Molly Ayala
Electric fences are an effective way to contain livestock and keep predators at bay. However, they can be unreliable if not properly grounded or earthed. The earthing system refers to the metal stakes placed in the ground near the energizer, which is the device that delivers an electric shock when an animal touches the fence. To ensure the fence functions properly, it is crucial to have sufficient earthing or grounding, as this allows the electrical current to pass through the animal's body and complete the circuit. This process is influenced by various factors, including soil moisture, weather conditions, and the number and type of earth rods or stakes used. Regular maintenance and voltage checks are essential to guarantee the fence's effectiveness and safety for both animals and people.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of earthing
Electric fences work on the principle of simple electronics. For a good flow of live positive energy, there needs to be a good path to the negative earth. The earthing system refers to the galvanized metal stakes that are placed in the earth near the energizer. The number of earth stakes depends on the power of the energizer and the soil type. The energizer's earthing system must be as conductive as possible for the fence to give an animal an effective shock.
The number of earth rods is determined by the size of the fence unit and the soil type. The cable is connected to the earth rods by a clamp and then continues until it joins the green terminal on the fence unit. The earth system requires moisture to function effectively. Therefore, it is best placed in a wet area or irrigated regularly.
The impact of the sun and its heat on electric fencing can be significant, especially during dry spells. The lack of moisture in the soil can cause the earthing of your fence to be less effective. It is important to check and maintain your electric fence regularly, including checking the earthing system, ensuring the wires are properly tensioned, and keeping the vegetation around the fence clear.
If your earthing doesn't work properly, you can increase the number of earth rods until your earthing has the correct voltage.
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How to test earthing
Testing the earthing of an electric fence is important to ensure it is functioning properly and to prevent livestock from escaping. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test the earthing of an electric fence:
Firstly, it is important to use the correct equipment. A voltmeter, also known as a voltage tester, is the most reliable tool for testing an electric fence. You can purchase a voltmeter from most home improvement stores for around $20 to $50. Alternatively, you can use a non-contact voltmeter, which does not require touching the fence wires. These can be purchased for around $20 to $30.
Secondly, identify the ground wires of the fence by referring to the fence manual. If there are two or more wires, one of them is likely the ground wire. If there is no ground wire, you can skip this step and proceed to the next one.
Next, stand near the part of the fence that is farthest from the fence charger. The charger, usually a small box, provides electricity to the fence. By checking the voltage at the farthest point, you can ensure that the proper voltage is running through the entire fence.
Now, you can begin to use the voltmeter. Hold the plastic part of the voltmeter's probe and use the metal tip to touch the ground wire. If you are using a non-contact voltmeter, turn it on and point the blinking tip towards the fence. If the voltmeter does not light up or beep, slowly move closer to the fence.
If you are using a standard voltmeter, keep the metal tip of the probe to the ground wire and, at the same time, hold the metal prong on the end of the voltmeter to a charged wire. If the fence has the correct voltage, the voltmeter should indicate a charge.
If the fence is not functioning properly, there are several potential issues to consider. Firstly, check for a power outage. Electric fences need energy to work, so a power outage can cause the fence to stop functioning. Secondly, consider the weather conditions. Heavy snow or rain can cause the fence to lose voltage. Thirdly, check for faulty grounding, as this is a common cause of electric fence malfunctions. Finally, inspect the fence for vegetation touching the line, as this can drain voltage from the fence.
It is recommended to test your electric fence at least once a year, especially during dry periods, to ensure the grounding capacity is sufficient.
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How to improve earthing
To improve the earthing of an electric fence, it is important to ensure that the fence is working properly and providing the necessary protection. Regularly checking and maintaining your electric fence is crucial. This includes inspecting the earthing system, ensuring proper tension on the wires, and clearing vegetation around the fence.
The effectiveness of earthing in electric fencing is significantly influenced by the sun's heat, especially during dry spells. Lack of moisture in the soil can reduce the earthing system's efficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to place the earthing system near a water source, such as a drain, creek, or irrigation dam. If the summer dry affects your earthing system, you can also irrigate the area to maintain moisture.
