Beatrice Lang
Polytape is a popular choice for electric fencing due to its flexibility, durability, and visibility. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it perfect for temporary fencing. Polytape electric fences are commonly used for livestock management and are available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The size selection depends on factors such as the size of the pasture, the visual ability of the livestock, and the size of the animals. When installing polytape electric fencing, it is important to ensure proper connections to prevent issues with delivering an effective shock. This can be achieved through techniques like tying and melting ends together or using electric fence connection bolts, crimps, or clamps for a cleaner and more secure join.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Polytape is easy to install and repair. It requires hand tensioning and can be secured with insulators that can be slid over posts or screwed into fence posts. |
| Durability | Polytape is durable and will not rust. Its plastic and metal construction means it is not prone to wear and tear from everyday use. It is also strong enough to withstand strong winds. |
| Visibility | Polytape is highly visible to animals due to its wide profile and bright color (usually white or yellow). This makes it ideal for fencing horses and livestock with poor eyesight, such as cows and cattle. |
| Flexibility | Polytape is lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for temporary fencing. It can easily turn corners and rise over hills. |
| Size | Polytape is available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The size chosen depends on the size of the pasture, the visual ability of the livestock, and the size of the animals. |
| Joining | To join polytape, tie the ends securely, melt the polymer/plastic fibers to expose the metal wires, twist the metal wires together, and fold them over to prevent sharp edges. For a cleaner and more secure join, use electric fence connection bolts, crimps, or clamps. |
| Power Source | Polytape electric fences can be powered by solar electric fence energizers, marine batteries, or an AC charger. |
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What You'll Learn
Polytape is lightweight, flexible and easy to install and repair
Polytape is a popular choice for electric fencing due to its lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-install design. Compared to traditional fencing, polytape is much lighter and more flexible, making it ideal for temporary fencing. Its flexibility allows it to be used in various situations and easily turned over hills and corners.
The installation process for polytape electric fences is straightforward and quick. The polytape requires only hand tensioning, which means you can easily stretch it over hills and turn corners without the need for complex tools or techniques. Additionally, insulators can be used as securing options, either by sliding them over posts or screwing them into fence posts.
Polytape is also easy to repair, which is essential for maintaining the functionality of your electric fence. If a section of the polytape becomes damaged, you can simply cut out the affected area and splice the remaining ends together using insulators or other connecting accessories. This repair process is simple and cost-effective, ensuring that your electric fence remains in good condition.
The flexibility of polytape extends beyond its physical attributes. It is also versatile in its use, accommodating different pasture sizes and livestock types. Polytape is available in three standard sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The size you select depends on factors such as the size of your pasture and the visual ability of your livestock. For larger pastures, 2-inch polytape is recommended to ensure visibility from a distance, preventing animals from accidentally plowing through the fence. On the other hand, smaller sizes can be used for animals with good eyesight, such as horses, or when the fencing is clearly visible as animals approach.
Overall, the lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-install nature of polytape makes it a convenient and efficient choice for electric fencing, especially in rotational grazing systems. Its visibility, durability, and versatility add to its advantages, making it a popular option for livestock managers.
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Polytape is highly visible to animals
The size of the polytape is an important consideration when constructing an electric fence. Polytape is typically available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The appropriate size depends on several factors, including the size of the pasture, the visual ability of the livestock, and the size of the animals. Larger pastures and animals with poor eyesight, such as cows and cattle, are better suited for 2-inch polytape, which is more easily visible from a distance.
Smaller animals and those with better eyesight can effectively use half-inch or 1-inch polytape. It is important to ensure that the animals can easily spot the fencing as they approach it to prevent them from accidentally plowing through it. Additionally, the colour of the polytape can be considered when selecting the size. Stark white or yellow colours are more visible to animals, making them a preferable choice.
Compared to other fencing options, such as plain galvanised fencing wire, polytape is more visible to animals. This higher visibility makes it a preferred choice for electric fencing, especially when trying to contain larger animals or those with poorer eyesight. Polytape's combination of size, colour, and visibility makes it an effective visual barrier for animals, ensuring they respect the boundary and do not attempt to cross it.
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Polytape is durable
Polytape is a highly durable option for electric fencing. Its durability comes from its construction—polytape is made of plastic ribbon laced with metal. This construction makes it resilient to everyday wear and tear, and it can withstand strong winds due to its fibrous lacing. Polytape is also resistant to rust, which is a common issue with other fencing types.
