Otis Singleton
Electric fences are a great way to keep unwanted animals out and your beloved animals in. They can be used to enclose a pasture or garden, acting as a training deterrent for animals. Before installing an electric fence, it is important to measure the parameter of the area to determine how much electrical wire you will need and how many metal stakes you should get. You can then set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot and install grounding posts. Run a grounding wire from the charger to the grounding posts, and then install your fence posts, making sure they are not too close together but not too far apart either. Brace the corners and gates to reinforce the posts, and mount the insulators to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Finally, run the wire between the posts and turn on the charger. It is important to note that electric fencing must be installed correctly to work properly and that it should only be done by individuals with a basic understanding of electrical wiring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keeping animals confined to their designated areas and keeping predators out |
| Installation | Measure the parameter of the garden, gather the necessary parts, and set up the connection |
| Parts | Electric fence wire, electric power box, metal stakes, grounding post, plastic hooks, round plastic rings, wire, sledgehammer/pile driver, wire cutter, gloves, tester, energizer, gate anchor/cut out switch/gate kit, reels, crimper and crimps, fencing pliers, payout spinner/spinning jenny |
| Grounding System | Minimum of three 6' galvanized steel rods placed 10' apart, linked by one wire that leads to the energizer; additional rods may be needed for larger energizers |
| Faults | Caused by wet grass growing too high and contacting the wire, loose debris touching the wire and the ground, broken insulators, or damage causing the wires to fall down and touch the ground |
| Safety | Run electric fences parallel with overhead power or communication lines, as this may induce a dangerous high voltage line onto the fence; if lines do have to be crossed, do so at a right angle; always read the information that comes with the energizer to prevent damage or injury during installation; display warning signs on all electric fences |
Planning and preparation
Firstly, measure the perimeter of the area you want to fence. This will help you determine the required amount of electrical wire and the number of metal stakes needed. It is recommended to leave a foot of space between the edge of the garden and any nearby plants.
Secondly, decide on the type of electric fence charger you want to use. Electric, solar, battery, or voltage-powered options are available. The choice depends on factors such as the length of the fence, the number of wires, and access to sunlight or power outlets.
Next, select the appropriate wire for your fence. You can choose between electric fence tape, straight wire of varying thicknesses, or coated wire for better visibility. The wire's thickness and type will depend on the purpose of your fence and the types of animals you want to deter.
Then, decide on the number and type of fence posts you will need. Wood posts are durable but degrade over time, while metal posts are easier to set up but may be more expensive. Calculate the number of corner braces required, allowing for one brace at each corner and end for six or fewer lines, and double braces for seven or more lines.
Additionally, consider the grounding system, which is critical to the effectiveness of your electric fence. A minimum grounding system consists of three 6-foot galvanized steel rods spaced 10 feet apart, connected by a wire to the energizer. You may need additional ground rods for larger energizers or opt for a single 3-foot ground rod for small, portable fences.
Finally, gather all the necessary parts and tools for installation. This includes items such as metal stakes, plastic hooks, round plastic rings, wire cutters, gloves, and any other specific tools recommended by the manufacturer. It is also advised to consult with an expert before beginning the installation process.
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Gathering materials
To set up an electric fence, you will need a variety of materials. The specific materials you will require will depend on the type of electric fence you are installing.
Permanent Electric Fence
Permanent electric fences are used to fence animals inside a property, fence out predators, and separate breeding animals. They usually consist of multiple wires attached to steel or wooden posts. High-tensile smooth wire, heavy-duty polytape, or polyrope are often used for permanent electric fences. The posts are spaced according to the terrain and size of the fenced area.
Temporary Electric Fence
Temporary electric fences are used to control animals inside a permanent fence and are usually made of one or two wires attached to plastic or metal rod posts. Small-gauge steel wire, polywire, or polytape are commonly used for temporary fences. Metal rod or plastic posts are typically spaced 20 to 30 feet apart.
Other Materials
In addition to the fencing material itself, you will also need a charger (also called an energizer) to convert power into voltage. Electric, solar, and battery or voltage-powered options are available. You will also need a grounding rod and wire to connect the charger to the grounding post(s). Insulators are important to install on the fence posts to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. To test the voltage of your electric fence, you can use a digital battery tester.
