Wiktor Wise
Electric dog fences are a great way to keep your dog safe and secure, but what happens when the wire breaks? The wire is a key component of a dog fence, and when it breaks, your dog can escape and be in danger. There are a few ways to fix a break in the wire, and it's important to act quickly to ensure your dog's safety. One way is to call your local dog fence dealer, who can locate and repair the break. If you're handy, you can also try to repair the wire yourself using a splice kit or electrical tape. To prevent wire breaks, it's important to choose a high-quality wire that can withstand the elements and any outside forces, such as weather, landscaping, and small burrowing animals.
How to fix a cut electric dog fence
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to fix | If you hear an alarm coming from your DogWatch transmitter, indicating a break in the boundary wire |
| What to do first | Turn off or unplug the transmitter to stop the alarm |
| Locating the break | If the break is not immediately visible, look at potential trouble spots like gardens that have been recently landscaped or areas where critters have been known to dig or chew. You can also use underground wire locator tools available on Amazon |
| Fixing the break | Use a proper splice kit to repair the wire break. Tie one end of the extra wire to one side of the break, ensuring the knot is tight. Then, wrap electrical tape around the joint, going a little past the knot and wrapping in one direction to the end |
| Prevention | Use a high-quality wire that can withstand natural elements. The Dog Line recommends a wire with a TUFF coating and a 7-strand copper core, which has a 20-year UV rating |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the break: Check for visible breaks or use a wire locator tool
If your electric dog fence is cut or broken, your dog can escape, so it's important to fix it as soon as possible. The first step is to identify the break. If the break is visible above the ground, you're in luck—simply splice the wire back together using electrical tape or a proper splice kit. Make sure to leave some slack in the wire in case another break occurs in the future.
However, if the break is not immediately visible, you'll need to do some investigating. Start by looking at potential trouble spots, such as areas that have been recently landscaped or dug up, or places where small animals have been known to chew on things. If you still can't find the break, it's time to break out the tools. Underground wire locator tools, available on Amazon, can help you scan the area and pinpoint the exact location of the break.
Another way to identify a break is to pay attention to alarms or notifications. If you have a DogWatch system, for example, you may hear an alarm coming from the transmitter, indicating a break in the boundary wire. Newer systems like the DogWatch SmartFence will even send you a text message, email alert, or push notification if the wire is broken, making it easier to know if you have a problem.
Once you've identified the break, it's time to move on to fixing it. If you're not confident in your ability to repair the wire yourself, it's best to call in a professional. Your local DogWatch Dealer, for example, will have the tools and knowledge to locate and repair the break quickly and thoroughly. However, if you're feeling adventurous and have some experience with electronics, read on for some tips on how to fix the break yourself.
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Use a proper splice kit: Don't just attach broken wires
When repairing a break in an electric dog fence, it is important to use a proper splice kit. Simply attaching the two broken wires together is not recommended, as any tension on either of the wires can cause the splice to pull apart.
To begin the repair process, cut out any damaged areas of the wire. Then, obtain an extra piece of wire and tie one end of it to one side of the break, ensuring that the knot is tight to withstand tension on the wire. Next, grab an orange wire nut from the splice kit and twist it on until it is snug. Open the blue gel capsule and insert the wire nut, being careful not to expose any copper wire. Close the capsule and spread the wires to either side.
Now, repeat the process on the other side of the wire break. Tie the loose end of the extra wire to the perimeter wire, cutting the wires to match in length if necessary. Strip each wire by about half an inch, then twist the wires together. Screw on a wire nut and place the wires inside the gel cap. Finally, seal the gel cap, and your repair is complete.
Using a proper splice kit ensures that the connection between the wires remains secure, even under tension, preventing your dog from escaping due to a faulty fence.
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Strip and twist exposed copper strands
Using a wire stripper or pliers, gently crimp around the HDPE coating of the wires you are connecting and carefully strip off the housing. If you break a couple of strands of the 7-strand copper core, don't worry. However, if you break more than 2 or 3 strands, it is recommended to start again as it may take some practice. Strip off about an inch or a couple of centimetres of insulation on each end. This may be challenging due to the high-density polyethylene coating's sturdy nature.
