Otis Singleton
Electric fences are an effective way to keep pests and animals out of your garden. They are simple to install and maintain and can be an inexpensive option for those looking to protect their plants. To install an electric fence, you will need to set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. You will then need to install grounding posts and run a grounding wire from the charger to all the posts. The type of energizer you choose will depend on the fence's length, the vegetation that may grow on the conductors, and the type of animals you want to keep out. It is important to regularly check your fence to prevent signal problems and to ensure that no plants are touching the fence, as this can cause a loss of voltage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keeping pests out of your garden or chicken coop |
| Circuit | Completed when something touches a wire while standing on the ground |
| Unit | Energizer or charger |
| Function of unit | Converts electricity from a battery, solar panel or other main power source into a high-voltage pulse |
| Pulse frequency | Once per second, lasting 150 microseconds |
| Wire | Conducts electricity from the charger around the garden |
| Grounding rod | 6' rod pounded 4' into the ground |
| Grounding system | Required for very dry or sandy ground |
| Vegetation | Ensure no plants are touching the fence |
| Cost | $150 for a small home garden electric fence ($60 for the unit and $90 for wire, posts, tester and grounding rod) |
| Energizer type | Depends on fence length, vegetation, fencing material, type of animals, and availability of a 230-volt power source |
| Energizer placement | Inside a building, not connected to electricity board earth, water pipes, or building stanchions |
| Installation time | A few hours, ideally with 2-3 people |
| Maintenance | Regular checks to prevent signal problems and to correct moisture and vegetation buildup |
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What You'll Learn
Choose an energizer/charger unit
The energizer, or charger unit, is a critical component of your electric fence, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. The energizer converts electricity from a power source into a high-voltage pulse that travels through the fence. When selecting an energizer, consider the following factors:
- Power Source: Electric fence energizers can be powered by mains electricity, batteries, or solar panels. Mains-powered energizers are located inside buildings and provide a consistent and low-cost energy source. Battery-powered energizers are portable and easy to relocate but require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Solar-powered energizers are a good option if your fence is in a sunny location and you want to reduce your reliance on traditional power sources.
- Fence Length: The length of your fence will determine the size and power of the energizer you need. A larger fence will require a more powerful energizer to ensure a consistent electric pulse along the entire length.
- Vegetation: If your fence is in an area with a lot of vegetation, it may affect the performance of the energizer. Vegetation can cause faults in the electric circuit, so consider choosing an energizer with a higher joule rating to ensure consistent performance.
- Fencing Material: The type of fencing material you use will also impact your energizer choice. Wood and metal fences may require additional insulators to prevent electricity from travelling through the posts and into the ground.
- Animal Type: Different types of animals may require different levels of voltage to receive an effective shock. Consider the type of animals you are trying to deter or contain and choose an energizer that can deliver an appropriate level of voltage.
- Portability: If you plan to move your electric fence frequently, choose a portable energizer option. Battery-powered or solar-powered energizers are typically more portable and easier to relocate than mains-powered units.
Consult with experts at your local hardware or farm store to help you select the best energizer unit for your specific needs and ensure you have all the necessary components for a safe and effective electric fence.
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Install grounding posts
Grounding posts are essential to the proper functioning of an electric fence. The grounding circuit completes the electrical circuit, allowing the current to pass safely through an animal's body and back to the charger. Without a proper grounding system, your fence will not be able to deliver a shock.
To install grounding posts, you will need grounding rods made from copper or galvanized metal. These rods should be at least 4 feet long, with longer rods being better. Avoid using simple pipes or rebar as grounding rods, as these will corrode and cause your system to fail. Do not mix metals when installing or clamping your ground rods, as this will trigger electrolysis and corrode the connections.
You should install at least one grounding post that is 6 feet or longer near your charger. Pound your grounding rod into the soil as far as it will go. A good goal is to get a 6-foot rod pounded 4 feet into the ground, but even 2 to 3 feet will suffice. If you have sandy or dry soil, you may need to install additional grounding rods to improve conductivity. Space these rods 10 feet apart in a row, connecting them with the same wire. You can also improve conductivity in dry soil by drilling a larger-than-normal hole and filling it with bentonite after inserting your grounding rod. This gel-like substance will wick moisture, creating a stronger current.
Once your grounding rods are installed, run a grounding wire from the charger to each of the grounding posts. Connect the "ground" terminal to the ground rods with insulated wire and ground rod clamps. Do not connect the wire to the fence wire or fence terminal.
