Molly Ayala
Electric fences are a handy, non-lethal tool to keep unwanted critters out of your garden. They are simple to erect and maintain, and can be completed within a few hours. Before you start, it is important to measure the perimeter of your garden and gather the necessary parts. The rudimentary parts of an electric fence include the charger, power source, ground source, wire, fence posts, and possibly insulators. The type of charger and power source depends on the area you need to cover. For instance, a solar-powered energizer is located inside a building and does not use batteries, while a dry battery-powered energizer is suitable for a fence that is moved frequently. Once you have the necessary parts, you can start by setting up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. Then, install at least one grounding post and run a grounding wire from the charger to all of the grounding posts. Finally, wind the wire around a post and carefully unwind the electrical wire to the next post.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a barrier around your garden to deter animals from entering and taking crops |
| Installation | Measure the parameter of the garden, plan to have a foot space between the edge of the garden and any plants, use this measurement to determine how much electrical wire is needed and how many metal stakes are required |
| Materials | Electric fence wire, electric power box, metal stakes, grounding post, plastic hooks, round plastic rings, wire, sledgehammer/pile driver, wire cutter, gloves, energizer, battery |
| Construction | Wind the wire around a post, unwind the electrical wire to the next post, thread the wire between the two prongs of the plastic hook, repeat until back at the starting post, thread the electrical fence wire around the round plastic piece, wrap the two ends of the fence wire together |
| Testing | Use a fence line tester for temporary or portable fencing |
| Safety | Ensure the fence is not touched during an electrical storm, do not stand near the fence during a storm |
| Maintenance | Remove any plants growing along the fence, spray a glyphosate herbicide to reduce plant growth, ensure no vegetation touches the fence |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, measure the perimeter of your garden. This is important to determine how much electrical wire you will need and the approximate number of metal stakes required. Ensure you plan for a foot of space between the edge of the garden and any plants close to the edge.
Next, gather the necessary parts for the electric fence. The rudimentary components include the electric fence wire, a power source such as an electric power box or battery, metal stakes, a grounding post, plastic hooks, plastic rings, a hammer or pile driver, wire cutters, and gloves for safety.
Before installing the fence, decide on the type of energizer or charger you will use. The energizer creates an electric pulse that travels through the fence, and there are various options available, including mains-powered, dry battery-powered, and wet battery-powered energizers. The choice depends on factors such as fence length, vegetation, fencing material, and animal type.
Now, plan the location of the earth terminal or grounding system. This is critical for the electric fence to function correctly. Determine if you need additional earth stakes and how they should be spaced. Remember that electricity flows better in wet conditions than in dry ones, so consider the soil quality.
Finally, prepare the site by removing any plants or vegetation that could grow along the fence and cause a loss of voltage. You may also want to consider spraying a glyphosate herbicide to reduce future plant growth near the fence. Ensure you have a solid understanding of how to use hand tools and basic electrical wiring before proceeding with the installation.
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Choosing the right materials
Wire:
The electric fence wire is a crucial component as it conducts electricity around your garden. When selecting the wire, consider the length and perimeter of your fence. You will need enough wire to run along all the posts and stakes. It is preferable to use polywire, as it is easy to tie and adjust.
Posts and Stakes:
Posts and stakes are necessary to support the wire and provide structure to your electric fence. For larger fences, wooden posts are recommended. If using wooden posts, ensure they have insulated knobs or rings to hook the wire, preventing the electricity from conducting into the ground. For smaller or portable fences, plastic or fibreglass stakes can be used, as they do not ground the wire. Space the stakes about three to five feet apart, adjusting to fit your garden layout.
Power Source and Charger:
The power source and charger are what energize your electric fence. You can choose between a plug-in power source, a battery-operated unit, or a solar charger. The type of charger depends on your power source and the area you need to cover. For a small garden, a battery-operated unit or a solar charger placed in a sunny spot can be sufficient. If using a battery-operated unit, ensure you have the appropriate battery voltage and connectors.
Grounding System:
The grounding system is critical to the functioning of your electric fence. It ensures that the circuit is completed when an animal touches the fence, allowing the electric pulse to travel through their body and into the ground. For a small garden, a single grounding rod pushed a couple of feet into the ground may suffice. However, if you have dry or sandy soil, you might need a more robust grounding system, possibly including additional grounding rods and a negative wire.
