Trystan Casey
Electric fences are a useful tool for farmers who need to keep their livestock contained or keep wild animals and intruders out of their yards. Electric fence energizers are a critical component of an electric fence, and they work by sending high-voltage pulses of electrons down the conductor every 1-2 seconds. When setting up an electric fence energizer, it is important to consider the type of energizer, the fencing material, and the location of the earth terminal. The energizer should be placed in a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet or an area with plenty of sunlight if using a solar charger. The type of energizer depends on the length of the fence, the vegetation, the type of animals, and the power source. It is also important to ensure that the fence is tested with a voltmeter to ensure it has a minimum of 3000 volts, and that warning signs are posted to prevent accidental injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fence Type | Electric fence |
| Use | To protect your garden, yard, pets, and livestock |
| Wire Type | High-tensile wire, electro-rope, tape, steel wire, or polywire |
| Animals | Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, deer |
| Charger/Energizer Type | Pulse-type, solar, electric, battery-powered, mains energizer |
| Energizer Voltage | 110V AC or 230V |
| Energizer Power | 12V 80 ampere-hour (Ah) |
| Energizer Features | Safe for animals and people, brief high-voltage pulses |
| Fence Voltage | Minimum of 3000 volts |
| Grounding | Essential, with a properly installed ground circuit |
| Fence Posts | Wood, metal, or T-posts |
| Post Spacing | Avoid placing too close together; for spacing over 40 feet, use stays for stability |
| Bracing | Required on corners and gates, e.g., "floating diagonal" brace for cattle ranchers |
| Insulators | Important to keep electricity in the wires and away from the posts |
| Testing | Use a fence line tester or LED voltmeter to ensure adequate voltage |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right energizer
- Fence Length: The length of your electric fence will determine the power requirements of the energizer. Longer fences will require a more powerful energizer to maintain an effective electric current.
- Vegetation: If your fence has vegetation growing on the conductors, it can affect the flow of electricity. Choose an energizer that can compensate for this interference and ensure consistent performance.
- Fencing Material: Different fencing materials have varying electrical conductivity. For instance, electric-rope and tape are suitable for horses, while steel wire or polywire can be used for slower-moving animals like cattle and sheep. Ensure your energizer is compatible with the fencing material you select.
- Animal Type: Consider the type of animal you intend to contain or deter. Different animals require varying levels of electric current to receive a sufficient shock. For example, livestock should receive a minimum of 3000 volts to prevent them from causing problems.
- Power Source: Decide whether you want a battery-powered or mains-powered energizer. Battery-powered energizers, such as wet battery-powered or solar-powered options, offer more flexibility in terms of placement, while mains-powered energizers require access to a power outlet.
- Performance and Cost: Opt for a reliable energizer that delivers consistent performance. While cost is a factor, remember that the cheapest option may not be the most suitable for your needs and could end up being more expensive in the long run if it fails to contain animals or protect your property.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right energizer for your electric fence, ensuring its effectiveness and safety.
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Planning the location of the earth terminal
Firstly, it's important to understand the basic functioning of an electric fence. When an animal touches the fence, an electric charge passes through its body. This charge then continues the circuit by travelling through the earth to the ground rod, and then up to the ground terminal of the charger or energizer. Therefore, the positioning of the earth terminal is crucial to ensuring this circuit is complete.
The earth terminal should be placed in an area with optimal conditions for the operation of the electric fence. Electric current flows more efficiently in wet conditions compared to dry ones. To facilitate this, a galvanized earth stake should be used. This stake should be at least 3.3 feet (1 metre) in length. If you're using a mains energizer and operating in poor soil conditions, such as light or sandy soil, it's advisable to use more than one earth stake to improve conductivity. These additional stakes should be spaced 9.8 feet (3 metres) apart and connected with a lead-out cable.
To test the effectiveness of your earth terminal setup, you can perform a simple test. Utilize a metal bar or earth stake placed at least 328 feet (100 metres) away from the main stakes. Then, short the electric fence to the earth. Connect one probe of a voltmeter to the stake, while pushing the other probe into the ground as far away from the stake as feasible. A reading of 400 to 500 volts indicates that your earth terminal is functioning correctly. If the reading is lower, you may need to improve the soil conditions or adjust the positioning of the stakes to ensure optimal moisture levels.
Additionally, ensure that the ground terminal of the charger and the animal are sufficiently grounded. Without proper grounding, the electric current circuit won't be completed, rendering the fence ineffective. The earth itself provides half of the electric field circuit, so a properly installed ground circuit is of utmost importance.
