Wiktor Wise
Electric fencing is a psychological barrier that is simple to install and maintain. It is a humane and effective way to keep livestock contained and to keep wild animals and intruders out of your yard. Electric fence tape is made of open-weave flexible nylon webbing and is highly visible and strong. When installing electric fencing tape, it is important to use the appropriate insulators and to space the posts correctly. The tape must also be well insulated from wood and vegetation to prevent power leaks. This guide will take you through the steps to put up electric fence tape, from planning your layout to charging the line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Consider the size of the enclosure, number of animals, spacing, number of wires, length, height, and wire pricing. |
| Materials | Wood or metal posts, chargers (solar or electric), wire (steel, polywire, polytape, or polyrope), insulators, ground rods, clamps, galvanized wire, insulated cable, cut-off switches, and electric fencing tape. |
| Installation | Set up braces and insulators, connect wires, charge the line, and check voltage and current regularly. |
| Maintenance | Keep the fence clean and free from vegetation, shrubs, and weeds. |
| Animal Training | Put animals behind the fence during daylight, providing hay or grain to encourage learning; it can take up to three days. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your layout
Planning the layout of your electric fence is a crucial step in ensuring its effectiveness and longevity. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you plan the layout:
Purpose and Enclosure Size:
Start by considering the purpose of your electric fence. Are you using it to contain livestock, keep out wild animals or pests, or protect a specific area? The answer will impact the size and design of your enclosure. Measure the plot of land you want to enclose carefully, and decide on the appropriate height, length, and width of your fence.
Number of Wires and Spacing:
Determine the number of wires you need based on the type of animals you want to control. For example, fencing out pests and predators usually requires more wires and a more powerful charger. Space your wires accordingly, ensuring they are close enough together to create an effective barrier. Remember that electric fencing tape, which is often used in permanent fences, requires specific spacing. For instance, 40mm tape should be supported every 5m, while 20mm tape needs support every 7m.
Post Selection and Placement:
Choose between wood posts, which are durable but tend to degrade over time, or metal posts, which are easier to set up but may be more expensive. For tape fencing, use thin line stakes, such as 6' x 2-1/2" diameter round softwood stakes, spaced 5m apart. At stress points like corners and gates, use stronger wooden stakes of at least 3-1/2" in diameter and attach tensioners. Avoid placing posts too close together, as this can weaken the fence.
Gate Options:
Electric fences typically use tape gates instead of solid gates to allow for wider openings and reduce the need for large fence posts. Remember that stress points like gate openings require stronger stakes and tensioners for added support.
Power Source and Charger:
Consider your power source and select an appropriate charger. Solar chargers are a good option if you have sufficient sunlight, while electric chargers require access to an AC outlet. Avoid chargers with foot or mile power ratings and opt for those rated by joules, ensuring a more consistent electrical current.
Remember to keep your fence layout flexible, especially if you're containing animals that require specific grazing patterns or if you need to adapt to changing terrain.
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Selecting the right materials
The materials you select for your electric fence will depend on the type of animals you want to control and the purpose of the fence. For example, if you are looking to contain livestock, you will need a different setup from someone looking to keep out wild animals or intruders.
Electric fences consist of three equally important items: the fencing material, the energiser (also known as the charger or control unit), and the insulators.
For the fencing material, you can choose from electric fence tape or straight wire in various widths, thicknesses, colours, and constructions. Tape is the easiest to see and is less dangerous than wire. Poly tape, in particular, is a popular option for livestock managers due to its flexibility and visibility. It is a ribbon-like fencing option that is lightweight, easy to install, and durable. It is made from woven strands of non-conductive polyethylene laced with conductive metal threads that transmit voltage. Poly tape is perfect for horses and other large animals as it is easy for them to spot from a distance.
For the energiser, it is recommended to buy the most powerful fence charger you can afford. The energiser regulates the pulse on the electric fence and is responsible for converting the input. You can choose between a 110-volt plug-in, a 6-12 volt battery-powered option, or a solar-powered charger. Do not buy chargers with foot or mile power ratings; instead, select one that is rated by joules.
Lastly, insulators are important to install as they keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. The type of insulator will depend on the type of fence wire you purchase, as manufacturers usually include insulators designed for their products.
