Beatrice Lang
Electric fencing is a simple and effective way to divide sections of land. It is a psychological barrier that keeps animals in or out of an area. To divide sections with electric fencing, you need to plan your layout, select the appropriate wire and charger, install posts and wires, and ensure proper grounding. The number of wires, their spacing, and the voltage required will depend on the type of animal you want to control. For example, to contain deer, you may need up to 8 strands of wire spaced every foot to create an 8-foot fence. Portable electric fences are also an option for creating temporary cross-fences within a permanent electric fence grid, allowing for daily pasture rotation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keeping livestock contained, or wild animals and intruders out of a yard |
| Effectiveness | Humane and effective, acting as a psychological barrier for animals |
| Installation | Simple to install and maintain |
| Layout | Consider the number of animals, the spacing and number of wires, the length of each run, height and number of wires |
| Brace corners | 1 brace at ends and corners with 6 or fewer lines, 7 or more lines require a double brace |
| Fence posts | Wood posts are durable but degrade over time, metal posts are easy to set up but expensive |
| Charger | Solar chargers require sunlight but no electric outlet, select a charger rated by joules |
| Wire | Electric fence tape, or straight wire of various thicknesses, tape is the easiest to see and less dangerous |
| Grounding posts | At least 1 post that is 6 feet or longer, place 1 near the charger and another 10-20 feet from the first post |
| Grounding wire | Extends from the ground terminal of the charger to all grounding posts |
| Temporary portable electric fences | Can be used within a permanent electric fence grid to create pasture subdivisions for daily pasture rotation |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your layout
Purpose and Enclosure Size:
Determine the purpose of your electric fence, whether it is to contain livestock, deter specific wild animals, or provide security for your yard or garden. The type of animal you aim to control or deter will influence the size of the enclosure and the spacing of the wires. Measure the plot of land you intend to enclose carefully, and decide on the appropriate height, length, and number of wires necessary.
Number of Sections and Brace Corners:
Consider how many sections or zones you want to create within your electric fence. Each section can be powered by a single charger, and you can adjust the voltage as needed. Additionally, plan for the number of brace corners you'll require. Each corner will need to be braced with a corner piece, and a double brace is necessary if you have seven or more lines.
Fence Material and Visibility:
Select the appropriate material for your electric fence, such as electric fence tape, straight wire of varying thicknesses, polywire, or polytape. For deterring deer, consider using multiple strands of wire spaced closely together to create an effective barrier. Ensure that your fence is highly visible by using tape, coated wire, or flagging the fence with colourful tape, especially if using steel wire.
Grounding System:
Install an effective grounding system by setting up grounding posts and connecting them with a grounding wire. Place at least one 6-foot grounding post near the charger and another one 10 to 20 feet away from the first post. The wire should extend from the ground terminal of the charger to all the grounding posts. Check the voltage with a digital voltmeter, and add more ground rods if the reading exceeds 300 volts.
Charger Selection and Placement:
Choose a charger that is rated by joules rather than foot or mile power ratings. A higher joule rating ensures a more consistent electrical current. Place the charger in a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet or an area with ample sunlight if using a solar charger. Hang the charger on a post or wall of an outbuilding, and ensure it is protected and not turned on until the fence installation is complete.
By carefully planning your layout and considering these key aspects, you can effectively install an electric fence that meets your specific needs.
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Selecting the right wire
Type of Wire
Electric fencing can be installed using electric fence tape or straight wire in various thicknesses. Tape is generally easier to see and is considered safer than straight wire. Poly tape, braid, and rope are commonly used and effective for most applications. Coated wire is also easy to see and install. For horses or deer fencing, avoid using half-inch tape as it may not be substantial enough. Instead, opt for 1.5- or 2-inch poly tape.
Number of Wires
The number of wires you need depends on the type of animals you aim to contain or deter. For example, to effectively deter deer, you may need up to 8 strands of wire spaced every foot, creating an 8-foot-tall fence with a backward angle toward their habitat. For calves, 4 strands of wire may be sufficient.
Wire Spacing
Space your wires according to the type of animal you intend to control. For grazing animals, ensure that the hot wires touch them at the chest and/or nose and the back of the neck. This spacing will influence the overall effectiveness of the fence in containing or deterring specific animals.
Wire Material
The material of the wire depends on the type of fence, whether temporary or permanent. Most temporary fences use small-gauge (14 to 17 gauge) steel wire, polywire, or polytape. Permanent electric fences typically use high-tensile smooth wire (12.5 gauge) or heavy-duty polytape or polyrope, especially for horses.
Insulation
Ensure that you use insulated cable specifically designed for electric fencing. Proper insulation is crucial for the safe and effective operation of your electric fence. Insulate the wires at each post, and never run the wire underground, even in PVC piping.
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Choosing the right charger
The charger is the heart of an electric fence system, providing the power to deter animals and protect your property. Here are some key considerations for choosing the right charger for your electric fence:
Power Source
The power source for your electric fence charger will depend on the proximity of your fence to a power outlet and the availability of power. The most reliable power source is AC power, which provides greater energy output and is suitable for future expansion. If you have access to a 110- or 220-volt service, AC plug-in chargers are a convenient and economical choice, as they eliminate the need for battery or solar panel maintenance.
