Wiktor Wise
Electric fences are a humane and effective way to keep livestock contained and wild animals and intruders out of your yard. They can also be used to keep pets within your yard. To connect an electric fence underground, you will need to use insulated wire and protect it from damage. The wire must make a continuous loop to transmit the signal effectively. It is important to check for underground utilities and power lines before installing an electric fence, and to plan the layout carefully.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep livestock contained or wild animals and intruders out of your yard |
| Installation | Simple to install and maintain |
| Planning | Plan the layout, the number of wires, the height of the fence, and the length of each run |
| Insulators | Important to install to keep electricity in the wires and away from the posts; use connector clamps to mount the wire on the posts |
| Charging | Connect the lines with a 10-14 gauge jumper wire and attach a jumper wire from the top line to the charger; the voltage should be between 6000 and 10,000 volts |
| Underground Installation | Dig a narrow trench along the boundary path 2" to 4" deep, place the wire in the trench, and fill it back in; bury all underground wires in conduit to prevent voltage loss and small cracks |
| Wire Type | Use appropriately high-voltage insulated wires or provide sufficient separation between wires and insulated standoffs |
| Wire Loop | The wire must make a continuous loop for the signal to transmit properly; use twisted wire from the transmitter to the exterior loop |
| Wire Placement | Run and connect the wire loop above ground, anchoring it with rust-resistant staples every few feet |
| Wire Slack | Leave about 15 inches of slack periodically along the perimeter and at corners, winding the extra wire into a coil and burying it |
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What You'll Learn
Check for underground utilities and power lines
Before installing an electric underground fence, it is crucial to check for underground utilities and power lines. Striking an underground utility line while digging can cause widespread service disruptions and other serious problems. For instance, damaging a gas or water main or a sewage line can lead to issues that may affect your entire neighbourhood. There can also be legal implications for failing to check the locations of utilities before installing a fence. Many states have laws requiring homeowners to identify any underground utilities before digging.
If you have hired a contractor or a fencing company to install your fence, they will typically consult the appropriate resources to identify any underground utilities. However, it is still important for you, as the homeowner, to do your due diligence and mark all the underground infrastructure at the installation site. This includes any sprinkler systems, underground electric wires, or pipes that you have installed yourself. Knowing the locations of these utilities will enable the installers to avoid them and ensure a smooth fence installation.
If you plan to install the fence yourself, you can obtain information about underground utilities on your property by calling a dedicated number, such as 811 in some communities. This service will provide you with the approximate location of buried public utility lines, helping you avoid hitting an underground line. Alternatively, you can hire a utility locator, a professional who can gather information from utility companies, maps, and other data to pinpoint the exact locations of utility lines on your property and mark them.
In some cases, you may need to contact utility providers directly to mark out their specific lines. For example, in New Jersey, you can call the state so that utility providers can come out and mark gas lines, water lines, cables, and other important utilities. Once these lines are marked, it is your responsibility as the property owner to leave the marks as they are to ensure a safe installation process. By taking the necessary steps to check for underground utilities and power lines, you can help prevent potential hazards and ensure a smooth installation for your electric underground fence.
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Plan your fence layout
Planning the layout of your electric fence is a crucial step in the installation process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you plan effectively:
Firstly, determine the purpose of your electric fence. Consider whether you need to enclose a pasture, garden, or yard, and the specific area you want to cover. Take careful measurements of the plot and decide on the appropriate height, length, and width of your fence. Decide on the number of wires you will need, taking into account the spacing between them. Consider the number of animals you need to contain or keep out and choose a fence with appropriate features. For example, if you have large or aggressive dogs, you may require a more powerful electric fence.
Before installing an underground electric fence, it is essential to check for underground utilities and power lines. Contact the city or use services like Dig Safe to obtain this information. Plan the exact route of your fence by creating a sketch or using graph paper to map out your yard and the fence line. This will help you visualize any potential issues and make necessary adjustments.
Calculate the total length of wire required, taking into account the continuous loop that the wire must form. If you are using pre-twisted wire, ensure that adjacent wires are at least 4 feet apart to avoid signal cancellation. Decide on the placement of the transmitter, typically mounted to a garage wall or placed in a sheltered location like your garage, and plan how you will connect the wire loop to the transmitter.
When planning the layout, consider the insulation of the wire and the potential voltage loss. Higher-quality wires, such as copper wire, minimize power loss. Additionally, if you are burying the wire, create a narrow trench along the boundary path, usually 2 to 4 inches deep, and place the wire inside.
By following these steps and carefully planning your fence layout, you can ensure a smooth installation process and avoid time-consuming corrections later on.
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Install insulators to keep electricity in wires
Insulators are important to install because they keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. The type of insulator you use will depend on the type of fence wire you purchase, as manufacturers usually include and design insulators tailored to their products.
Insulators are not necessary for line posts, but they are necessary for attachment at corners and end posts. Black plastic insulators are preferable, as black plastic is more resistant to degradation by UV rays. Porcelain is less desirable as it tends to develop small cracks that can hold water and conduct electricity.