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Set up the wire
Setting up the wire is a crucial step in building an electric fence around your garden. It is important to follow safety precautions and carefully plan the layout of your fence. Here is a detailed guide on how to set up the wire for your electric fence:
Firstly, determine the layout of your fence by placing metal stakes around the perimeter of your garden. Space the stakes about three to five feet apart, and adjust the distance as needed to fit your garden. Remember to use extra posts for corners and areas with loose or sandy soil to reinforce the stability of your fence.
The next step is to install the grounding posts. Pound at least one grounding rod, which is 6 feet or longer, into the ground near your electric charger. For dry or sandy soil, consider using multiple grounding rods to ensure a good connection. Connect the grounding post to the electrical box using a piece of wire, twisting one end of the wire around the positive terminal, typically indicated by a red colour.
Now, it's time to run the wire. Start at a corner post and wind the wire around it. Carefully unwind the wire as you move to the next post. Thread the wire through the plastic hooks or prongs attached to the metal stakes. Continue this process until you return to the starting post. Use a round plastic piece to secure the wire, and then wrap the two ends of the wire together, creating a continuous loop around your garden.
Finally, connect the wire to the charger. Tie a wire from the charger to one of the fence wires. Ensure that there is no vegetation touching the fence, as this can interfere with the electrical current. Test the voltage of your fence to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Remember to exercise caution when working with electricity, and always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your electric fence kit.
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Connect the wire to the charger
Connecting the wire to the charger is a crucial step in installing an electric fence around your garden. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, it's important to select an appropriate energizer or charger for your electric fence. The type of energizer depends on factors such as the length of your fence, the vegetation present, the fencing material, and the types of animals you want to deter. You can choose between mains-powered, dry battery-powered, and wet battery-powered energizers. Mains-powered energizers are located indoors and offer a low-cost, permanent solution. Dry battery-powered energizers are ideal for portable electric fences that are frequently moved, while wet battery-powered energizers are suitable for permanent installations.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of connecting the wire:
- Install a grounding post near the charger: Hammer a grounding post into the ground near your charger. This post should be at least 6 feet long, and it's crucial for providing a path for the electricity to flow.
- Connect the grounding post to the charger: Use a piece of electrical wire to connect the grounding post to the "Ground" knob on your electric box or charger. This step is essential for completing the electrical circuit.
- Attach the wire to the fence: Carefully unwind the electrical wire from the roll and attach it to each post along the perimeter of your garden. You can use plastic hooks or thread the wire through the prongs of the hooks. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Complete the circuit: Once you've reached the last post, bring the wire back to the charger. You might need to loop it around the posts at a higher level to ensure it stays clear of the lower wire. Tie off the wire securely.
- Connect the wire to the charger: Finally, take a wire from the charger and tie it to one of the fence wires. This completes the electrical circuit, ensuring that the fence is energized.
Remember, always exercise extreme caution when working with electricity. Do not plug in the electrical box or charger until all the steps are completed to avoid the risk of electrical shocks. Additionally, regularly inspect your electric fence to ensure that vegetation or moisture buildup is not causing signal problems or voltage leaks.
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Test the fence
Once you have everything set up, it's time to test your fence.
First, walk around the perimeter of the fence and check for any weeds or foliage touching the fence. Vegetation can cause voltage loss, so it's important to keep the fence clear. Remove any plants that are too close and consider using a glyphosate herbicide to prevent future growth.
Next, test the earth. Use a metal bar or earth stake placed at least 328 feet (100 m) from the fence stakes, and short the electric fence to earth. Connect one probe of a voltmeter to the stake, and push the other probe into the ground as far away from the stake as possible. If the reading is 400-500 volts, your fence is working correctly. If the reading is lower, you may need to improve the condition of the earth or add additional earth stakes.
Finally, do a final check of your work. Inspect your fence for anything that might disrupt the current. Make sure there are no tools or other objects left behind that could cause a hazard. Once you're satisfied that everything is clear, plug in your electrical box and turn on your fence. Be careful not to touch the fence while it's on, and avoid standing near it during an electrical storm.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an electric fence wire, an electric power box, metal stakes, a grounding post, plastic hooks, round plastic rings, a sledgehammer/pile driver, a wire cutter, and gloves. You will also need an electric charger or energizer, which converts electricity from a battery, solar panel, or other main power sources into a high-voltage pulse.
First, pound your grounding rod into the soil as far as it will go. Then, place plastic stakes around the area you want to protect, placing them every few feet. Hammer a wood stake into the ground and hang your charger unit on it. Twist one end of your coil of wire around the positive terminal, and run your wire around your garden, guiding it on all the stakes you put in.
Check that there are no weeds or other foliage touching the fence. Keep shrubs and weeds away from your fence as grasses, bushes, and weeds can lead to a loss of voltage. Make sure to regularly check for signal problems and to prevent voltage loss.
