Wiktor Wise
Electric fencing is a psychological barrier that is both humane and effective, keeping livestock contained and wild animals and intruders out. To install an electric fence, you must first set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. Then, you need to install fence posts and brace the corners and gates to reinforce them. When it comes to connecting an electric fence to a gate, there are several options. You can use a 3-hole hookup connection, with the electrifying wire in the centre and two gates from two directions on the outside connections. You can also use a bungee cord gate or a spring wire gate. To maintain the flow of electricity across the gateway, you need to connect all the fence lines together with line connectors on both sides of the opening and run a heavily insulated underground cable. Gate handles should be insulated to allow for safe opening and closing without receiving an electric shock.
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What You'll Learn
Gate materials and design
When it comes to the materials and design of your electric fence gate, there are several options to consider. Firstly, decide if you want a permanent or temporary gate. For a permanent solution, a heavy metal gate is a good option, especially for perimeter openings. Metal gates are durable and can withstand strong weather conditions. Iron fences, for example, are typically powder-coated, making them incredibly durable. Steel fences, on the other hand, are made from an iron-carbon alloy, while aluminium gates are lighter and easier to install. Metal gates do require regular maintenance, such as touch-up painting.
If you're looking for a temporary or simpler gate solution, a single wire attached to a gate handle may suffice. Spring gates, for instance, are an inexpensive option, consisting of a long spring with an insulated handle and hookups. However, the spring is also the weakest part of the gate and will eventually break due to frequent shape changes.
Wooden gates are another option, especially if you want to match your fence and create a clear point of entry. Wood is less expensive than other materials like vinyl or composite but requires more maintenance as it's susceptible to rot, insects, and moisture. If you opt for wood, consider using redwood or cedar as they can withstand decay and insects better. Additionally, pressure-treated pine and spruce fencing materials can resist rot and insect damage.
For a unique look, you can also consider chain-link fences, which are available in traditional link-and-post or link-and-panel models. They provide clear boundaries and some privacy at a lower cost than other fence types. Composite fencing is another option, offering the look of wood without the upkeep. It is easy to assemble and resists rotting, fading, warping, splintering, and insect damage.
When designing your electric gate, it's important to remember to use insulated gate handles with expandable springs to accommodate weather changes and animal impact. Gate handle kits are available for specific types of posts or wires, and expandable gate handles are recommended for spring gates. Additionally, consider the number of wires you'll need, depending on the purpose of your fence. For example, if you need to control both sheep and cattle, you may require multiple wires.
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Underground cables
To connect an electric fence to a gate using underground cables, careful planning is required. Firstly, decide on the type of gate handle and cord system you will use. Gate handles come in various shapes and sizes, with different connections, depending on whether your fence is constructed using tape, wire, bungee rope, or cable. Expandable gate handles should be used with spring gates.
The underground cable should be buried at a depth of 25 to 30 cm. To protect the cable from damage caused by heavy traffic or sharp objects, it is advisable to encase it in a plastic pipe with downward-facing ends to prevent water ingress. Alternatively, you can use a rubber garden hose to protect the cable from rodents, rocks, and kinks that could damage the insulation.
For a permanent electric fence gateway, the handle should be hooked into the live anchor, with the other end connected to a non-live insulator on the opposite post. This ensures that the gate is live when closed but not when open, keeping both you and any livestock safe from electric shocks.
Additionally, consider the number of gates you will need. If your electric fence consists of multiple lines, you will likely require a gate for each line. However, if you opt for a single gate cord, place it at the chest height of the animals you are containing.
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Gateways and access
When installing an electric fence, it is important to consider the positioning and width of the gateway, especially if you will have tractors or other vehicles travelling through the entrance. If your fence is temporary, the gateway should be situated at the beginning and end of the fence so that there is no break in the flow of electricity.
The gate posts should be made of wood or metal, with the relevant insulators attached. A temporary push-in post is not secure enough to withstand the tension required or the frequent opening and closing. The gate handle should be hooked into the anchor, which is live, and the other end connected to a non-live insulator on the opposite post. This ensures that the gate is live when closed but not when open, keeping both you and your livestock safe from electric shocks.
To maintain the flow of electricity across the gateway, connect all the fence lines together with line connectors on both sides of the opening. Then, run a heavily insulated underground cable to connect the lines from one side to the other. Bury the cable at least 25 to 30 cm below ground and protect it from damage by running it through a plastic pipe. Do not use the gate itself to transmit power from one side to the other, as this will weaken the power to the rest of the fence.