When installing insulators, you should avoid using metal posts in an electric fence system, as this can cause faults. Wood-plastic composite posts are probably the best line posts. They are flexible, lightweight, resistant to rot, easy to drive into the ground, and don't conduct electricity. PVC T-posts are another good choice as they are fire-resistant, free of splinters, non-conductive, and easy to drive.
There is also electric fence wire made specifically to be buried. You can use regular uninsulated fence wire for the ground side, or you can put the charger at the fenced area and use the UF to carry the 120V AC to power the charger.
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Connect wires with connector clamps
Connecting wires with connector clamps is a crucial step when installing an electric fence. This process ensures the fence's functionality and safety, and it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions. Here is a detailed guide on how to connect wires with connector clamps for an underground electric fence:
Firstly, it is important to plan the layout of your electric fence. This includes deciding on the number of wires, the spacing between them, and the height of the fence. It is also crucial to consider the length of each run and the appropriate wire gauge to ensure you have the necessary materials for a secure connection.
When connecting wires with connector clamps, begin by preparing the wires. Strip the insulation from the ends of the wires that will be joined. Make sure you are using a wire type suitable for electric fences, as regular building wire insulation may not be sufficient for electric fence voltages. The length of the stripped section should be long enough to make a secure connection, typically ranging from half an inch to an inch.
Next, take the connector clamps provided by the manufacturer. These clamps are designed specifically for your fencing wire and are crucial to ensuring a safe and secure connection. Align the stripped sections of the wires with the connector clamps, making sure that the wires are properly seated in the clamps and that there is no exposed wiring that could cause short-circuiting.
Now, you can start connecting the wires. Use the appropriate tool, such as a screwdriver or a crimping tool, to tighten the connector clamps securely around the wires. Ensure that the connection is firm and that the wires cannot be pulled apart easily. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of connector clamps you are using.
Finally, once the wires are connected, it is essential to test the connection. Check that the wires are securely joined and that there is no movement or slack in the connection. Use a voltmeter to test the voltage across the connected wires, ensuring that the electricity flows through the fence as intended. Compare the voltage reading to the expected value, and ensure it is within the safe operating range for your electric fence.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively connect wires with connector clamps for your underground electric fence. Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your electric fence system and always prioritise safety when working with electrical components.
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Test the lines with a voltmeter
Testing your electric fence with a voltmeter is a crucial step in ensuring its effectiveness and safety. Here's a detailed guide on how to perform this task:
Prepare the Electric Fence:
Before testing, make sure you have properly installed your electric fence according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes mounting the insulators and running the wire with connector clamps, specific to your type of fencing wire.
Turn on the Charger:
Start by turning on the charger for your electric fence. This will allow you to test the voltage and ensure that electricity is flowing through the fence as intended. It is important to have the charger on and active during the testing process.
Use a Voltmeter:
A voltmeter is a device used to measure electric potential difference, or voltage, between two points in a circuit. Obtain a voltmeter suitable for measuring the voltage range of your electric fence. You can purchase or rent one from hardware stores or electrical supply shops. Make sure it is calibrated and functioning correctly.
Test the Voltage:
With the charger on, carefully use the voltmeter to measure the voltage at different points along the electric fence lines. Compare the readings to the expected voltage range for your fence, which should be between 6000 and 10,000 volts, unconnected. Write down the voltage measurements and note any significant deviations or drops in voltage.
Identify Potential Issues:
If you notice a voltage drop of more than 2000 volts, it could indicate a short circuit or interference in the fence. Carefully inspect the fence for any signs of damage, loose connections, or obstructions that might be causing the issue. Ensure that the insulators are properly installed and functioning, as voltage leaks can occur if electricity escapes from the wires and into the posts.
Compare with Daily Checks:
It is important to regularly test and compare the voltage readings. Schedule daily checks of the current to prevent signal problems and make corrections as necessary. Keep a record of the daily voltage measurements and compare them to the initial reading you took after turning on the charger. This will help you identify any gradual voltage drops or inconsistencies that may indicate a developing issue with your electric fence.
By following these steps and testing your electric fence with a voltmeter, you can ensure that it is functioning correctly and safely. This process helps maintain the effectiveness of the fence and allows you to identify and address any potential issues promptly. Always prioritize your safety when working with electric fencing and refer to manufacturer guidelines and expert advice when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Check for underground utilities and power lines. If you have a contractor, they will check with the city. If you’re doing the job yourself, call Dig Safe before you start.
For the system to work properly, the wire must make a continuous loop so that the signal is transmitted from one terminal of the transmitter through the wire and back to the other terminal. Use rust-resistant landscaping staples like High Tech Pet Boundary Wire Staples every few feet to anchor the wire in place.
Use a good quality copper wire, properly insulated. The insulation for most "lead out wires" is insufficient for useful electric fence voltages.
The charger can be placed anywhere convenient but not too near the gate as it could get in the way. Use a voltmeter to test the lines to ensure the electricity flows through the entire fence. Write down the voltage and keep the number on hand to compare to daily checks of the current.