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Installation
Electric fences are a great way to keep unwanted animals out and your beloved animals in. They can also be used to enclose a pasture or garden. Before installing an electric fence, it is important to do some preparation. First, measure the parameter of the area to be fenced. This will help determine the amount of electrical wire needed and the number of metal stakes required. It is also important to gather all the necessary parts for the electric fence, such as an electric fence wire, electric power box, metal stakes, grounding post, plastic hooks, round plastic rings, wire, sledgehammer/pile driver, wire cutter, and gloves.
The next step is to set up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. It is important to leave the fence charger off during installation. Install at least one grounding post that is 6 feet or longer near the charger. A second grounding rod can be installed 10-20 feet from the first one. Run a grounding wire from the charger to all the grounding posts, securing it with grounding clamps.
After installing the grounding posts, proceed to install the fence posts, ensuring they are not too close together but not more than 40 feet apart. Brace the corners and gates to reinforce the posts, especially those exposed to the most stress. Mount the insulators on the posts to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Run the wire between the posts, threading it through the plastic hooks and around the round plastic pieces. Repeat this process for the desired number of wiring rounds.
Finally, attach the energizer and turn it on. Check the fence for voltage using a digital battery tester. It is important to check the fence daily to ensure it is working properly. Most chargers include a voltage meter or an indicator light to show if the fence is active.
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Testing
Using a Voltmeter or Multimeter:
A voltmeter is a reliable tool for testing electric fences. You can purchase one from a home improvement store for around $20 to $50. Start by standing near the part of the fence farthest from the charger. Identify the ground wires by referring to the fence manual. Use the voltmeter to check for voltage in the wires. If you need to measure the exact voltage, set the multimeter to the correct voltage measurement (AC or DC) and range as specified in the fence's user manual.
Indicator Lights and Compass:
Attach electric fence indicator lights to your fence at regular intervals. These small devices illuminate when the fence is on. Additionally, you can use a compass to check for an electromagnetic field. Hold the compass within 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) of each wire. If the wire is charged, the compass needle should vibrate due to the magnetic field created by the charge.
It is important to test the entire length of the fence to identify any problems. Walk along the fence, staying within 3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 m). Point the meter constantly or at intervals of about 50-100 feet (15-30 m). If you find sections with inconsistent readings, follow up with a voltmeter to pinpoint the issue.
Troubleshooting:
If your fence is not functioning properly, there are a few things to check. Ensure that the hook-up wires are securely connected to the charger and the fence. Check for any loose connections and reattach them. Additionally, inspect the ground rods to ensure they are properly installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Vegetation touching the fence can also affect voltage, so keep the area trimmed.
Safety Precautions:
Always prioritize safety when testing an electric fence. Do not touch the fence with your hands, as it can result in a painful shock. Avoid using your hands to grasp the wire, as the natural reflex during a shock is to clench, which could lead to serious injuries. If you need to touch the fence for any reason, use the back of your fingers, as this will minimize the impact of the shock.
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Maintenance
- Regularly check your fence, especially before the grazing season. Gallagher Check is a step-by-step guide to help you inspect your fence.
- Check the voltage of your fence with a digital battery tester or a Five-O-Lite or digital voltmeter.
- Inspect the fence for loose wires and tension. Tighten the wires if necessary to keep the electric current strong.
- Check for damaged underground wires, broken insulators, poor connections, or debris that might have fallen onto the fence.
- Keep vegetation trimmed and away from the fence. Weeds and plants are full of water and highly conductive, causing a short circuit when they touch the fence.
- If you live in an area with snow, ensure that you remove snow from the fence to prevent damage and sagging.
- If you are not using the fence during the winter, switch off and store your energiser.
- Ensure that your fence is adequately powered and consider investing in a stronger charger if needed.
- If you notice a weak charge in certain areas, you may need to install additional grounding rods.
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Frequently asked questions
Measure the parameter of the garden or space you want to fence in. This will help you determine how much wire you need and how many metal stakes you should get. You should also decide what type of electric fence charger you want to use.
Start by setting up an electric charger near an AC outlet or a solar charger in a sunny spot. Install at least one grounding post that's 6 feet or longer near the charger. Run a grounding wire from the charger to all of the grounding posts. Install your fence posts, making sure they're not too close together but not more than 40 feet apart. Brace the corners and gates to reinforce them. Mount the insulators on the posts and run the wire between them.
The type of animals you want to control or keep in will determine the material selection. Make sure your fence is easy to see—you can use electric fence tape, coated wire, braid, or rope.
Most chargers will include a voltage meter or an indicator light that will show if the fence is active. You can also walk the perimeter and check for any grass or shrubs that may be interfering.