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Setting up the fence
First, you need to plan the layout of your electric fence. Consider the size of the area you need to enclose and the number of animals you need to contain or keep out. Take careful measurements and decide on the appropriate height, length, and number of wires for your fence.
Next, select the type of fencing material you want to use. For temporary fences, small-gauge steel wire, polywire, or polytape can be used, while permanent fences typically use high-tensile smooth wire, heavy-duty polytape, or polyrope. The spacing of your posts will depend on the type of material chosen; metal or plastic posts are usually spaced 20 to 40 feet apart, while wood stakes for fencing tape should be set about 5 meters apart.
When installing the fence, start by setting up the posts. Wood posts are durable but tend to degrade over time, while metal posts are easier to set in the ground but may be more expensive. If using fencing tape, use the thinnest line stakes possible, such as 6-foot-long softwood stakes, and place them 4 to 5 meters apart. At stress points, such as corners and gates, use more substantial stakes of at least 3.5 inches in diameter and attach tensioners.
Once the posts are in place, mount the insulators to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Then, connect the wires to each other and to the charger, which will power the fence. Recheck all the lines and the voltage before turning on the charger. Install a cut-off switch to isolate sections of the fence if desired.
Finally, remember to keep the fence clear of vegetation and shrubs to maintain its effectiveness.
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Charging the line
Once you have installed the electric fence tape, you will need to charge the line. This is a crucial step to ensure the fence is electrified and functioning correctly.
First, connect the lines of the fence together with a 10 to 14-gauge jumper wire. This will create a continuous electrical circuit. Then, attach a jumper wire from the top line of the electric fence to the charger. This establishes the connection between the fence and the power source. Before turning on the charger, recheck all the lines to ensure they are properly connected and there are no loose ends.
After everything is attached, it is important to recheck the voltage. Measure the voltage at a point farthest away from the charger to detect any voltage drops. A slight drop is normal, but a significant drop of more than 2000 volts could indicate a short circuit or interference in the fence. To maintain optimal performance, schedule daily checks of the current. Vegetation and moisture buildup can cause temporary disruptions, leading to lower voltage readings. Regular inspections and maintenance will help you identify and address any issues promptly.
To ensure the effectiveness of the electric fence, keep shrubs and weeds away from the fence line. Vegetation can cause power leaks and interfere with the electrical current. Additionally, consider the visibility of the fence. While not necessary, making the fence visible can enhance its effectiveness, as animals will be more likely to notice and remember it.
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Maintaining the fence
Maintaining an electric fence is key to ensuring that it functions properly and keeps your animals or plants safe. Here are some detailed instructions for maintaining your electric fence:
Keep Vegetation Away
Excess vegetation growing alongside your electric fence can cause issues. Vegetation that touches the fence can conduct electricity, causing a short circuit and wasting electricity. Keep your fence lines trimmed and free of weeds and shrubs. If maintaining vegetation is challenging, consider investing in a more powerful charger that can maintain the fence's power even through vegetation.
Check for Shorts and Breaks
Most of the maintenance an electric fence requires involves ensuring the fence can deliver an electric shock. Periodically walk around the fence and check various points and lines with a voltage tester. Look for any broken insulators or wires that may be causing a short circuit. Ensure your fence is working by checking it daily. Most chargers will include a voltage meter or an indicator light.
Manage Moisture Build-Up
Moisture build-up can cause temporary leeching of the current, leading to lower voltage readings. Keep your electric fence clean and free of moisture build-up to maintain its functionality.
Train Your Animals
Electric fences are a psychological barrier—animals will remember to stay away after they have been shocked. Put animals behind a new electric fence during daylight hours, giving them a chance to see it and get shocked. It can take up to three days to train animals to your fence.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need fencing material, such as wood or metal posts, insulators, wire, and a charger.
First, plan your layout. Decide on the length, height, and number of wires necessary. Then, install the posts, insulators, and wires. Reinforce the posts exposed to the most stress with braces, cement footings, or anchors. Finally, connect the lines with a jumper wire and attach a wire from the top line of the fence to the charger.
After setting up the fence, recheck the voltage. You should notice a slight drop in voltage, but no more than 2000 volts. Schedule daily checks of the current to prevent signal problems and make corrections. Keep shrubs, weeds, and vegetation away from your fence.
Put animals behind the electric fence during daylight hours so they can see it. If necessary, put some hay or grain under the fence. It can take up to three days to train animals to stay away from the fence.