Now, twist the exposed copper strands on each wire for a neater appearance. Expose the copper cores of the two wires you are joining together, overlap them, and perform a butterfly twist. You can use pliers to tighten the twist and cut off any loose ends for a tidier finish.
The HDPe High-Density Polyethylene coating on the dog fence wire is designed to withstand the sun and elements, making it suitable for above-ground installation.
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Wrap the joint with electrical tape
Wrapping the joint with electrical tape is a crucial step in repairing an electric dog fence. This process ensures that the fence is properly insulated and protected from the elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to wrap the joint with electrical tape:
Before beginning the wrapping process, it is essential to have the right tools and materials. Make sure you have high-quality electrical or PVC insulation tape specifically designed for insulating wires. This tape is usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and provides excellent insulation and protection against moisture. It is also flexible and easy to work with. You can find this type of tape at most hardware stores or electrical supply shops.
When you are ready to start wrapping, begin by locating the joint that connects the two broken ends of the electric dog fence wire. This joint is typically created by twisting the exposed copper strands of the wires together, either through a butterfly twist or another secure method. Ensure that this connection is secure and that there are no loose strands of copper that could compromise the integrity of the fence's electrical current.
Once you have confirmed that the joint is secure, take the electrical tape and start wrapping just past the knot or twist that connects the two wires. It is important to wrap in one direction, moving away from the knot or twist. Continue wrapping smoothly and tightly until you reach the end of the exposed wires. It is generally recommended to extend the tape slightly beyond the end of the wire to ensure full coverage.
At this point, you can fold over the excess tape and start wrapping back towards the knot or twist. This ensures that the entire joint is covered, providing an extra layer of protection and insulation. Finally, seal off the tape by pressing it down firmly. This will help prevent moisture ingress and ensure that the tape does not unravel over time due to weather conditions or animal interference.
By following these steps, you will effectively wrap the joint with electrical tape, creating a secure and insulated connection between the two broken ends of the electric dog fence wire. This repair method will help restore the functionality of your electric dog fence and ensure your dog's safety within the designated area.
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Prevent future breaks: Choose a high-quality wire
When it comes to choosing a wire for your electric dog fence, opting for a high-quality wire is crucial to prevent future breaks and ensure the safety of your furry friend. Here are some key considerations:
Choose a Durable Wire: Select a wire that is designed to withstand the elements, such as a wire with a tough coating like HDPe (High-Density Polyethylene). This type of coating protects the wire from the sun and other environmental factors, reducing the likelihood of breakage.
Consider a Higher Gauge: Opt for a wire with a higher gauge number, such as 14-gauge wire. Higher gauge wires are thicker and more durable than lower gauge wires, making them less prone to breaks.
Avoid Thin and Flimsy Wires: Thin and flimsy wires may be cheaper, but they are more susceptible to damage and breaks. Investing in a high-quality, thicker wire will save you the hassle of frequently repairing your fence and ensure the safety of your dog.
Check the Core: Look for a wire with a strong core, such as a 7-strand copper core. This adds strength to the wire and improves its overall durability.
UV Stabilization: If your wire will be exposed to sunlight, ensure it has UV stabilization to prevent breakdown due to prolonged sun exposure. Some wires, like those with HDPe coating, offer a higher UV rating, ensuring they can withstand prolonged UV exposure.
By considering these factors and choosing a high-quality wire, you can prevent future breaks in your electric dog fence, creating a safer and more secure environment for your beloved pet.
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Frequently asked questions
If the wire is cut or breaks, your dog can escape and be in danger. You will need to locate the break in the wire and fix it. If you are unable to find the break, there are underground wire locator tools available to purchase online.
Some wire breaks may be visible above the ground. If the break is not immediately obvious, check areas that have been landscaped recently or places where small animals have been known to dig or chew.
You can attempt to repair the wire yourself if you have experience working with electronics. You will need a wire that is TUFF and can withstand the elements. You can also use a proper splice kit to repair the wire break.
First, tie one end of the extra wire to one side of the break. Make sure the knot is tight. Then, strip off the housing and an inch or a couple of centimetres of insulation on each end. Twist the exposed copper strands on each wire. Overlap and butterfly twist the exposed copper wires, and use pliers to tighten the twist.
Contact your local DogWatch Dealer. They have the tools, supplies, and knowledge to locate and repair the wire break.
