Otis Singleton
Electric fences are a great way to keep your cattle safe and deter unwanted animals. The effectiveness of an electric fence depends on its ability to deliver an unpleasant but non-lethal shock to animals that touch it. Before installing an electric fence, it is important to do some prep work, including measuring the amount of space you want to fence in and choosing the right type of electric fence charger. You can choose from electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options. The key is to ensure that the fencing is easy to see, and you can use electric fence tape or install coated wire, braid, or rope to indicate the location of electric fencing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keep unwanted animals out and your animals in |
| Effectiveness | Depends on the ability of the fence to deliver an unpleasant shock to animals that touch it |
| Charger | Converts power into voltage, which pulses through the fence wire |
| Electricity source | Electric, solar, battery or voltage-powered |
| Fence material | Avoid 14-gauge wire and barbed wire; use 12.5-gauge high-tensile wire instead |
| Grounding | Requires a grounding rod of 6ft or longer, with a second rod 10-20ft from the first |
| Maintenance | Check daily for issues; walk the perimeter to look for any grass or shrubs that may be interfering |
| Cost | Operational cost of an energizer drawing 17 watts a day: $1.50/month (assuming an electrical rate of $0.12/kilowatt-hour) |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, measure the perimeter of the area you want to fence in. This can be done by walking the distance and counting your steps or using a GPS device. This measurement will help you determine the required length of fencing materials and the type of controller needed. Decide on the number of wires you want to use, as this will influence the number of corner braces and fence posts required. If you opt for six or fewer lines, one brace at the ends and each corner should suffice. However, if you choose seven or more lines, it's recommended to double-brace the corners for added stability.
Next, select the appropriate electric fence charger for your needs. You can choose from electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options. Consider the advantages of each type: AC chargers are more practical for permanent fences with access to a reliable power source, while battery-powered energizers are ideal for locations without a constant power supply. Solar-powered chargers are a viable alternative for longer or permanent fences, but they tend to be more expensive upfront. Additionally, take into account the joule rating of the charger, as this determines the consistency of the electrical current. A higher joule rating provides a more reliable shock and offers flexibility for future expansions.
When it comes to materials, avoid using 14-gauge wire or barbed wire for your electric fence. These options are prone to kinking, breaking, and can be hazardous to livestock and pets. Instead, opt for 12.5-gauge high-tensile wire, which is stronger and safer. Make sure you purchase enough wire to cover the entire area, and consider using electric fence tape or installing coated wire to enhance visibility and safety.
Before you begin installation, ensure you have all the necessary components, including grounding rods, ground wire, grounding clamps, and insulators to keep the electric current flowing through the wires and away from the fence posts. It is also crucial to ground your system effectively to complete the circuit and ensure the fence can deliver a shock. Insert the grounding rod near the charger, leaving a few inches above the ground, and consider installing a second rod 10-20 feet from the first one for added reliability.
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Choosing the right materials
Firstly, decide on the type of electric fence charger you want to use. You can choose from electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options. Electric chargers require access to an AC outlet, while solar chargers need to be placed in full sunlight. If you opt for a solar-powered fence, consider the size and duration of the pulses of electrons they send into the fence line. Smaller solar units may not provide a strong enough current to deter stubborn cattle. You can also opt for battery-powered energizers, which are a practical alternative if mainline power is unavailable or unreliable.
Next, determine the length of the fence you need to build and calculate the number of corner braces and fence posts required. If you're using six or fewer lines, one brace at the ends and each corner will suffice. However, if you use seven or more lines, you'll need to double the braces. Ensure you purchase enough wire for your area, and consider using electric fence tape or installing coated wire to enhance visibility and safety.
The wire you choose is crucial. Avoid using 14-gauge wire or barbed wire as they can be hazardous. Instead, opt for a stronger and safer option like 12.5-gauge high-tensile wire.
Don't skimp on the joule rating—buy more than you currently need to future-proof your fence and avoid buying additional units down the line. A high-joule charger is recommended, especially if you're securing a large area.
Finally, don't forget the grounding system. Effective grounding completes the circuit, which is essential for delivering a shock to the animal. Install at least one 6-foot grounding rod near your charger, leaving a few inches above the ground. Consider adding a second grounding rod 10-20 feet from the first one for added effectiveness.
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Installation
To install an electric fence for your cattle, you will first need to measure the amount of space you want to fence in. You can do this by walking the amount and counting your steps, or you can use a GPS device to track the length. This measurement will be used to guide your choice in controller. If you are using 6 or fewer lines, 1 brace at the ends and each corner will work. If you use 7 or more lines, you will need a double brace.