Tools and Accessories:
Don't forget the tools and accessories needed for installation and optimal functioning. This includes items like a sledgehammer or pile driver for pounding the grounding rod and stakes into the ground, plastic hooks for attaching the wire to the stakes, corner connectors, wire cutters, gloves for safety, and fencing pliers for cutting and bending wire. Additionally, consider testers to measure current and voltage, helping you detect and correct any issues with your fence.
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Installing the grounding system
The grounding system is critical to the function of your electric fence. It is the earth below that completes the circuit and allows a microshock to be felt. When an animal touches the fence, the circuit is completed, and the electric pulse travels through its body and into the ground, where it is attracted to the grounding rod to ensure the electricity does not go elsewhere.
To install the grounding system, you will need a grounding rod, a grounding post, and a grounding wire. The grounding rod is a metal rod that needs to be placed deep into the ground. The depth will depend on the type of soil you have. For optimal conditions, use moist, quality soil as electricity flows better in these conditions. If you have poor soil, such as light or sandy soil, you will need to use more than one grounding rod. Space the rods 3 meters apart and connect them with a lead-out cable.
The grounding post should be placed near your electric fence charger. Run the grounding wire from the charger to the grounding post(s). The wire should be connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
Once your grounding system is installed, you can test your fence to ensure it is functioning properly.
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Setting up the fence wire
Firstly, measure the perimeter of your garden to determine how much wire you will need. It is recommended to leave a foot of space between the edge of the garden and any nearby plants. This measurement will also help you estimate the number of metal stakes required. Space the stakes about three to five feet apart, adjusting as needed to fit your garden layout.
Next, install the metal stakes around the perimeter of your garden. Place two plastic hooks on each stake, positioning them 4 and 6 inches away from the ground. For corner stakes, use round plastic pieces instead of hooks.
Now, you can begin threading the wire. Start by winding the wire around a corner post. Unwind the wire carefully until you reach the next post. Thread the wire through the prongs of the plastic hooks, repeating this process until you return to the starting post.
Once you reach the beginning again, use a round plastic piece and thread a scrap piece of wire through it. Then, thread the fence wire around this plastic piece. Ensure that the wire is secure and cannot come loose.
Finally, wrap the two ends of the fence wire together, creating a single continuous piece of wire running along the perimeter of your garden. Trim off any excess wire to prevent it from touching anything unintended.
Remember, safety is a priority when working with electric fencing. Consult with experts at your local hardware store if needed, and always be cautious to avoid accidental electrocution.
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Testing and maintenance
Before turning on the electric fence, ensure that there is no vegetation touching the fence. Plants can cause a loss of voltage and short out the circuit. Regularly trim and remove any plants growing near the fence, and consider using a glyphosate herbicide to reduce plant growth.
Test your fence with a tester to ensure it is functioning properly. Testers can measure the current and voltage to indicate if the fence is working as intended and help detect, find, and correct faults. Faults can be caused by various issues, such as loose debris touching the wire, broken insulators, or wires falling and touching the ground.
If your fence is not working, check the grounding system. Poor grounding is the cause of most issues with electric fences. Ensure that your grounding rod is securely in the ground and that the ground is moist, as electricity flows better in wet conditions. If you have dry or sandy soil, you may need additional or longer grounding rods.
For a battery-powered energizer, check the battery to ensure it is functioning and properly connected. If using a dry battery, consider replacing it, as they typically last 4 to 6 months. For a mains-powered energizer, ensure it is connected to a stable power source.
Once your fence is activated, periodically check that the wire is taut and anchored securely to the posts. Ensure that the fence remains clear of any vegetation or debris that may cause faults. Regularly inspect the fence for any signs of damage or wear and make repairs as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fencing is a handy, non-lethal tool to protect your garden from critters and deer. It is also useful for people who own farm livestock or horses, or who need added security.
The rudimentary parts of an electric fence include the charger, power source, ground source, wire, fence posts, and possibly insulators. You will also need a sledgehammer/pile driver, wire cutter, and gloves.
The type of charger depends on your power source and the area you need to cover. For most gardens, smaller units found online or in nurseries are sufficient. For the power source, you can use a plug, battery, or solar charger.
First, measure the perimeter of your garden and plan to have a foot of space between the edge of the garden and any plants. Next, lay out the metal stakes around the perimeter of the garden, spaced about three to five feet apart. Then, wind the wire around a corner post and carefully unwind the electrical wire until the next post. Thread the wire between the two prongs of the plastic hook and repeat this step until you are back at the starting post. Finally, wrap the two ends of the fence wire together.
To maintain your electric fence, ensure that no vegetation is growing along the fence, as this can lead to a loss of voltage. Also, test your fence regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.
