Trystan Casey
Electric fencing is a simple and effective way to keep livestock contained and wild animals out of your yard. Ribbon fencing is a popular option for those wanting a psychological barrier, as it is highly visible and acts as a deterrent. Setting up an electric fence requires careful planning and preparation. You will need to decide on the length and height of your fence, as well as the number of wires or ribbons required. The number of brace corners, fence posts, and chargers are also important considerations. This guide will take you through the process of installing an electric ribbon fence, step by step.
How to hook up ribbon electric fence
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Consider the size of the enclosure, the number of animals to be controlled, the spacing and number of wires, and the appropriate height for the fence. |
| Materials | Electric fence tape, straight wire, poly tape, braid, rope, coated wire, fence posts, grounding rods, charger, insulators, brace corners, cement footings or anchors, bolts, clamps, crimps, side cutters/scissors/knife, ratcheting tool |
| Installation | Install corner, end, and gate posts, followed by line posts. Run a guide wire between the corner posts for the line posts. String the wire along the fence, outside the corner posts, and connect with a rope clamp. Repeat for all strands. Install line post insulators and attach the electric rope fence using the insulators. |
| Maintenance | Adjust the tension seasonally as steel contracts and expands with temperature changes. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your layout
Planning the layout of your electric ribbon fence is a crucial step in ensuring a successful installation. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you plan effectively:
Firstly, carefully consider the purpose of your fence. Are you trying to contain livestock, or are you aiming to keep wild animals and intruders out? This will impact the design and layout of your fence. For example, if you need to enclose a pasture for livestock, you'll want to ensure the fence is high enough that the animals cannot jump over it.
Next, take measurements of the area you plan to fence off. This will help you determine the required length of ribbon and the number of posts needed. Measure the perimeter of the area and decide on the appropriate height for your fence. The height will depend on the purpose of the fence and any specific requirements, such as the type of animals you are trying to contain or deter.
After determining the size and height of your fence, you can decide on the number and spacing of your posts. For a ribbon electric fence, you can space your posts up to 30 feet apart on flat ground. However, if the ground is uneven or the soil is soft, you should decrease the distance between posts. Don't make the common mistake of installing posts too frequently, as this will not necessarily result in a stronger fence. Instead, if you plan to install posts farther apart, you can use stays along the wires to maintain even spacing and create greater stability.
When it comes to the corners and gates of your fence, each corner will need to be braced with a corner piece. If you have six or fewer lines, one brace will suffice. However, if you have seven or more lines, you will need to use a double brace for added support.
Finally, consider the type of posts you want to use. Wood posts are durable and effective but tend to degrade over time. Metal posts are easy to set in the ground but may be more expensive. Alternatively, you can use fiberglass or composite posts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
By following these planning steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully installing your ribbon electric fence.
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Selecting the right materials
Fence Posts:
Fence posts form the structure of your electric ribbon fence. They can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, fiberglass, or composite. Wood posts are durable and cost-effective, but they may degrade over time. Metal posts, on the other hand, are easy to set in the ground but tend to be more expensive. The spacing between posts depends on the terrain; on flat ground, posts can be spaced up to 30 feet apart, but this distance should be decreased on uneven ground or soft soil.
Insulators:
Insulators are essential for keeping the electric current in the ribbon and away from the fence posts. When installing your fence, make sure to use suitable insulators, such as corner collar insulators and heavy-duty lag-corner insulators, at the appropriate points.
Electric Ribbon:
The electric ribbon, or tape, is the conductive element of your fence. It needs to be highly visible, especially if you aim to deter animals. Poly tape, braid, or rope in widths of 1.5 or 2 inches are effective choices. Coated wire is also an option, providing good visibility and ease of installation. Avoid using half-inch tape for substantial fences, especially if you intend to contain larger animals like horses or keep out deer.
Joiners and Connectors:
To join sections of your electric ribbon or repair breaks, you'll need suitable joiners like connection bolts, crimps, or clamps. These joiners are designed to reduce arcing and sparking, improving the power and effectiveness of your fence. For temporary fencing, bolts and clamps are good options, while crimps are ideal for long-term, secure connections.
Charger:
A charger, or energiser, is necessary to power your electric ribbon fence. You can choose between a solar charger, which requires sufficient sunlight, and a traditional charger connected to an AC outlet. Consider the weather conditions and availability of sunlight when making your selection. Remember to install the charger in a weather-resilient spot and do not turn it on until your fence is fully set up.
Grounding Posts:
Grounding posts are an important component of your electric fence system. They help ensure that the electrical current flows through the fence and not into the ground. Make sure to place them strategically, following best practices for their location.
By carefully selecting these materials and components, you'll be well on your way to successfully installing your electric ribbon fence.
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Setting up braces and posts
Planning and Materials
Before you begin, carefully plan the layout of your fence, including its size, height, and the number of wires or ribbons required. This will help you determine the number of posts and braces needed. Wood posts are durable and cost-effective, but they degrade over time, while metal posts are easier to set up but may be more expensive. For an electric ribbon fence, you can use electric fence tape, which is easy to see and install, or coated wire.
Installing Corner and End Posts
Start by installing the corner and end posts, which should be a minimum of 5" in diameter and set 3.5 to 4.5 ft into the ground. These posts typically don't need bracing unless you plan to have 7 or more lines, in which case a double brace is required. If you're using a post driver, drive the posts into the ground, and if you're hand-setting them, be sure to tamp around the posts securely.