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Testing the fence
Once you've set up your electric fence, it's important to test it to ensure it's functioning properly. Here are the steps you should follow:
- For temporary or portable electric fencing, use a fence line tester. For permanent fencing, use an LED voltmeter.
- Push the probe of the tester into the ground.
- Touch the tester terminal to the fence. Be sure to test at the furthest end from the energizer to get an accurate voltage measurement.
- The fence should have a minimum of 3000 volts. If it's lower, livestock may not receive a sufficient shock, which can cause issues.
- Test the earth to ensure proper grounding. Use a metal bar or earth stake placed at least 328 feet (100 m) away from the stakes.
- Short the electric fence to earth by connecting one probe of the voltmeter to a stake.
- Push the other probe into the ground as far away from the stake as possible.
- If the reading is between 400 and 500 volts, the fence is adequately grounded. If it's less than 400 volts, you'll need to improve the grounding conditions.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your electric fence is functioning correctly and providing a sufficient shock to deter livestock or intruders. Remember to take the necessary safety precautions when working with electricity and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific electric fence system.
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Selecting the right wire
Type of Wire: You can opt for electric fence tape or straight wire in various thicknesses. Tape is generally easier to see and safer than straight wire, reducing the risk of accidental contact. Poly tape, braid, and rope are suitable for most applications. Coated wire is also easy to see and install. However, half-inch tape might be too thin for substantial fences, especially for horses or deer.
Animal Considerations: The type of animal you intend to contain or deter will influence your wire choice. For example, horses are typically fenced with highly visible conductors like rope or tape. Slower-moving animals, such as cattle and sheep, can be effectively contained with steel wire or polywire. If you're dealing with livestock, high-tensile wire is recommended.
Visibility: Ensuring your electric fence is easily visible is of utmost importance. Nocturnal, feral animals, and wildlife might not see the wires and can accidentally run into the fence, compromising its structure. Therefore, choose a wire that stands out against the background and is highly visible to prevent accidental collisions.
Number of Wires: The number of wires required depends on the type of animal you're dealing with. For example, goats may require multiple strands of wire, while a single strand may suffice for cattle. Consider the specific needs of the animals you intend to contain or deter.
Installation Ease: Some wires are easier to install than others. For instance, coated wire is known for its ease of installation. Consider the installation process and choose a wire that suits your skills and available tools.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right wire for your electric fence, ensuring its effectiveness, safety, and durability.
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Setting up braces and insulators
Setting up Braces
Braces are essential for reinforcing posts that are exposed to significant stress, especially at corners and gates. A common type of brace used by cattle ranchers is the "floating diagonal" brace. To install this, you'll need a 4-inch by 10-foot post. Create a half-inch notch at the main corner post and set the other end of the brace on the ground, opposite the corner. For wooden posts, use a post pounder or a tractor-mounted driver to drive them into the ground. In sandy or rocky soil, set the posts deeper than you would in clay or dirt. The depth is also influenced by the tension on the wire at the corner and the presence of brace posts.
Mounting Insulators
Insulators are critical for keeping the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. They are necessary for fastening electrified wire to posts. You can use crimping sleeves or appropriate knots to secure wires to corner, end, and gate posts. As you set each line post, attach the bottom wire to it, which will guide you in determining the next post's position. Position the wire on the inside of line posts and the outside of curves.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of energizer depends on the length of the fence, vegetation on the conductors, fencing material, type of animal, and availability of a 230-volt power source. You can use a pulse-type energizer, a solar energizer, or a wet battery-powered energizer.
First, plan the location of the earth terminal. For optimal conditions, use a 3.3-foot (1-meter) galvanized earth stake. If you're using a mains energizer on poor soil, you may need more than one earth stake. Next, set up your charger near an AC outlet or in an area with plenty of sunlight if you're using a solar charger. Hang the charger on a post or wall of an outbuilding. Then, connect the ground wire to the ground terminal and rods using an insulated ground wire. Finally, connect the fence terminal to the fence wire using a 20,000-volt hook-up wire.
For temporary or portable fencing, use a fence line tester. For permanent fencing, use an LED voltmeter. Push the probe into the ground and touch the tester terminal to the fence. Test at the furthest end from the energizer. The fence should have a minimum of 3000 volts.
The grounding circuit is critical to the electric fence's proper functioning. Ensure the ground terminal of the charger is sufficiently grounded to complete the electric current's path. Additionally, in many countries, you must post signs on the fence that are readable to humans but not to the animals the fence is meant to contain.
