Molly Ayala
Electric dog fences are a great way to keep your dog safe and secure within a designated area. However, wire breaks can sometimes occur, causing the fence to stop working and allowing your dog to escape. To fix a wire break in your electric dog fence, you can either call a professional or attempt a DIY repair. Professional services, such as DogWatch Dealers, have the tools and expertise to quickly locate and repair the break. They can also provide guidance on preventing future disruptions. If you choose to repair the wire yourself, you will need to locate the break and use a splice kit to properly join the wires, ensuring that the connection is secure and can withstand tension. It is recommended to use high-quality, durable wire to reduce the likelihood of future breaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to find a break in the wire | Use an AM radio or a DFNA locator |
| What to do if the break is not visible | Look at potential trouble spots like gardens that have been recently landscaped or areas where critters have been known to dig or chew |
| Tools to locate the break | Handheld tools that scan the area where the wire was placed or underground wire locator tools available on Amazon |
| Repairing the wire | Cut out the damaged area and use a splice kit to repair the wire break; tie one end of the extra wire to one side of the break and ensure the knot is tight |
| Wrapping the wire | Start past the knot and wrap electrical tape in one direction to the end, then fold over the excess tape and wrap it back in the other direction |
| Preventing wire breaks | Opt for a wire with a TUFF coating, such as HDPe (High-Density Polyethylene) with a copper core, which can withstand the sun and other elements |
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What You'll Learn
Locating the wire break
Using a Wire Break Locator Kit:
One effective method to locate the wire break is by using a wire break locator kit. This kit typically includes an AM radio and a mini transmitter. Start by unplugging the transmitter of the underground fence wire. Then, connect one of the alligator clips of the wire break locator transmitter to the underground wire. The other clip needs to be grounded in wet dirt using a screwdriver. Once the transmitter is powered on, it will send a signal through the wire.
Adjusting the AM Radio:
Now, turn on the AM radio that comes with the kit and adjust the volume. You'll want to tune it to the lower AM range, typically starting at 530 kHz, as this range is more sensitive to detecting radio signals from electric dog fences. Ensure that no radio station channel is active on the selected frequency.
Walking the Perimeter:
With the radio and transmitter set up, it's time to walk along the underground wire path. Hold the radio close to the ground surface as you move along the perimeter. Pay attention to the radio signal, as it will pick up on electrical current interference. As you approach the wire break point, you will notice changes in the radio signal. It may switch from two sounds to one, or the sound may get softer and eventually disappear when you reach the break.
Using a Lawn Mower and AM Radio:
Another method involves using a lawn mower and an AM radio. Connect one end of an extra wire to the lawn mower's spark plug, and twist it securely. Then, connect the other end of the wire to the underground dog fence wire. Turn on the lawn mower to a low-frequency static setting. Tune your AM radio to 530 kHz and pass it over the fence line. As you get closer to a break in the wire, the static noise will become louder.
Additional Tips:
It's important to note that wire breaks commonly occur at splices, so it's recommended to start checking those areas first. Additionally, you can use a tone generator to locate the wire break. Tone generators can be purchased from hardware stores and are effective in finding wire breaks.
By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you can successfully locate the wire break in your electric dog fence and proceed with the necessary repairs. Remember to take your time and be thorough in your inspections for the best results.
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$15.95
Using a DFNA locator or tone generator
If you are looking to fix a wire break in your electric dog fence, you can use a DFNA locator or a tone generator. The former is a relatively inexpensive and effective method of locating breaks in your underground wire. The DFNA locator from Dog Fence of North America can help you track and locate breaks in underground wire out to 1000 feet and 3 feet deep. It can be purchased at www.invincibleservices.com.
The tone generator and probe method is another popular way to locate wire breaks. You can purchase a tone generator at Home Depot. To use it, connect one side to the wire and take a nail or something metal and stick it into the ground to use as a ground rod, and connect the other side to that. If possible, set the tone generator to warble instead of a straight tone.
You can also use a radio to locate wire breaks. Disconnect your transmitter completely, and take a thin wire (AWG 18 or similar) and wrap it around the spark plug wire of your lawnmower. You should be able to detect this signal in the lower AM range. When tuned to the right frequency, you will hear the signal as you pass the radio over the ground.
