Otis Singleton
Electric fences are a great way to keep livestock contained and wild animals out of your yard. They are both effective and humane. If you are using electric wire for your fencing, you will need to know how to run the electric wire under your gate. To do this, you can start by digging a trench from one gate post to the other, laying out PEX tubing, and then sliding your insulated wire through the tubing. You can also use an underground hookup wire to carry the electrical current under the gate opening to the other side. It is important to consider the type of gate you will use in your fencing system, as well as the layout and design of your electric fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To contain livestock, or keep wild animals and intruders out of your yard |
| Planning | Consider the number of animals to be controlled, the size of the enclosure, and the number of wires needed |
| Layout | Decide on the length, height, and number of wires; plan brace corners and gate placement |
| Installation | Set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or in a sunny spot for a solar charger; install grounding posts and wire; brace corners and gates; mount insulators and run wire |
| Gate Handles | Use gate-handle kits specific to the post or wire type; expandable handles should be made of tough, high-quality plastic with shockproof thickness |
| Underground Wire | Burying the wire under the gate allows for undisturbed electric current and safe gate operation |
| Above-Ground Wire | Run wire through PEX tubing and attach to the electric wire of the fence; ensure proper clamping and drilling to avoid wire cutting through |
| Safety | Hang electric fence warning signs; be cautious when closing gates to avoid accidental electric shocks |
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What You'll Learn
Planning the layout of the fence and gate
First, determine the purpose of your electric fence. Consider whether you need to keep livestock contained or want to deter wild animals and intruders. This will impact the design and layout of your fence and gate. Decide on the size of the enclosure and the number of animals you need to accommodate. This will help you determine the spacing and number of wires required. Take careful measurements of the plot where you intend to install the electric fence, and decide on the appropriate height, length, and number of wires necessary for your fence. Remember to consider the length of each run and the number of brace corners you'll need; each corner of the electric fence should be braced with a corner piece.
Choose the type of gate that best suits your needs. For perimeter openings, a permanent gate such as a heavy metal gate might be more suitable, while a simpler gate opening, like a single wire attached to a gate handle, may be adequate for interior fence divisions. Consider the convenience and safety of different gate options. For example, spring gates retract out of the way when not in use, but some people may find them inconvenient or unsafe.
When planning the layout, decide on the placement of the electric charger. It should be placed near an AC outlet or, in the case of a solar charger, in a sunny spot. Ensure it's not too close to the gate to avoid any obstructions. Additionally, consider the length of wire you'll need and choose a charger that is optimised for that length. Check with your supplier to ensure compatibility.
Finally, plan the installation process by deciding on the number and spacing of fence posts. They should generally be no more than 40 feet apart. Consider the materials you will use, such as insulators and grounding posts. By carefully planning the layout of your electric fence and gate, you can ensure a safe and effective installation.
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Setting up an electric charger
Choose the Right Charger:
Different chargers are optimised for different lengths of wire. Consult with your supplier to ensure that the charger you select is suitable for the planned length of wire for your enclosure. A charger with a higher joule rating will provide a more consistent charge, making it a smarter choice. If you have a large area, such as a five-acre fence, opt for a charger with at least one joule as a minimum.
Power Source:
Decide on the power source for your electric fence. You can choose between mains power or battery-powered options. Battery-powered electric fences can be safer and more straightforward, especially if you use a 12-volt lead-acid battery. Mains-powered electric fences can be more complex and require careful insulation to prevent the mains voltage from reaching the fence, which could be hazardous.
Installation Location:
Place your electric charger near an AC outlet if you're using a mains-powered charger, or in a sunny spot if you opt for a solar-powered charger. Ensure that the charger is installed in a clean, sheltered location, away from direct moisture and sunlight. It should be easily accessible and mounted on a post or wall using screws or nails through the hanger hole in the charger case. Keep it away from the gate to avoid any obstruction.
Grounding:
Install at least one grounding post that is 6 feet or longer near the charger using a post-hole digger. Then, run a grounding wire from the charger to all the grounding posts. This step is crucial for the proper functioning of your electric fence.
Safety Considerations:
It is important to prioritise safety when working with electricity. Ensure that your electric fence has safety features and is designed to limit the current and duration of the shock. Consider installing a system that periodically turns the power on and off to prevent people and animals from getting trapped on the fence. Additionally, post warning signs on the fence to alert people to the presence of an electric charge.
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Installing grounding posts
Properly grounding an electric fence is essential to keeping it in good working order. When an electric fence isn't functioning properly, it can be difficult to keep animals contained or protected from predators. Therefore, it is important to install grounding posts correctly.
Firstly, you should install at least one grounding post that is 6 feet or longer near the charger using a post-hole digger. The best ground rods are made from copper or galvanized metal, and the longer the rod, the better. Avoid using a simple pipe or a piece of rebar as these are usually made of metals that will corrode after a few years in the ground, causing your system to fail.
