Umair Gaines
Electric fencing is a great way to keep your animals in and predators out. It is both humane and effective, and can be used to enclose a pasture or garden. Setting up a portable electric fence is easy with the right equipment and a little planning. First, you need to plan your layout and decide on the height and length of the fence, as well as the number of wires you will need. Next, choose the appropriate energizer and set up your charger. Then, put in grounding posts and attach a grounding wire. Finally, walk along the fence and attach the rope to post insulators, before attaching the energizer and turning it on.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and design
First, determine the purpose of your fence. Are you trying to contain livestock, create a barrier for wild animals, or protect your garden? Knowing the type and number of animals you need to control will help you choose the appropriate fencing material and design the correct spacing and number of wires. For example, horses are often fenced with highly visible conductors like rope and tape, while slower-moving animals like cattle and sheep can be contained with steel wire or polywire.
Next, carefully measure the plot where you plan to install the fence. Decide on the appropriate height, length, and number of wires necessary for your fence. Consider the terrain and any specific features of your location, such as water sources or access points for animals and humans. Use an aerial map from Google Earth to design your pasture's portable paddocks and layout the fencing on paper before attempting to set it up physically. This will help you identify any potential issues with your design, such as pathways that may be too narrow or an inadequate number of wires.
When it comes to selecting materials, opt for lightweight equipment if you plan to move your fence frequently. This includes polywire and tape, plastic posts, battery-powered energizers, and reels. You can also put together a diverse, moveable fencing kit with various pieces to accommodate different setups. If you're setting up your fence near your home, you may want to consider a plug-in energizer, which requires installing a plug-in inside an enclosed area for protection from the weather. Alternatively, solar units are portable and straightforward but require more maintenance.
Remember to plan for changes and be prepared to adjust your design as needed. It's a good idea to make your first moveable electric fence setup temporary, using moveable and temporary pieces. As you gain a better understanding of your property and how your fence works, you can gradually replace plastic posts with more permanent options, such as metal or wood in concrete corner posts.
Lastly, consider the electrical aspects of your fence. Choose an appropriate energizer based on factors such as fence length, vegetation, fencing material, and animal type. If you're using a battery-powered energizer, decide between dry and wet batteries, with the former being ideal for frequent movement and the latter for permanent or infrequently moved fences. Ensure you have the necessary grounding posts and wires to complete the circuit and facilitate the flow of electricity.
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Choosing the right materials
First, determine the type of animals you want to contain or deter. Different animals require different fence designs and materials. For example, horses are best contained with highly visible conductors such as electric rope or tape. In contrast, slower-moving animals like cattle and sheep can be effectively fenced with steel wire or polywire. The visibility and strength of the fence need to be considered based on the animals' behaviour and size.
Second, consider the specific materials needed for your portable electric fence. For lightweight and portability, opt for polywire and tape, plastic posts, battery-powered energizers, and reels. Plastic posts are ideal for temporary fencing as they are easy to set up and move. Battery-powered energizers are convenient if your fence needs to be frequently relocated. Ensure you have a suitable battery, such as an ESB25 or ESB115. Additionally, consider investing in a winder reel to easily roll and store your electric tape or wire without creating knots.
Third, plan the layout of your fence. Consider the size of the area you need to enclose and the number of animals you intend to contain. This will help you determine the required length, height, and number of wires for your fence. Measure the plot carefully and price the wires per foot to make an informed decision and stay within your budget.
Fourth, select an appropriate energizer for your portable electric fence. The energizer should match the length of your fence, the type of fencing material, and the vegetation that may come into contact with the conductors. If you have access to a 230-volt power source, a mains-powered energizer is a cost-effective option. However, if you require frequent mobility, a dry battery-powered energizer is more suitable. Alternatively, you can explore solar energy options, which are portable and straightforward but require more maintenance.
Lastly, don't forget the essential components for grounding your electric fence. At a minimum, you will need one grounding post that is 6 feet (1.8 meters) or longer. Place this post near the charger, leaving at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) exposed above the ground. Additionally, consider setting up another grounding post 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) away from the first one. Connect the posts with a grounding wire that extends from the ground terminal of the charger.
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Setting up the charger
First, select an appropriate energizer for your portable electric fence. Consider factors such as the length of the fence, the amount of vegetation present, the type of fencing material, and whether you have access to a 230-volt power source. For a portable fence that may be moved frequently, a dry battery-powered energizer is a suitable option. This type of energizer uses internal batteries and is easy to relocate. Solar-powered energizers are also portable and effective in areas with ample sunlight, but they require more maintenance.
Next, find a suitable location for the charger. Look for a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet if you're using a plug-in charger. If you opt for a solar charger, choose an area that receives ample sunlight. To protect the charger from potential damage, hang it on a post or the wall of an outbuilding. Ensure that you do not turn on the charger until you have finished installing the electric fence.