However, if your fence is in a remote location without access to AC power, DC or solar-powered chargers are excellent alternatives. DC-powered chargers use batteries, which may need to be recharged or replaced, while solar-powered chargers recharge connected batteries using solar energy.
Length of Fence
The longer your fence line, the larger the charger you will need to maintain adequate voltage along the entire length. Most chargers come with a ""miles" rating to help you select the appropriate size.
Number of Wires and Type of Fence Line
The number of wires and the type of fence line will impact the electrical resistance and power draw. Steel wire creates less resistance than polywire, rope, or tape, which draw more power. For multi-wire fences, you can calculate the required charger by dividing the charger's distance rating by the number of strands.
Type and Number of Animals
The type and number of animals you aim to contain or exclude will influence the power requirements of your fence charger. Determined animals like bulls or stallions will require a more powerful controller. Additionally, certain chargers are better suited for specific types of animals, such as solid-state fence chargers for controlling shorthaired livestock, small animals, and pets.
Weed Conditions
Weeds and undergrowth touching the fence line can drain energy, reducing voltage and requiring a stronger charger. Low-impedance fence controllers are recommended in such cases as they can maintain high energy even as power is drawn by weeds.
Area to Enclose
Consider the possibility of expanding the enclosed area, which may require a more powerful fence controller to accommodate a larger perimeter.
Joules
The number of joules a fence charger delivers is crucial, as it determines the strength of the shock provided to any animal that touches the fence. The required number of joules will depend on factors such as the size of your property, the type of animals, and the type of fence.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right electric fence charger to meet your specific needs, ensuring the successful containment or exclusion of animals.
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Grounding posts
The grounding posts should be made of the right metal. Copper or galvanized metal ground rods are recommended, with a minimum length of 4 feet. Longer rods are better. The wrong metals, such as simple pipes or rebar, will corrode after a few years and cause the system to fail. It is also important not to mix metals when installing or clamping ground rods, as this will trigger electrolysis and corrode the connections.
When installing grounding posts, it is recommended to have a minimum of three ground rods spaced at least 10 feet apart. Dig a hole with a fence post digger and keep the soil inside the hole moist to help drive the rod. The rods should be driven until they are flush with the soil. In dry or sandy soil, more ground rods may be needed, as moisture is required for energy to move to the fence.
The ground rods should be connected to each other and the fence charger using ground rod clamps and galvanized wire or insulated cable. The insulated cable should be rated for a minimum of 20,000 volts. It is important to periodically check the voltage of the electric fence, especially during extremely wet or dry weather, to ensure adequate grounding.
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Installing the fence
To install an electric fence, you should first plan your layout. Consider the size of the area you need to enclose, the number of animals you need to contain or keep out, and the height and length of the fence. You will also need to decide on the number of brace corners and fence posts you will need. Wood posts are durable and effective, but they degrade over time, while metal posts are more expensive but easier to set up.
Next, select a charger for your fence. Solar-powered chargers are a good option as they do not need an electric outlet, but they do require plenty of sunlight. Install the charger under cover, several feet off the ground, and facing south if you are in the northern hemisphere.
Once you have your charger, put in your grounding posts. You will need at least one grounding post that is 6 feet long or longer, placed near the charger. Use a post-hole digger or slammer to set the grounding post, leaving at least 2 inches of the post above the ground. Attach a grounding wire, extending from the ground terminal of the charger to all the grounding posts.
Now, install your fence posts and wires. The number of wires and the spacing between them will depend on the type of animal you want to control. For example, to contain deer, you will need 8 strands of wire spaced every foot, creating a fence that is 8 feet tall. Gates require extra care to run voltage from one side to the other, so be sure to use insulated cable for this.
Finally, connect the fence to the charger. Before doing so, turn on the charger and check the voltage with a digital voltmeter. It should read 5,000 volts or more. After connecting the fence, check the voltage again. If the voltage drops by more than 2,000 volts, there may be a problem with the fence or the charger may not be powerful enough.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either branch the second wire from the energizer or before it reaches the deer fence. Alternatively, you can start a second strand at the energizer, attaching two strands directly to it.
Look for a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet to install an electric charger, or an area that receives ample sunlight for a solar charger. Hang the charger on a post or wall of an outbuilding for protection.
Electric fencing can be installed with electric fence tape or straight wire of varying thicknesses. Tape is the easiest to see and is safer than wire. Poly tape, braid, and rope are effective for most purposes.
Portable electric fences are a great way to create cross-fences in permanent electric fence corridors to divide your pasture. They are simple and easy to set up and can be powered by drawing electricity from the permanent electric fence grid.
If you are using pre-assembled panels, divide the linear footage of fencing by the panel length in feet. The remaining footage will require a partial panel. Add two to the number of panels to get the number of posts needed.
