Otis Singleton
Electric fences are a great way to keep livestock in and predators out. They are also cheaper than barbed wire fences as they don't require elaborate bracing. When installing an electric T-post fence, it is important to consider the purpose of your fence and the terrain. The number of T-posts required will depend on the length of your fence and the spacing between each post. Before installing your posts, mark the fence line's corners and gates with wooden fence posts. Metal wire fences place a lot of tension on the ends of an enclosure, so it is important to use a solid wood fence post set in concrete and braced. Once you have marked the corners and gates, it's time to drive in the T-posts using a post pounder or post rammer. The T-posts should be driven into the ground deep enough to completely bury the anchor, about 18-24 inches deep. Finally, attach your electric fencing to the T-posts using specialized insulators that can be clipped or nailed on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protection, security, privacy, livestock containment |
| Materials | T-posts, wire mesh, welded wire fencing, barbed wire, electric fencing, wood posts, insulating posts, rebar, fiberglass posts, steel T-posts, polywire |
| Tools | Post pounder/post rammer/post driver, sledgehammer, hammer, pipe |
| Installation steps | Establish fence line, mark spots, set posts deep, attach fencing, install T-post clips |
| Spacing | Depends on terrain; standard electric fence line: 10-20 feet; poly-tape/poly-wire: 10-12 feet |
| Corner posts | Wood, Osage orange, not T-posts, rebar, fiberglass, or steel |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, determine the purpose of your fence. Do you intend to contain livestock, keep predators out, or create a boundary for your property? This will influence your fence design and the materials you'll need.
Next, consider the terrain. The spacing between posts will depend on the type of terrain you're working with. Standard electric fence lines can be spaced anywhere from 10 to 20 feet apart, but poly-tape and poly-wire require closer spacing of 10 to 12 feet to maintain tension.
Before you begin installing posts, establish the fence line's corners and gates. For metal fence posts, it's recommended to use wooden fence posts for corners and gates as they can withstand the tension and pressure better. Set these wooden posts in concrete and brace them securely.
Now, decide on the type of fencing material. You can choose from wire mesh, welded wire fencing, barbed wire, or electric fencing. The choice depends on the purpose of your fence and the size of the animals you intend to contain. For example, wire mesh is ideal for smaller animals or as a garden fence, while welded wire fencing suits larger animals.
When you've decided on the fencing material, purchase the necessary tools and materials. For T-posts, you'll need a ""post pounder"" or a post driver, which is a weighted pipe that slides over the T-post. You can also use a sledgehammer or regular hammer. Additionally, you'll need T-post clips to keep the fence wires from moving and prevent them from pulling away from the posts.
Finally, remember to check with your gas company and other utilities before you start digging to avoid any buried gas lines, electrical lines, or water lines, which can be dangerous if punctured or damaged.
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Choosing the right tools
The tools you'll need to put up an electric T-post fence will depend on the type of fence you're installing, the terrain, and the purpose of your fence. Here are the essential tools you'll need to get started:
Protective Gear
Before you begin, it's important to invest in protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, to safeguard yourself from potential injuries when working with tools and materials.
Post Pounder or Post Rammer
A "post pounder" or "post rammer" is essential for driving T-posts into the ground. You can purchase a post pounder from tractor supply stores or use a heavy pipe with a closed end. This tool will make it easier and safer to pound in your posts.
Hammer
A sledgehammer or regular hammer can be used in place of a post pounder to drive posts into the ground. It is especially useful for pounding rebar into the ground.
Wooden Posts
While metal T-posts form the majority of your fence, wooden posts are crucial for corner and end posts. These provide added strength and stability to your fence. Natural wood, such as Osage orange, is resistant to decay and can last for decades.
Concrete
To enhance the stability of your fence, it's recommended to set the wooden corner and end posts in concrete. This will ensure your fence can withstand tension and pressure.
Insulators
Specialized insulators are essential for electric fencing. They allow you to securely attach the electric wire to the T-posts without grounding the current.
Wire Clips or Nails
Use wire clips, U-nails, or barbed wire clips to attach wire mesh, welded wire fencing, or barbed wire to your T-posts. These fasteners ensure that your fencing is securely attached to the posts.
String Line
A string line helps you establish a straight fence line. It ensures that your posts are aligned and positioned correctly before driving them into the ground.
T-Post Clips
Installing T-post clips is important to prevent fence wires from moving up and down or being pulled away from the posts. They add stability and security to your fence.
Polywire
Polywire is a specific type of wire used in electric fencing. It requires closer spacing between posts, typically between 10 and 12 feet apart.
Before you begin your project, always remember to check with your local gas company and utilities to avoid any underground lines. Additionally, consider the purpose of your fence, such as containing livestock or smaller animals, to choose the appropriate fence panels and spacing.
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Installing the posts
Before installing your electric T-post fence, it is important to determine the number of posts required, which depends on the length of your fence and the spacing between each post. The type of material you choose will determine the spacing required. For example, standard electric fence lines can be spaced anywhere from 10 to 20 feet apart, depending on the terrain. Poly-tape and poly-wire require closer spacing of between 10 and 12 feet.
When installing the posts, first establish the fence line's corners and gates with wooden fence posts. Metal wire fences place significant tension on the ends of an enclosure, so it is recommended to use solid wood posts set in concrete and braced. Corner posts should be deep enough to withstand the strain and tension applied to these areas of the fence.