Polytape's durability is further enhanced by its visibility. Its broad profile and bright colour make it easily visible to animals, reducing the risk of accidental contact. This visibility acts as a strong visual deterrent, preventing animals from crossing or leaning on the fence. The reduced contact lowers the chances of damage to the fence, thereby increasing its longevity.
The durability of polytape is also evident in its ability to withstand different environmental conditions. Polyethylene tape, which is a type of polytape, is known for its water-resistant properties, making it suitable for outdoor use and effective in waterproofing applications. It is also corrosion-resistant, preserving the durability of materials in challenging environments. Additionally, polyethylene tape can withstand high temperatures without losing its adhesive properties or deforming, making it ideal for use in hot climates.
The versatility of polytape in terms of size further contributes to its durability. Polytape is available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The larger 2-inch polytape is recommended for large pastures and animals with poor eyesight, as it is more visible from a distance. This visibility reduces the risk of animals plowing through the fence, thereby preventing potential damage and ensuring the fence's durability.
Overall, polytape's durability stems from its sturdy construction, resistance to wear and tear, environmental resilience, and enhanced visibility. These factors make it a reliable and long-lasting choice for electric fencing.
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Joining polytape wires
Step 1: Prepare the Ends
Take both ends of the polytape wire and ensure you have about 1-2 inches (4 centimetres) of excess wire on each side. This extra length will be used for tying and melting, so having a bit of leeway is important.
Step 2: Tie the Ends Together
Securely tie the two ends of the polytape together with a simple knot. This initial tie will provide a base for the electrical connection and hold the wires in place.
Step 3: Expose the Metal Wires
Using a cigarette lighter or a small flame, carefully melt away the plastic or polymer fibres at the knot. This process will expose the thin metal wires within the polytape. Be cautious not to overheat the wires, as they can melt if exposed to high temperatures for too long. If you're concerned about overheating, you can also separate the metal wires and plastic strands by gently pulling them apart.
Step 4: Twist and Join the Metal Wires
Once the metal wires are exposed, twist them tightly together to create a solid connection. This step is crucial to ensure a good electrical current flow. Make sure all individual wires are in contact to facilitate the electrical charge down the fence.
Step 5: Optional - Use Joiners for a Cleaner Finish
For a cleaner and more secure long-term solution, you can use electric fence joiners like connection bolts, crimps, or clamps. These joiners are designed for electric fence connections and can enhance the connection between the wires. They also help reduce arcing and sparking, which can cause power loss or damage to the polytape over time.
By following these steps, you can effectively join polytape wires for your electric fence, ensuring a secure and functional connection.
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Polytape size and spacing
Polytape electric fencing is available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The size you select is determined by various factors, including the size of your pasture, the visual ability of your livestock, and the size of the animals.
For larger pastures, 2-inch polytape is recommended as it is more visible from a distance for your livestock. This increased visibility can help prevent animals from plowing through the fence before receiving a corrective shock. Smaller polytape sizes can be used for animals with good eyesight that can easily spot the fencing as they approach it.
Animals with poor eyesight, such as cows and cattle, are better suited with 2-inch polytape. This size is also ideal for larger animals, such as horses. Smaller animals, on the other hand, can effectively use half-inch or 1-inch polytape.
When installing polytape electric fencing, it's important to consider post spacing. On flat ground, line posts should be spaced 12-15 feet apart. In areas with hills and valleys, reduce the spacing to 8-10 feet to prevent wire sagging. Corner and gate posts require deeper settings with concrete for stability. Additionally, keep vegetation cleared within three feet of the fence line to maintain optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Polytape is flexible, lightweight, and easy to install and repair. It is also durable and highly visible to animals.
Polytape is available in three sizes: half-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. The size you choose depends on the size of your pasture, the visual ability of your livestock, and the size of the animals. Larger pastures and animals, as well as those with poor eyesight, may require a larger size of polytape.
You will need an electric fence energiser, polytape, grounding rods, and a charger. You may also need an electric fence connection bolt, joiner, or clamp to secure the joins and reduce arcing and sparking.
First, tie the ends of the tape securely, leaving about 4 centimetres of excess tape. Then, use a lighter or small flame to melt the polymer/plastic fibres and expose the thin metal wires. Group the metal strands together and twist them into a secure strand. Finally, fold the metal wire group over to prevent any sharp edges.