After installing the grounding post, run a grounding wire from the charger to the grounding post. To connect the ground rod to the fence charger, use a 10- to 14-gauge insulated lead-out wire rated at 20,000 volts or better. Do not mix metals when installing or clamping your ground rods, as this will trigger electrolysis and corrode the connections.
If you are unsatisfied with the shock your fence is delivering, you can add more ground rods to spread out the charge collection area and deliver a more powerful shock. You can also improve the grounding in dry soil by drilling a larger-than-normal hole and filling it with bentonite after inserting your grounding rod. This gel-like substance will wick moisture, creating a stronger current.
It is important to periodically check your voltage to ensure adequate grounding, especially during extremely wet or dry weather. Significant amounts of rain or snow can affect the ability of the fence to work properly.
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Installing fence posts and bracing gates
The installation process for an electric fence involves several steps, and the specific details will depend on your needs and preferences. Here is a guide to installing fence posts and bracing gates for an electric fence:
Planning and Materials
Before you begin, it's important to plan the layout of your fence, including the placement of gates and corners. Consider the type of animals or pests you want to contain or keep out, as this will influence the materials you use and the spacing of your fence posts. 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 (10-12 feet) to keep them taut, while high tensile wires can be spaced up to 90 feet apart on level terrain.
You'll need to decide on the type of fence posts you want to use. Metal posts are easy to set in the ground but may be more expensive, while wood posts add a rustic look and an extra layer of strength but will degrade over time. T-posts, rebar posts, and fiberglass posts are also options and are the easiest and most affordable to install.
Installing Fence Posts
When installing fence posts, use a long string to mark a straight line for post placement. The general rule of thumb is to have at least one-third of the overall length of your post buried in the ground, with corner posts being larger in diameter and also having at least one-third of their length underground and/or properly braced. For wood posts, you can either pound them into the ground or use a post-hole digger to achieve the desired depth of at least 3 feet. For T-posts, rebar posts, and fiberglass posts, you'll need a "post pounder" tool. Ensure that you have enough posts, as you don't want them too close together but also no more than 40 feet apart.
Grounding and Wiring
Install at least one grounding post that's 6 feet or longer near your electric charger, leaving 2-4 inches above the ground. It's recommended to set another grounding post 10-20 feet from the first one. Attach a grounding wire from the charger's ground terminal to all the grounding posts, securing it with grounding clamps.
Bracing Gates
Each corner of your electric fence will need to be braced with a corner piece. If you have 6 or fewer lines, one brace at the ends and corners will suffice, but 7 or more lines require a double brace. Brace the corners and gates to reinforce them, using brace-wire to pull the post in the opposite direction of the fence's tension.
To keep the fence electrified when the gate is open, you'll need an underground hookup wire to carry the electrical current under the gate opening. You can use insulated cable in a plastic pipe, sealing the ends to keep out water. Install gate anchors between wires on the two nearest posts, run wire between these points, and slide on an insulated gate handle. You can purchase a gate handle kit for less than $10, but be sure to get one that's specific to the type of post or wire you're using.
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Running the wire through the gate
Firstly, decide on the placement of your gate. It is recommended to place gates in logical locations so that livestock can move through them willingly. Consider the type of gate you will use; a permanent gate, such as a heavy metal gate, may be suitable for openings along the perimeter. For interior fences, a simpler gate opening, like a single wire attached to a gate handle, might be sufficient. Remember, there should be one gate handle for every electrified wire, and these handles should be specific to the type of post or wire you are using.
Now, onto the wiring process:
- Install an electric charger near an AC outlet or opt for a solar charger if you have a sunny spot available. Ensure it's not placed too close to the gate to avoid any obstructions.
- Set up at least one grounding post that's 6 feet or longer near the charger. You can use a post-hole digger for this step.
- Connect a grounding wire from the charger to all the grounding posts.
- Install your fence posts, ensuring they are appropriately spaced. As a rule of thumb, posts should not be placed closer than 20 feet apart, but also not more than 40 feet apart.
- Brace the corners and gates to reinforce them and add stability.
- Mount insulators on the posts.
- Run the wire between the posts, including through the gate. For the gate, you can run insulated cable in plastic pipe under the gate. Remember to seal the pipe ends to prevent water ingress. Alternatively, you can use an underground hookup wire to carry the electrical current under the gate opening to the other side. This method ensures the fence remains electrified even when the gate is open.
By following these steps, you can effectively run the electric wire through your gate, maintaining the electrification of your fence while allowing for a functional gate.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot.
Start by digging a trench from one gate post to the other, about 8-12 inches deep. Lay out your PEX tubing and then your insulated wire. Attach the insulated wire to the electric wire of your fence.
You should consider the type of gate you will use in your fencing system. A permanent gate, such as a heavy metal gate, may work better for perimeter openings. For interior fences, a simpler gate opening, like a single wire attached to a gate handle, may be adequate.