Next, position each T-post with the anchor plate at the bottom and perpendicular to the fence line. The direction in which the T-posts face depends on whether you want to keep livestock in or predators out. If animals will be putting more pressure on the inside of the fence, face the T-posts with the studs inward. Conversely, if animals will be pushing against the outside of the fence, direct the studs outward. To prevent animals from pulling out the posts, drive them about 18 to 24 inches into the ground to completely bury the anchor. A post driver, post pounder, or post rammer can be used to drive the posts into the ground, although a sledgehammer or regular hammer can also work.
Additionally, consider using insulating posts to ensure that your electric charge is effective and uninterrupted. Regardless of the material used for your main fence line, it is recommended to place wood posts at the corners for added strength and durability.
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Attaching the fencing
First, determine the purpose of your fence. If you intend to contain livestock, you'll want the T-posts facing inward, with the studs pointing in to prevent animals from escaping. If your priority is keeping predators out, direct the studs outward to deter them from entering.
When it comes to the actual fencing, you have several options. For smaller animals or garden fencing, wire mesh is a suitable choice. Welded wire fencing is recommended for larger animals and requires larger grid patterns. Barbed wire is also an option, especially for livestock control, and can be attached using barbed wire clips or wire twists. If you opt for electric fencing, specialized insulators are available for attachment, ensuring the wire is secure without grounding the current.
It's important to space your T-posts appropriately. The spacing depends on the terrain and the type of fencing you've chosen. Standard electric fence lines can be spaced anywhere from 10 to 20 feet apart, while poly-tape and poly-wire require closer spacing of 10 to 12 feet to maintain tension.
To enhance the strength of your fence, consider using wooden posts at the corners. These provide additional support and can be driven into the ground with a post pounder or tamped into place. Setting them in concrete is also advisable to withstand tension.
Finally, install T-post clips to prevent the fence wires from moving up and down or pulling away from the posts. This step ensures that your fence remains secure and effective at containing or excluding animals.
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Safety considerations
Safety should be a key consideration when installing an electric T-post fence. Here are some detailed safety precautions to follow:
Planning and Installation
- Check with your gas company and other utilities before you start digging to avoid puncturing gas lines, electrical lines, or water lines, which can result in serious injury or death.
- Understand the potential hazards associated with electric fences and take proper safety precautions to ensure your safety, the safety of your animals, and anyone else who may come in contact with the fence.
- Choose the right electric fence system for your livestock, carefully considering factors such as the electrical capacity of the fence controller, the type of wire and insulation, and the grounding system.
- Ensure that you follow careful installation procedures and take steps to minimize the risk of injury.
- If you're using wooden posts, drive them into the ground with a post pounder or tamp them into place. For other post types, use a post rammer to lift and drive the posts into the ground to the desired depth.
- Set corner and end posts deep into the ground to withstand the strain of a tensioned line.
- Put wood posts at any corners to add another layer of strength to your fence.
- Use insulating posts to ensure that your electric charge is uninhibited and effective.
Electric Fence Design and Maintenance
- Install warning signs to inform people about the electric fence, especially where the public has access, such as along roads.
- Ensure the electric fence is designed to deliver only modest shocks to discourage intruders or animals without causing injury.
- Avoid using barbed wire for electric fences, as it increases the risk of entanglement for both humans and animals.
- Keep fences away from combustible materials.
- Avoid running fences parallel to power lines, and try to install fences so they cross power lines at right angles. If this cannot be avoided, offset the fences at least 30 feet from the power lines.
- Do not attach fence wires to utility poles.
- Avoid installing electric fences under telephone wires, and minimize the distance that electric fence wires run parallel to underground telephone cables.
- Keep electric fences away from radio antennas.
- Ensure that the grounding system is installed correctly, with grounding/earthing rods driven into the ground at specific intervals for efficient current flow.
- The energizer earth electrode should be placed at least one meter beneath the ground, and the connected leads should be covered with insulated tubes.
- People with pacemakers or heart problems should consult their doctors before working with or near electric fences.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a post pounder or post rammer, a heavy hammer, a sledgehammer, a reel of polywire, and a post driver.
First, establish the fence line's corners and gates with wooden fence posts. Place each T-post with the anchor plate at the bottom and perpendicular to the fence line. The direction in which the T-posts face depends on whether you want to keep livestock in or predators out. If animals will be putting more pressure on the inside of the fence, face the T-posts with the studs inward. If animals will be putting more pressure on the outside of the fence, direct the studs outward. Drive the posts into the ground deep enough to completely bury the anchor, about 18-24 inches deep.
Before installing your posts, it is recommended that you visit an electric fence planning guide. Corner and end posts, along with line brace assemblies, are essential for your fencing system. Set posts deep to withstand the strain of a tensioned line. Use specialized insulators that can be clipped or nailed to T-posts to ensure that the electric wire is held securely without grounding the current.
Check with your gas company and other utilities before you dig to avoid puncturing buried gas lines, electrical lines, or water lines. Do not use metal posts as they can cause the fence to ground out. Avoid using step-in, pigtail, rebar, fiberglass posts, and T-posts for corner posts as they cannot withstand the tension applied to these areas of the fence.
