Otis Singleton
Electric fence energisers are crucial for making electric fences work. They are the cornerstone of any electric fence, providing the source of the electric current that flows through the fence wire. When choosing an electric fence energiser, it is important to consider the power source, the length of the fence, the number of wires, and the type of animal being contained. The energiser should be big enough to deliver the right voltage along the entire fence. Plug-in energisers are typically the most convenient and economical choice, but solar and battery-powered energisers are also reliable options for remote locations without access to AC power. It is also important to understand electricity jargon, such as volts, amperage, and joules, to make an informed decision when selecting an electric fence energiser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Pick a size bigger than you think you will need. |
| Power source | AC, DC, solar, or battery. |
| Type | Low impedance, solid-state, or high impedance. |
| Output | Continuous or pulsing. |
| Voltage | The energizer must deliver an appropriate amount of voltage. |
| Joules | The energizer must output enough energy. |
| Location | Remote locations may require a solar panel. |
| Maintenance | Solar panels require less maintenance than batteries. |
| Cost | Solar panels tend to be the most expensive power source. |
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What You'll Learn
Power source: AC, DC, solar or battery
When choosing an electric fence energiser, one of the most important factors to consider is the power source. The four main options are AC (mains), DC (battery), solar, or a combination of these. Each has its own advantages and is suitable for different situations, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
AC-powered energisers are connected directly to a power outlet and provide a constant and reliable power source for your electric fence. They are a good choice if you have access to a reliable mains power supply and want a consistent and dependable energy source to keep your fence operational. AC power is also recommended if you have a whole-farm electric fence system, as it offers high pulse frequency and output, making it suitable for fences that experience heavy weed contact.
DC-powered energisers, on the other hand, draw their power from an internal or external battery. They are simple to use and very portable, making them ideal for remote locations or areas without access to mains power. However, the batteries will need to be recharged or replaced periodically to keep the fence functioning. DC-powered energisers are a good choice if you need a mobile power source, such as when grazing livestock in different areas.
Solar-powered energisers use solar panels to generate power, which can be stored in a battery or an external storage unit. They are an attractive option for those who want to remain off-grid or do not have access to AC power sources. Solar energisers are lightweight, portable, and require minimal maintenance. They are also eco-friendly and can help reduce energy costs. However, they tend to be more expensive and may not be as powerful as AC or DC options.
Combination AC/DC energisers offer the most flexibility, allowing you to use either AC power or an external DC battery. This can be useful if you are unsure of your fence power requirements or if you want the advantages of both plug-in and battery energisers.
In summary, when choosing an electric fence energiser, consider your specific needs and situation. If you have access to a reliable mains power supply, AC energisers provide a constant power source. DC and solar energisers are ideal for remote locations, with DC offering portability and solar providing a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Combination AC/DC energisers give you the flexibility to switch between power sources as needed.
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Size of the energiser
The size of the energiser you need depends on your fencing needs. These needs are determined by four main factors:
Length of the fence
Firstly, consider the length of your fence. Multiply the total distance around the perimeter by the number of wires to get the total length of the energised wire. For example, if you have a 15-acre rectangular pasture with a 5-wire fence, the total distance around the perimeter is 3,430 ft. Multiplied by 5 wires, this gives you 10,290 ft. of energised wire.
Number of wires
Secondly, the number of wires in your fence matters. As you add more wires, you are essentially extending the distance that energy needs to be pushed along your fence line.
Power source
The power source you choose will influence the size of the energiser you need. Plug-in chargers that connect directly to the electrical grid are the most popular type of fence charger, providing the best output of all chargers. They are also the most economical as they do not require batteries or solar panels. However, they are not suitable for remote locations. In such cases, solar-powered chargers are a good option, although they tend to be the most expensive power source. Battery-operated chargers are another option for remote locations, but they require frequent recharging.
Type of animal being contained or excluded
Lastly, consider the type of animal you are containing or excluding. Different animals have different internal resistance to electricity, so you will need to adjust the power of your energiser accordingly. For example, pigs are the most affected by an energised pulse, while rabbits are the least affected.
It is important to note that the energiser should be bigger than you think you will need. This is because an oversized energiser does not have to work as hard and will last longer. Additionally, if you ever want to build on your fence, you cannot add another small energiser as only one energiser can be hooked up to a fence.
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Type of charger
The type of charger you choose for your electric fence energiser depends on your power source, the length of your fence, the number of wires, and the type of animal being contained or excluded.
