Wiktor Wise
Electric fence tape is a humane and effective way to keep livestock contained and wild animals and intruders out. It is also used to enclose gardens and pastures. The first step to setting up an electric fence is to select a charger. This could be solar, which does not require an electric outlet but needs sunlight, or electric, which must have access to an AC outlet. The next step is to put in grounding posts, which are necessary to install electric fencing. The posts exposed to the most stress need to be reinforced with braces, cement footings, or anchors. The next step is to mount the insulators, which are important to install because you need to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Posts: You can choose between wood and metal posts. Wood posts are durable and effective but will degrade over time. Metal posts, on the other hand, are easier to set in the ground but may be more expensive. For temporary fences, metal or plastic rod posts are typically used, spaced 20 to 30 feet apart. For permanent fences, steel "T" posts or wood posts are more common.
Wire or Tape: The choice between wire and tape depends on your specific needs. Coated wire and poly tape, braid, or rope are easy to see and install. Half-inch tape may not be suitable for larger fences, especially for containing horses or keeping out deer. For temporary fences, small-gauge steel wire, polywire, or polytape are often used. Permanent fences typically use high-tensile smooth wire, heavy-duty polytape, or polyrope for horses.
Insulators: Insulators are essential to keep electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Use insulators designed specifically for your fencing material. Cheap insulators and incorrect installation can lead to problems with your electric fence. Metal T-posts with insulator clips are an option, but ensure they are not too heavy for your posts.
Charger: The charger, or energizer, provides the electrical current to power the fence wires. Solar chargers are a good option if you have sufficient sunlight, while electric chargers require access to an AC outlet. Choose a charger rated by joules to ensure a consistent electrical current. The charger should be installed in a weather-resilient spot, hung on a post or wall, and kept protected.
Grounding System: A proper grounding system is necessary to ensure that animals receive a shock when touching the fence. Install at least three six-foot-long ground rods, spaced ten feet apart, using ground rod clamps and galvanized wire or insulated cable to connect them to each other and the fence charger.
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Setting up the charger
Firstly, select a suitable charger for your fence. You can choose between a solar charger and an electric charger. Solar chargers are an energy-efficient option, but they require access to ample sunlight. Electric chargers, on the other hand, need to be connected to an AC outlet for power. If you opt for an electric charger, ensure it is rated by joules, as this will provide a more consistent electrical current.
Once you've selected the type of charger, it's time to find the right location. Look for a weather-resilient spot near an AC outlet if you're using an electric charger. For solar chargers, choose an area that receives ample sunlight. It is important to hang the charger on a post or the wall of an outbuilding for protection. Remember not to turn on the charger until you have installed the entire fence.
The next step is to install grounding posts. You will 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 or slammer to set it securely in the ground. Ensure that the grounding rod is not near a water line.
Additionally, it is recommended to install an effective ground system. This typically includes three 6-foot-long ground rods, spaced 10 feet apart. Utilize ground rod clamps, galvanized wire, or insulated cable to connect the ground rods to each other and to the fence charger. A good rule of thumb is to use one 6- to 8-foot ground rod per joule of output energy.
Finally, install the fence charger (also known as an energizer) several feet above the ground. If you have a solar-powered charger, install it in an open area facing south in the northern hemisphere. Use insulated cable rated for high voltages to connect the charger to the fence. You can also install cut-off switches to isolate specific sections of the electric fence if needed.
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Installing grounding posts
Properly grounding an electric fence is essential to keeping the fence in good working order. If the fence is not working properly, the animal will not be able to feel a shock, and it will be difficult to keep livestock contained or wild animals out.
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. The first grounding rod must be driven into the soil within 20 feet of the fence energizer. Additional grounding rods should be spaced at least 10 feet apart from each other and the previous rod. Copper or galvanized metal ground rods are best and should be at least 4 feet long. The longer the better! To connect your ground rods to the fence charger, use a 10- to 14-gauge insulated lead-out wire rated at 20,000 volts or better.