Next, you will need to decide what type of electric fence charger you want to use. You can find electric, solar, and battery or voltage-powered options. If you are using an electric charger, you will need access to an AC outlet. Solar chargers will need to be placed somewhere in full sunlight. Leave the fence charger off while you continue your installation.
Your grounding rod should be 6 feet or longer. Insert the rod near your charger, leaving a few inches (2-4) above the ground. It’s also a good idea to install a second grounding rod 10-20 feet from the first one. Attach your ground wire from the ground terminal on your charger to all grounding posts. You will need to secure the wire to the posts with grounding clamps. To keep the electric current in the wires and away from the fence posts, it’s key to install insulators to fence posts.
Purchase enough wire for your area. The key for electric fencing is to make sure it is easy to see – you can use electric fence tape for ease and safety. You can also install coated wire, braid or rope to indicate the location of electric fencing. A joule is a rating used to determine how consistent the electrical current will be. High-joule chargers are a better purchase, and if you are securing a large amount of acres, you will want to buy something that is rated a joule or more.
The effectiveness of any electric fence depends on its ability to deliver an unpleasant shock to animals that touch it. The ability of a fence to deliver that shock depends on the type of animal that must be controlled, the materials used in construction, and site characteristics (e.g. soil moisture, terrain, etc.). The number of joules (units of energy measurement) needed depends on the length of the fence, the number of electrified wires, and the severity of conditions.
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Maintenance
To keep your electric fence in good working order, there are several things you should do regularly. Firstly, check the fence daily to ensure it is working properly. Most chargers will have a voltage meter or an indicator light to show if the fence is active. If you notice any issues, walk the perimeter of the fence to check for any grass or shrubs that may be interfering with the current.
It is also important to keep the area around the fence clear. Vegetation can interfere with the current and reduce the effectiveness of the fence. Tall, wet grass, for example, can cause high leakage and may even cause the wire to melt. Keep the area around the fence clear of any vegetation that could cause issues.
If you are using a battery-powered energizer, you will need to change the batteries regularly. Solar-powered energizers are a good alternative, but they are more expensive upfront. If you are using a solar-powered energizer, ensure that it is placed in an area with full sunlight.
Another common issue with electric fences is poor grounding. Ensure that your grounding system is effective; 80% of electric fence problems can be traced to faulty grounding. The grounding rod should be 6 feet or longer, with a second rod placed 10-20 feet from the first. You should also install a ground wire from the ground terminal on the charger to all grounding posts, securing it with grounding clamps.
Finally, be sure to use the correct materials for your fence. Avoid using 14-gauge wire or barbed wire, as these can be hazardous. Instead, opt for 12.5-gauge high-tensile wire or electric fence tape, which is easy to see and safe for animals.
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Troubleshooting
Electric fences for cattle are a great way to keep livestock safe and prevent escape attempts. However, issues may arise with the fence that will need troubleshooting. Firstly, it is important to note that you should always use insulated gloves and rubber boots when working on an electric fence. If your fence has stopped working, there are a few things to check.
Firstly, check that there is power getting to the electric fence wires. If there is no voltage, test each level of the fence for a power charge. Disconnect the other wire levels and only check one level at a time. You can also check for short circuits on the fence wire by using an AM radio. If there is interference with the radio signal, check the closest part of the fence for damage. If there is power to the fence, check that it is strong enough to charge the fence. The power should be at least 2,000-3,000 volts on the fence line. The power may be impacted by vegetation on the fence line, so check for any grass, shrubs, or debris touching the fence.
If the power is strong enough but the fence is still not working, there may be an issue with the power supply or electric charger/energiser. Check the power box to see if there is power leading to the box and then to the charger. Use a voltmeter to check that the power output on the energiser is correct. If there is no issue with the power supply or charger, the energiser may be incompatible with the size and type of electric fence. There may also be a problem with the earthing system, so check the voltage of the ground system and the earth rods for any water leaks. If you are still unable to find the fault, it may be a blown fuse, or the energiser may not be plugged in.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric fence is a good way to keep your livestock safe and acts as a training deterrent for animals. It can keep unwanted animals out and your animals in.
You should measure the amount of space you want to fence in. This will help you choose the right controller. You should also decide what type of electric fence charger you want to use. You can find electric, solar, and battery or voltage-powered options.
If you are using an electric charger, you will need access to an AC outlet. Solar chargers will need to be placed in full sunlight. Leave the fence charge off during installation. Install a grounding rod that is 6ft or longer and attach a ground wire from the ground terminal on your charger to all grounding posts.
Smaller solar units may not be suitable for deterring stubborn cattle who aren't used to electric fences. Barbed wire is not recommended as it can trap and kill livestock and pets.