Another way to verify that there is a break is to use an ohmmeter and check the resistance on the disconnected wires. If there is no resistance, the wires are continuous, and there is not a break, meaning you may have a problem with the transmitter itself.
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Repairing the wire with a splice kit
If your dog fence wire breaks, your dog can escape, so it is important to repair it. Firstly, locate the break in the wire. If your wire is buried, this may be difficult. You can use an AM radio to help you find it.
Once you have located the break, you can repair it with a splice kit. First, tie one end of the extra wire from the splice kit to one side of the break. Ensure the knot is tight so that tension on the wire won't pull apart the splice. Then, grab an orange wire nut from the splice kit and twist it on until it is snug. Next, take the blue gel capsule, open it, and push the wire nut inside, ensuring no copper wire is exposed. Close the capsule, then spread the wires to either side of it. Now, do the same to the other side. Tie the loose end of the extra wire to the perimeter wire, and cut the wires to the same length if necessary. Strip each wire by half an inch, then twist them together. Screw on the wire nut, place the wires inside the gel cap, and seal it.
This repair method will ensure the splice stays together, even if there is tension on either side of the wire, so the connection won't break.
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Using electrical tape to wrap wire joints
If you're repairing an electric dog fence, it's important to use a proper splice kit to repair wire breaks. This is because simply attaching two broken wires together will cause any tension on either of the wires to pull apart the splice.
However, if you're looking to use electrical tape to wrap wire joints, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand that electrical tape is not a substitute for proper wire splicing or repairing techniques. Electrical tape can be used as a temporary solution to prevent a short circuit or to protect the wire from moisture and corrosion.
When using electrical tape to wrap wire joints, it's important to follow these steps:
- Ensure that the wire joint is clean and free of any debris or corrosion. Use a sharp knife to carefully scrape away any residue or corrosion on the wire.
- Cut a piece of electrical tape that is long enough to wrap around the wire joint securely. The tape should be slightly longer than the circumference of the wire joint to ensure full coverage.
- Wrap the electrical tape tightly around the wire joint, ensuring that there are no gaps or overlaps. The tape should be smooth and even, with no air bubbles or creases.
- Check that the electrical tape is secure and will not unravel or peel away. If necessary, use a small amount of adhesive or glue to ensure that the tape stays in place.
- Test the wire joint by gently pulling on either side of the splice. The electrical tape should hold the wires together, and there should be no movement or separation of the wires.
It's important to note that electrical tape is not a permanent solution and may degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, moisture, or temperature changes. Therefore, it should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary. Additionally, it's recommended to use plastic tubing designed for electrical wiring, as it provides better insulation and protection against shorts.
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Calling a local DogWatch dealer
DogWatch dealers are people that live in your community or close by, and they know dogs and their hidden fence systems inside and out. They provide on-site training for you and your dog, guiding you through their PetFriendly™ training techniques to guarantee your dog's success and safety. Their hidden dog fences are built to last, and they offer a Lifetime Equipment Warranty on all their outdoor containment products.
When you choose DogWatch, you get the world's best pet containment and training products, Pet Friendly™ solutions, and outstanding customer service. Plus, you help support a local business! You can find a local DogWatch dealer by visiting their website or giving them a call. They also offer an email newsletter featuring the latest pet safety guides, dog training tips, and special offers from DogWatch.
If you're in the Louisville area, you can contact DogWatch of Louisville, an authorized DogWatch Hidden Fence Dealer. They are locally owned and operated and take pride in providing safety and peace of mind to their customers and their pets. You can call them at 502-376-2589 or email them at [email protected].
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Frequently asked questions
If your fence's control panel is beeping, it likely has a wire break. You can use an AM radio or a DFNA locator to find the break. If the break is not immediately visible, check areas where critters have been known to dig or chew. You can also purchase an underground wire locator tool on Amazon.
You can repair the break using a splice kit. First, cut out the damaged area. Then, tie one end of an extra piece of wire to one side of the break, ensuring that the knot is tight. Wrap electrical tape around the newly made joint, going a little past the knot.
To prevent wire breaks, use a high-quality wire that is TUFF-coated and has a strong core. This will help to maintain the integrity of the signal.
