Trystan Casey
Electric fences are used to control animals inside a permanent fence, usually consisting of one or two wires attached to plastic or metal rod posts. They are easy to install, move, and take down. Permanent electric fences, on the other hand, are used to fence animals inside a property and keep out predators. When it comes to setting up an electric fence gate, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, planning the area to be covered and deciding on the type of electric fence to be used is crucial. Secondly, the type of gate and gate handles should be chosen based on the purpose of the fence and the material used. Finally, during the installation process, it is important to ensure proper insulation and voltage connectivity to maintain the electrification of the fence even when the gate is open.
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What You'll Learn
Planning the area and gate placement
Firstly, determine the area you want to enclose with your electric fence. Consider the size and shape of the field or pasture you are fencing. This will help you decide on the placement of the gate, ensuring easy access and efficient use of the space.
Next, decide on the type of gate you will be using. For permanent fencing, a heavy metal gate might be more suitable for perimeter openings, while a simpler gate, such as a single wire attached to a gate handle, could work for interior fence divisions. If your fence is temporary, using electric fence posts, you should have one gate located at either end of the fence line to maintain electrification.
When planning the gate placement, consider the width required. If you need to allow tractors or other vehicles to pass through, ensure you provide ample space for them to enter and exit comfortably. Additionally, think about the direction of travel; electric fence gates typically have two horizontal poles that swing inward or outward, so plan accordingly.
To install the gateway, you will need two gate insulators per line. These insulators will attach your chosen conductive material (tape, bungee rope, or cable) to the fence post on one end and the handles to the fence post with the handle anchor insulator on the other side of the entrance. Ensure that the handle is hooked into the live anchor, making the gate live when closed but not when open, thus ensuring safety.
Lastly, for a permanent electric fence, consider running an insulated cable underground at the entrance to maintain the flow of electricity when the gate is open. This cable should be heavily insulated and buried at least 25 to 30 cm underground.
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Gate post materials and insulators
The gate posts themselves can be made of wood or metal. The type of gate post insulators you will need depends on the type of gate and fence you are installing. For example, if your fence is a temporary structure, you should only have one gate, and it needs to be located at either end of the fence line. This means that the fence will remain electrified whether the gate is open or closed, and the gate itself is only live when the electric gates are shut. For permanent gateways, it is necessary to run a heavily insulated cable under the entrance, at least 25 to 30 cm underground, to keep both sides of the gate connected and maintain the flow of electricity around the fence when the gate is open.
The handle should be hooked into the anchor, which is live, and the other end connected to a non-live insulator on the opposite post. This will ensure that the gate is live when closed but not when open, ensuring you and your livestock are safe from electric shocks. Using an insulator at the non-hook end also ensures there is no leakage of electricity from the gate into the ground. For a permanent electric fence gateway, the gateway system is set up in the same way, with the handle hooked into the live anchor.
You can buy electric fence kits, which include everything you need to construct your fence, or you can get the components separately. For example, you can buy electric fence gate insulators, electric fence wire, electric fence wood post insulators, and electric fence gate anchors.
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Gate handles and anchors
When setting up an electric fence gate, it is important to consider the type of gate handles and anchors you will use. The choice of handle and anchor system depends on whether your fence is temporary or permanent, and the type of gate post you have.
For a temporary fence, you should use a gate that is located at either end of the fence line. This ensures that the fence remains electrified whether the gate is open or closed. In this case, the gate itself is only live when it is shut. For a permanent fence, you will need to run a heavily insulated cable under the entrance to maintain the flow of electricity when the gate is open.
The gate posts should be made of wood or metal, with the relevant insulators attached. A temporary push-in post is not suitable as it cannot withstand the tension or frequent opening and closing. For the gate handle and anchor, you can use a cord, tape, bungee, or wire system. The handle should be hooked into the anchor, which is live, and the other end connected to a non-live insulator on the opposite post. This ensures the gate is only live when closed, preventing shocks when opened.
When choosing a handle, opt for one made from tough, high-quality plastic with shockproof thickness for safe handling protection. You can also purchase gate handle kits specific to the type of post or wire you are using. For example, expandable gate handles are recommended for spring gates.
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Underground wire hookup
The insulated cable used for this purpose is often made with Class III galvanised wire and features two layers of polyethylene. This design enables it to withstand up to 20,000 volts and makes it suitable for underground use, connecting the fence charger to the fence.
One such product is the Zareba Underground Controller Hook Up Wire, which has 50 feet of 12-1/2 gauge wire. Its double insulation is highly regarded by customers, as it prevents shocks and allows for secure connections. The wire's toughness eliminates the need for a protective conduit when burying it. However, its thickness and protective cover make it stiff and slightly challenging to work with.
Another option is the American Farm Works Underground Electric Fence Cable, which also offers 50 feet of wire but with a 12.5 gauge. This cable is rated to withstand 20,000 volts and serves as a connection between the electric fence line and controller or under permanent gates.
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Gateways for temporary vs. permanent fences
When installing an electric fence, it is important to consider whether the fence is temporary or permanent. This is because the gateway system will differ between the two types of fences.
Temporary electric fences are used for short periods, usually no more than a few days, and are typically quick and easy to install. They are lightweight, easy to move, and reusable. For a temporary fence, the gateway needs to be located at either end of the fence line. This means that the fence will remain electrified whether the gate is open or closed, and the gate itself is only electrified when the gate is shut.
For a permanent electric fence, a heavily insulated cable must be run under the entrance, at least 25 to 30 cm underground, to keep both sides of the gate connected. This maintains the flow of electricity around the fence even when the gate is open. The gateway system is set up with the handle hooked into the live anchor, ensuring the gate is live when closed but not when open. This prevents people or livestock from receiving electric shocks when passing through the gate.
The materials used for temporary and permanent electric fences also differ. Temporary fences consist of one or more flexible wires attached to insulated posts and charged with an energizer. Metal "T" posts are the strongest option for temporary fences, but they are the most labour-intensive to install and remove. Other options include fiberglass rods, which are easily tapped in with a hammer, or polywire, which is a generic term for any brand of electroplastic twine.
Permanent electric fences, on the other hand, can be made of wood, barbed wire, pipe, woven wire, vinyl, or high-tensile steel wire. They are more time-consuming to install and require more accessories than temporary fences. However, they can last for over 40 years with low maintenance if constructed well.
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Frequently asked questions
You should plan the area you are covering and whether you will use electric netting, electric fence tape, rope, or wire. You should also consider the positioning of the gateway and the width required. If tractors or other vehicles will be travelling through the entrance, make sure you allow ample space.
A more permanent gate type, such as a heavy metal gate, may work better for openings along the perimeter. For openings or breaks on interior fences, a simpler gate opening, like a single wire attached to a gate handle, may be adequate.
A gateway is a safe break in the electric fence to allow access in and out of your fenced field. The gate handles are insulated to allow you to touch them to open or close the gate without receiving a shock.
You will need a 20,000-volt underground hookup wire to carry the electrical current under the gate opening to the other side. You can use an insulated cable underground to ensure that over time, rocks do not cut through the insulation.