The three main types of low impedance chargers for electric fencing are plug-in, battery-powered, and solar-powered. Plug-in chargers are the most economical and reliable option, as they do not require batteries or solar panels to operate. They are best suited for locations with access to 110- or 220-volt AC power. Battery-powered chargers are ideal for remote locations without access to AC power. They use a variety of batteries, such as 12-volt, 6-volt, 4-volt, or D-cell batteries, which need to be replaced or recharged frequently. Solar-powered chargers are perfect for remote locations without access to an AC outlet, as they can provide continuous output. They are lightweight and easy to transport, but they tend to be the most expensive power source.
High impedance chargers, also known as "weed eaters" or "weed choppers", are older types of chargers that are no longer marketed. They deliver a long-duration shock with high voltage and are easily grounded out by vegetation, making them ineffective.
Solid-state fence chargers deliver a medium amperage shock in pulses of medium duration and are best used to control shorthaired livestock, small animals, and pets in light weed conditions.
It is important to consider the length of your fence, the number of wires, and the type of animal being contained when selecting a charger to ensure sufficient power and output voltage.
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Length of the fence
The length of your electric fence is a critical factor in choosing an energizer. A longer fence will require a more powerful energizer to maintain an effective deterrent. The output energy of the energizer decreases as the length of the fence increases, so you need to select an energizer that can deliver sufficient energy along the entire length of the fence.
For example, if you have a fence that is 10 miles long, you will need a more powerful energizer compared to a fence that is only 1 mile long. The longer the fence, the more power you will need to maintain an effective charge. This is because the electrical energy dissipates along the fence line, and a longer fence provides more resistance, reducing the overall energy at the end of the fence.
When selecting an energizer, consider the total length of your fence, including all the wires connected to the energizer. This includes not only the main fence line but also any offsets, outriggers, or back wires that are part of the electric fence system. The combined length of all these wires will determine the required power output of your energizer.
Additionally, the physical length of the fence is not the only consideration. The number of wires in your fence also plays a crucial role. For instance, if you have a 5-mile fence with three wires, you will need a more powerful energizer compared to a similar-length fence with only one wire. This is because each wire adds electrical load, and a more powerful energizer is required to maintain an effective charge across all wires.
To ensure you select the correct energizer for your fence length, it is recommended to consult with a professional or refer to reputable online sources that provide detailed guidance on calculating the required energizer output based on the specific details of your fence. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose an electric fence energizer that is suitable for the length of your fence, providing effective protection for your property or livestock.
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Animals to be contained
The type of animal you are trying to contain or exclude will influence the type of electric fence energiser you choose. Animals with thick coats or wool, like sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits, will need a strong voltage to penetrate their thick fur. Therefore, a high-voltage, mains-powered energiser with a dual battery as backup is ideal for permanent fencing. For sheep, a low-impedance electric fence charger is also recommended.
For horses, a minimum voltage of 2000 volts may suffice, but 3000 volts is recommended for greater effectiveness. The voltage must be sufficiently high to hold a 1000 kg animal. Horses are also known to test the fence, so the reliability of the charge is a priority. In this case, a mains energiser or a 12V battery energiser is ideal.
For smaller animals like poultry, sheep, and goats, a lower voltage is required. A solar-powered energiser is a good option for fences in remote locations without access to an AC outlet.
Pigs have little hair and sensitive noses, so they require a relatively low voltage. They are also intelligent animals that quickly learn to avoid electric fencing after being shocked. Dogs are similar in that they will quickly learn to respect an electric fence.
The spacing of the wires in your fence will also depend on the size of the animal. Smaller animals require smaller spaces, while larger animals require larger spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
The main factors to consider are the length of the fence, the number of wires, the power source (AC, DC or Solar) and the type of animal being contained or excluded.
The power source depends on the proximity of the fence to a power outlet. If the fence is close to a 110V power outlet, a plug-in energiser is the cheapest and easiest option. For remote locations, solar energisers are a good option.
AC energisers are powered directly by a connection to the electrical grid, whereas DC energisers are battery-run and solar energisers are powered by a connected battery that is recharged by a solar panel.
Output joules indicate the amount of energy sent through the fence, while stored joules indicate the amount of energy in an energiser's capacitors.
The energiser should be bigger than what you think you will need. This is because an oversized energiser does not have to work as hard and will last longer.