Installing Line Posts
Once your corner and end posts are in place, you can run a guide wire between them to create a straight line for your line posts. Line posts can be made of metal, fiberglass, wood, or composite materials. The height of these posts will depend on the desired height of your finished fence. For an equine fence, a general guideline is to have the top strand 48"–54" off the ground.
Bracing and Reinforcement
To reinforce your fence, set up braces on corners and gates to strengthen the posts exposed to the most stress. A “floating diagonal” brace is a common technique used by cattle ranchers, where a 4-inch by 10-foot post is notched into the main corner post, with the other end resting on the ground opposite the corner. Alternatively, you can use cement footings or anchors for added stability.
Insulators
Mount insulators to keep the electrical current flowing through the ribbons or wires and prevent it from coming into contact with the posts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing insulators, as they may vary depending on the type of post you're using.
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Joining the wires
Planning and Preparation:
Before beginning any work on your electric fence, it is important to plan carefully. Measure the length of the fence and decide on the number and height of the wires. This will help you determine the spacing of the posts and the amount of wire you need. Select a suitable charger for your fence, such as a solar charger or an electric outlet charger, and ensure it is installed in a weather-protected area. It is important to turn off the charger while working on the fence. Additionally, consider the type of wire you will be using, such as electric fence tape, poly wire, or poly rope, which are commonly used options.
- Take both ends of the wire or tape and tie them together securely, leaving about 1-2 inches (4 centimetres) of excess wire on both sides. This excess wire will be used for creating a strong connection.
- Expose the thin metal wires within the polymer or plastic coating by carefully melting the fibres with a lighter or small flame. Be cautious not to overheat the metal wires, as they can melt if exposed to high temperatures for too long.
- Group all the exposed metal strands together and twist them tightly into a single, solid strand. This step is crucial to prevent arcing and sparking, which can cause power loss and burns in the fence over time.
- Clean up any excess polymer fibres or sharp edges using side cutters, heavy scissors, or a knife. Ensure that the connection is smooth and free from any sharp points that could catch on something.
- For a stronger and more permanent connection, fold the metal wire group back on itself. Alternatively, you can use an electric fence connection bolt, joiner, or clamp designed for electric fence joins. These joiners provide a larger surface area for better contact between the metallic strands.
- Repeat this process for all intersections or breaks in the fencing to ensure a secure and effective electric fence.
Remember to follow safety precautions when working with electric fencing and always turn off the power source before making any connections or repairs.
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Installing the charger
To install the charger for your electric fence, you will first need to select a charger that suits your needs. You can choose between a solar-powered charger and an electric outlet-powered charger. If you opt for a solar-powered charger, you will need to install it in an area that receives ample sunlight. For an electric outlet-powered charger, look for a weather-resistant spot near an AC outlet.
Once you've chosen a suitable location, hang the charger securely on a post or the wall of an outbuilding. Ensure that the charger is installed at an accessible height for maintenance and adjustments. Do not turn on the charger until you have completed the installation of the electric fence.
If you are using a solar-powered charger, consider the direction of the sun and the angle of the charger to maximise sunlight exposure. Additionally, ensure that the charger is installed in a location that is protected from potential vandalism or theft.
For an electric outlet-powered charger, use a suitable power cable to connect the charger to the AC outlet. Make sure the connection is secure and weatherproof, especially if the outlet is outdoors and exposed to the elements. Check that the power cable is rated for outdoor use and can withstand varying weather conditions.
It is important to note that you should not turn on the charger until the electric fence installation is complete. This includes setting up the fence posts, attaching the electric wire or tape, and ensuring proper grounding. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively install the charger for your electric fence.
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Frequently asked questions
To hook up a ribbon electric fence, you will need to follow these general steps:
- Plan your layout, taking careful measurements and deciding on the height and length of your fence.
- Decide on the number of brace corners you will need and install corner pieces.
- Get enough fence posts, considering the height of your fence and whether you will use wood, metal, fiberglass or composite posts.
- Set up your charger by choosing a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet or an area with plenty of sunlight for a solar charger.
- Put in grounding posts.
- Mount insulators to keep electricity in the wires and away from the posts.
- String your wire or ribbon along the fence, connecting it with a rope clamp at each end point.
- For a secure join, group the metal strands together and twist them into one solid strand, then fold the group over on itself.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when setting up a ribbon electric fence:
- Do not install posts too frequently, as this can weaken the fence.
- Reinforce posts exposed to the most stress with braces, cement footings or anchors.
- Use joiners like connection bolts, crimps and clamps to reduce arcing and sparking and increase the power of your fence.
- If you need to make a quick short-term connection, tie the ends of the break together, leaving about 4 cm of excess wire, then melt the polymer fibres with a lighter to expose the metal wires.
Some common mistakes to avoid when hooking up a ribbon electric fence include:
- Installing posts too frequently, believing it will result in a stronger fence.
- Forgetting to reinforce posts exposed to high stress with braces or anchors.
- Not using joiners or clamps to reduce arcing and sparking, which can lead to power loss and burns on your fence.
- Not tying the ends of a break together securely before exposing the metal wires with a lighter.