When wiring your electric fence, always electrify the top strand. The strand that's below that should be a ground wire. Beyond that, add and electrify strands according to your containment needs. For example, three strands for mares and geldings and up to five for stallions.
It is very important to check the ground system and the voltage of the electrical fence during extremely wet and extremely dry weather. Doing so will ensure that the system is properly grounded despite the appearance of the soil around the fence.
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Bracing corners and gates
When it comes to bracing corners, you have a few options. One common method is to use a corner post brace. This involves installing a sturdy wooden or metal post at a 45-degree angle to the corner post, with the brace post embedded securely into the ground. The brace post should be attached to the corner post using strong wire or fence stays. This helps to distribute the tension of the fence and prevents the corner post from leaning or buckling.
Another option for bracing corners is to use a diagonal brace. This method involves running a wire or rope diagonally from the top of the corner post to a sturdy anchor point, such as a nearby tree or a ground anchor. This helps to stabilize the corner post and prevent it from moving.
For added stability, you can also use a combination of both bracing methods. This is particularly useful for corners that are under high tension or subject to strong winds or other forces.
Now, let's talk about bracing gates. Electric fence gates require careful bracing to ensure they function properly and maintain the integrity of the fence. Start by installing sturdy gate posts on either side of the gate opening. These posts should be securely anchored into the ground and braced with either diagonal or horizontal braces to prevent them from leaning.
Install a gate handle and a gate anchor on the gate itself. The gate handle is for opening and closing the gate, while the gate anchor is a crucial component that connects the gate to the energizer when the gate is closed, ensuring that the circuit remains complete and the fence remains energized. Ensure that the gate handle and anchor are positioned correctly and are easily accessible.
Attach the electric fence tape to the gate using insulated gate handles or gate insulators. This ensures that the tape is securely connected to the gate and allows for easy opening and closing without disrupting the flow of electricity along the fence.
Regular maintenance of your electric fence, including the bracing corners and gates, is important. Check the tension of the fence line and the stability of the braces and posts. Adjust or replace any components as needed to ensure the fence remains secure and functional.
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Insulating the wire
Insulators are essential for maintaining an electric fence's safety and efficiency. They are required to hold the fence material on the post and prevent the fence from contacting any surface that may cause a current leakage. It is important to note that not all insulators are created equal; cheap, generic insulators made of brittle plastic may only last a few years and are unreliable and inefficient.
When insulating the wire, it is important to use a wire that is specifically designed for electric fences. Ordinary household wire, which has an insulation potential of up to 600 volts, will result in a dangerous electricity leakage if used for electrical fencing. Electric fences typically emit a charge between 5,000 and 10,000 volts, with some fence voltages exceeding 10,000 volts. Therefore, it is recommended to use insulated wire that can withstand up to 20,000 volts, similar to the insulation used on automobile spark plugs.
The type of insulator you use will depend on the type of fence you are electrifying. For wood post insulators, options include pin lock, nail on, ring, and claw designs. These insulators are typically used for both permanent and temporary fencing and are compatible with various wire types, including polywire and high-tensile wire. If you are using fiberglass fence posts, you do not need to insulate the wire with insulators because fiberglass is not a conductive material. However, you will still need to secure the wire to the posts using U-Clips or SnapMax clips.
For permanent electric fences, double-insulated wire is recommended. This type of wire differs from single-coated wire in terms of gauge, tensile strength, insulation thickness, and the number of insulation coats. It is also important to regularly check the voltage of your fence using a fence tester to ensure that the insulation is functioning properly.
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Frequently asked questions
Metal or wooden posts, insulators, grounding rods, a fence charger, and electric fence tape or wire.
Metal posts are easier to set in the ground but may be more expensive. Wood posts are durable and effective but will degrade over time. Posts should be spaced 20-30 feet apart.
Take both ends of the tape and tie them together securely, leaving about 4 cm of excess tape on both sides. Melt the polymer fibres with a lighter or small flame to expose the thin metal wires.
Install three 6-foot-long ground rods, spaced 10 feet apart. Use ground rod clamps and galvanized wire or insulated cable to connect the ground rods to each other and to the fence charger.