The number of earth rods or stakes required depends on the size of the fence unit and the type of soil. Generally, high-powered energizers need more earth stakes than low-powered ones, and dry, sandy, rocky, or frozen soil requires more stakes than wet soil. As a rule of thumb, use at least three earth stakes or calculate the Energizer Stored Joules rating divided by five. You can also refer to the directions provided with your electric fence energiser, as some may specify the required number of earth rods based on the energiser's output.
If your earthing system is not functioning optimally, you can increase the number of earth rods until you achieve the correct voltage, which should be less than 300 Volts. Regularly performing the Gallagher Check, which involves inspecting and maintaining your electric fence, can help extend its life.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using mild steel for grounding an electric fence as it corrodes quickly when placed in the soil. Instead, consider using materials such as galvanized steel, copper clad-steel, or copper for ground rods, wires, and clamps.
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The impact of weather on earthing
Weather conditions can significantly impact the effectiveness of earthing for electric fence units. Dry weather, for instance, can cause the soil to lose moisture, reducing the conductivity of the earthing system and making it less effective. This problem can be exacerbated if the soil type is already dry, sandy, rocky, or frozen, as these soil types generally require more earth stakes to achieve the same level of conductivity as wetter soils.
To mitigate the impact of dry weather, it is recommended to place the earth system near a water source such as a drain, creek, or irrigation dam. Alternatively, irrigating the area around the earth system can help keep it moist. Increasing the number of earth rods or stakes can also improve conductivity and compensate for the lack of moisture in the soil.
On the other hand, wet weather can positively impact earthing for electric fence units. Placing the earth system in a wet area or near a water source can enhance its effectiveness. The moisture in the soil improves conductivity, ensuring the system operates optimally.
Additionally, weather conditions can affect the maintenance and safety of electric fence units. Regular maintenance, such as checking the earthing system and clearing vegetation, is important, especially during dry periods when there is a higher risk of fires. It is also crucial to consider weather conditions when working with electric fence units to avoid accidents. For example, using indoor grounding products during a thunderstorm poses an electrocution risk if there is a lightning strike.
Overall, understanding the impact of weather on earthing for electric fence units is crucial for maintaining an effective and safe fence system. By considering moisture levels in the soil, adjusting the number of earth rods or stakes, and placing the system strategically, you can optimize the conductivity of the earthing system and ensure its proper functioning, regardless of the weather conditions.
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Materials for earthing
Earth Rods
Earth rods, also known as earth stakes or ground stakes, are metal rods that are driven into the soil. They are typically made from galvanised steel or iron and provide excellent conductivity. The number of earth rods required depends on the size of the fence unit, the power of the energiser, and the soil type. For dry, sandy, rocky, or frozen soil, more earth rods are needed than in wet soil. As a rule of thumb, use at least three earth rods or the Energizer Stored Joules rating divided by five. The rods should be spaced three metres apart and joined together with cable.
Underground Insulated Cable
Insulated cable is essential for protecting the underground cable from rust, deterioration, and electrical interference. It connects the earth rods to each other and to the energiser's earth terminal, typically the green terminal. The cable should be laid in an area with sufficient moisture and away from animal traffic to ensure its longevity.
Clamps
Clamps are used to connect the cable to the earth rods, ensuring a secure and conductive join.
Earthing Mix
A mixture of salt and absorbent clay can be used to improve earthing by retaining moisture and increasing the conductivity of the surrounding soil. This is especially useful in dry conditions.
Fence Tester
A fence tester, or voltmeter, is used to test the voltage on the last earth stake. If the voltage is higher than 0.3kV, another earth stake should be added. Regular testing ensures that the electric fence is functioning properly and providing the necessary protection for livestock.
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Frequently asked questions
The earthing system refers to the galvanized metal stakes that are placed in the earth near the energizer. The metal stakes in the ground are part of the circuit that is completed when an animal touches the wire, allowing the animal to get a shock.
The number of earth rods you need depends on the size of the fence unit and the soil type. You may need anywhere from 3 to 15 rods, spaced 3 metres apart and joined by cable. If your fence is not working properly, you can try increasing the number of earth rods until you have the correct voltage.
To test if your electric fence is working, you can touch it with your hand. To reduce the zap of electricity, you can lift one foot off the floor. You can also use a voltmeter to test the voltage. If you measure more than 300 volts, your fence is not working properly, and you should install more earth rods.