Now, you can proceed to install the grounding posts. Electric fencing requires at least one grounding post that is 6 feet (1.8 meters) or longer. Place one grounding rod near the charger and use a post-hole digger or slammer to set the grounding post. Ensure that at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) of the post remains above the ground. It is recommended to set another grounding post 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) away from the first post for optimal results.
Finally, attach the grounding wire. This wire should extend from the ground terminal of the charger to all the grounding posts. By connecting the negative terminal of the charger to the grounding rod, you complete the electrical circuit, ensuring the fence's functionality.
Remember, the effectiveness of your portable electric fence heavily depends on the charger setup. A properly charged fence will create a psychological barrier, deterring animals from crossing it.
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Installing grounding posts
To install electric fencing, you need at least one grounding post that is 6 feet (1.8 m) or longer. Place one grounding rod near the charger and use a post-hole digger/slammer to set the grounding post. Leave at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) of the post above the ground. When installing electric fencing, it is recommended to set another grounding post 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) from the first post. The wire should extend from the ground terminal of the charger to all the grounding posts. The ground wire is usually made from the same wire as your fencing wire. Attach the ground wire to the ground terminal on your charger unit and then to the grounding rod.
The fence will not work if the circuit is incomplete or shorted out, so grounding rods are important. It is crucial to find quality, moist soil when constructing an electric fence, as electricity flows better in wet conditions than in dry conditions. The circuit will only be completed when an animal makes contact with the fence. If you are using a mains energizer and must operate on poor soil conditions such as light or sandy soil, more than one earth stake could be necessary. If additional stakes are used, space them 9.8 feet (3 m) apart and connect them with a lead-out cable.
The negative terminal of the electric fence energizer is connected to the ground rod, absorbing unnecessary energy and routing it back to the energizer. The type of energizer you choose depends on the fence's length, the amount of vegetation that may grow on the conductors, the fencing material, the type of animals, and whether a 230-volt power source is readily available. Use a mains-powered energizer whenever possible, as it is located inside a building and does not use batteries. Dry battery-powered energizers are easy to relocate and require no maintenance, while wet battery-powered energizers are suitable for permanent fences or those that are moved infrequently.
To install electric fencing properly, the posts exposed to the most stress need to be reinforced with braces, cement footings, or anchors. Many cattle ranchers use a "floating diagonal" brace, which is a 4-inch by 10-foot post notched half an inch into the main corner post, with the other end set on the ground opposite the corner.
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Testing the fence
Use the Right Testing Tools:
For portable electric fencing, it is recommended to use a fence line tester or a digital battery tester. These tools allow you to measure the voltage and ensure that your fence is energized. A fence line tester is specifically designed for temporary or portable fencing, while a digital battery tester can be used in various situations.
Prepare the Testing Setup:
Insert the T posts at the ends and corners of the fencing area. Line posts can be spaced reasonably far apart, up to 35 feet. Attach the rope or wire to the terminal insulator using the appropriate connectors. Ensure that the rope or wire is securely connected to the insulator.
Energize the Fence:
Attach your energizer to the fence and turn it on. The energizer is a critical component that powers the electric fence by sending electrical pulses through the fence wires. It is important to ensure that your energizer is compatible with the type of fencing material and the length of your fence.
Check for Voltage:
Walk along the fence and use your tester to check for voltage at different points. Push the probe of the tester into the ground and touch the tester terminal to the fence. It is important to test the voltage at various locations, especially at the furthest end from the energizer, to get an accurate measurement. Ensure that the voltage is consistent and stable along the entire length of the fence.
Ensure Proper Grounding:
Check that your grounding setup is correct. The negative terminal of the energizer should be connected to the ground rod, which helps absorb excess energy and routes it back to the energizer. Additionally, ensure that you have moist soil, as it completes the circuit and allows electricity to flow more efficiently.
Test Fence Functionality:
After confirming voltage and grounding, observe how your fence functions. Ensure that animals cannot easily access the fenced area without receiving a slight jolt. Remember, electric fencing serves as a pain barrier, so animals should quickly learn to avoid touching the fence.
By following these testing instructions, you can be confident that your portable electric fence is properly set up and functioning as intended. This will help keep your animals contained and safe while also deterring unwanted intruders.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need lightweight equipment such as polywire and tape, plastic posts, battery-powered energizers, and reels.
First, lay your fencing on paper. Use an aerial map from Google Earth to design your pasture's portable paddocks. When drawing your plans, label gates, water locations, and access for animals and humans. Think about your animals' movements and requirements.
First, insert T posts at the ends and corners of the fencing area. Walk along the fence and attach the rope to post insulators. Attach the energizer and turn it on. Check the fence for voltage.
Make your first moveable electric fence setup temporary. Plan for changes to your design. Use a spool to wrap your electric twine around, instead of a stick, to prevent tangling.
