.
Each corner of the electric fence will need to be braced with a corner piece. One brace will suffice for corners with six or fewer lines, while seven or more lines require a double brace. Brace posts should be placed along the fence line when there are multiple wires running a long distance. Bracing the corners and fence line will increase the strength of the fence.
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Safety considerations
Electric fences are an effective way to keep livestock and other animals within a designated area. However, they can cause serious injury or even death if installed or used incorrectly. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety precautions during the installation and use of electric fence energisers. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind:
Planning and Installation:
Before installing an electric fence, it is important to carefully plan and consider the specific requirements of your application. Determine the perimeter that needs to be enclosed and identify any potential obstacles such as trees, buildings, or uneven terrain. This will help in deciding the number and placement of fence posts, as well as the type and length of fencing material required. Assess the power source availability and choose an appropriate energiser that suits your needs. It is recommended to opt for high-quality materials to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the system.
Electrical Capacity and Safety Measures:
The electrical capacity of the fence controller (energiser) is crucial and should be selected based on the type of livestock and the size and shape of the fence line. For instance, a fence for cattle will require a higher electrical capacity than one designed for sheep. Ensure that the electric fence is properly grounded to allow for efficient current flow and a sufficient shock to deter animals. Use appropriate grounding rods, placed at specific intervals, and maintain a safe distance from other grounding rods used for utilities such as electrical boxes.
Warning Signs and Visibility:
To prevent accidental contact and promote safety, clearly mark your electric fence with warning signs at regular intervals, especially near access points. Use bright or reflective materials to enhance the fence's visibility, particularly in low-light conditions. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and unintentional contact.
Maintenance and Inspection:
Regular maintenance and inspection of your electric fence system are crucial to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Check the fence line for any damage, such as broken wires or loose connections, and repair or replace them promptly. Inspect the insulators and posts to ensure they are secure and in good condition. Vegetation management is also important, as plants or branches growing towards the fence can cause a short circuit, affecting the functionality of the fence.
Animal and Human Safety:
Educating both humans and animals about the electric fence is vital. Train your livestock or pets to respect the fence boundaries through positive reinforcement techniques. For humans, especially children, understanding the potential dangers of the fence is crucial. Ensure that individuals with pacemakers are aware of the potential interference from the electric fence, which can affect their heart rhythm.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric fence energiser is a device that generates high voltage to electrify a fence.
There are three main types of electric fence energisers: mains-powered, dry battery-powered, and wet battery-powered. Mains-powered energisers are located inside buildings and do not use batteries, while dry and wet battery-powered energisers are suitable for portable or permanent fences respectively.
The type of energiser depends on the length of the fence, vegetation on the conductors, fencing material, type of animals, and access to a 230-volt power source.
Always exercise caution when working with high voltage. Do not connect electric fence energisers to electricity board earth, water pipes, or building stanchions. Ensure the fence is properly grounded and follow local regulations, such as posting warning signs.
Instead of building your own, you can purchase ready-made electric fence energisers or consider alternative fencing options like barbed wire or "invisible fences".