The gate can be made from the same cable as the rest of the fence system, or you can opt for a bungee cord gate or spring wire gate. If your fence has two or more lines, you will need to install a gate for each line. If you have a single gate cord, place it at the chest height of the animals. Gate handles come in various shapes and sizes, with different connections depending on whether your fence is constructed using tape, wire, rope or bungee rope.
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Gate handles and hooks
When it comes to gate handles and hooks for electric fences, there are a variety of options available to meet your specific needs. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for choosing and installing them:
Gate Handles
- Safety First: It is important to prioritise safety when working with electric fences. Always use caution when grabbing the handle of an electric fence gate. Do not touch any metal parts of the handle when it is electrified.
- High-Quality Materials: Look for gate handles made from durable and safe materials. For example, expandable gate handles should be moulded from tough, high-quality plastic with shockproof thickness to provide safe handling protection.
- Spring-Loaded Handles: Consider using spring-loaded gate handles, which are designed to maintain strain on low-tension conductors. These handles provide convenient access and enhanced convenience, especially for large and heavy gates.
- Insulated Handles: To ensure the fence remains electrified when the gate is open, use insulated gate handles. These handles are designed to carry the electrical current safely. Insulated handles are crucial for preventing accidental electric shocks.
- Handle Connections: Depending on your setup, you may be able to connect multiple gate handles on the same post at major junctions. This allows for flexible gate configurations.
- Hinge Hardware: When installing gate handles, ensure you have the necessary hinge hardware, such as hinge clamps, to create a strong and durable connection between the gate and the fence posts. Galvanised hinge clamps are designed to withstand heavy use and provide hassle-free installation.
Underground Hookup Wire
- Underground Connection: To keep the fence electrified when the gate is open, you will need an underground hookup wire. This wire carries the electrical current under the gate opening to the other side.
- Recommended Wire: For a reliable underground connection, consider using the Zareba® 50 ft 12 ½ Gauge Insulated Cable. This cable is designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that rocks do not cut through the insulation over time.
- Soil Moisture Considerations: Keep in mind that conventional electrified fence systems rely on soil moisture to be fully effective. If you are installing an electric fence in an area with dry soil, consider using Pos/Neg nets to reduce the reliance on soil moisture.
By following these instructions and choosing the right gate handles and hooks, you can ensure the safe and effective operation of your electric fence while maintaining easy access to the enclosed area.
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Fence chargers
To install an electric fence, you'll need to begin by setting up a fence charger. This can be an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. You'll then need to install at least one grounding post that's 6 feet or longer near the charger. Use a post-hole digger to do this. Run a grounding wire from the charger to the grounding posts.
The next step is to install your fence posts, ensuring they are not too close together but also not more than 40 feet apart. After installing the fence posts, brace the corners and gates to reinforce them. This can be done with cement footings or anchors. You can also use what's called a "floating diagonal" brace, which is a 4-inch by 10-foot post notched half an inch into the main corner post, with the other end on the ground opposite the corner.
Now, mount the insulators on the posts. These are important to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Most common are insulators that allow braided or rope-style fencing to slide through, helping to avoid rubbing. Finally, run the wire between the posts. Use connector clamps to mount the wire on the posts and tighten the wire as much as possible, but be careful not to put too much tension on it, as this can cause it to break and result in injury.
Before turning on the charger, use a voltmeter to test the lines and ensure electricity flows through the entire fence. Write down the voltage and keep the number for future reference. Depending on the strength of your charger, it should read somewhere between 6000 and 10,000 volts when unconnected. It's important to make good connections to prevent corrosion and power loss. Use high-quality insulators, gate handles, and insulator wrap with UV inhibitors. If you're using metal fence posts, make sure the fence wires do not touch the posts.
To keep the fence electrified when the gate is open, you will need a 20,000-volt underground hookup wire to carry the electrical current under the gate opening to the other side.
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Frequently asked questions
To connect an electric fence to a gate, you need to run a heavily insulated underground cable to connect the lines from one side of the gate to the other. The cable should be buried at least 25-30 cm below the ground. You can protect it from damage by running it through a plastic pipe and turning the ends down to prevent water ingress.
A gateway is a safe break in an electric fence that allows access in and out of the fenced area. Gateways require the gate to be live when closed, so the gate handles are insulated to prevent shocks when opening or closing the gate.
The gate should be made from the same cable as the rest of the fence system. This is because the animals will have learned to respect the barrier and will recognise the gate as a continuation of the fence. You can use a bungee cord gate, which is an elasticated version of an electric fence rope, or a spring wire gate, although this is not recommended for horses.
