Beatrice Lang
Thunderbird is Australia's leader in electric fencing solutions, with 39 years of experience in providing high-quality, durable, and efficient products. The company offers a range of resources, including detailed guides, to help Australian farmers effectively utilise their electric fencing and agricultural weighing products. This includes information on how to set up an electric fence, such as ensuring appropriate earthing systems, positioning of energisers, and safety considerations like signage and avoiding power lines. Thunderbird's software, such as Thunderbird Phoenix Software Version 1.2 and Thundersoft 2.5, also aids in managing electric fence and weighing systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fence wiring | Should be installed away from telephone or telegraph lines or radio aerials |
| Fence lines | Should not cross beneath overhead power lines |
| Electric fence | Should be identified by suitable signs with the words "ELECTRIC FENCE" in 25mm-high lettering |
| Energisers | Should be installed inside a building, away from the risk of mechanical damage |
| Earthing | An earth return system is necessary to complete the circuit and deliver a shock to the animal |
| Earth stakes | Should be positioned in moist areas and must be 10m away from other earth systems |
| Thunderbird Pheonix Software Version | 1.2 |
| Thunderbird Pheonix Software File size | 995kb |
| Thunderbird Pheonix Software Compatibility | Microsoft Vista |
| Thundersoft Software Version | 2.5 |
| Thundersoft Software File size | 140mb |
| Thundersoft Software Compatibility | Windows XP / Vista, 7 & 8/8.1 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Energiser installation
The energiser installation is a crucial component of your Thunderbird electric fence setup. Here are the steps and guidelines for a safe and effective installation:
Firstly, it is important to note that only one energiser may be connected to a fence. If possible, install the energiser indoors in a secure location where it is protected from mechanical damage. This could be inside a building or a substantial structure. Ensure that the energiser is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
For outdoor installations, mount the energiser on a sturdy structure that is also protected from potential mechanical damage. Keep the energiser away from flammable goods, as a fault in the fence could produce a spark and cause a fire hazard. Additionally, avoid installing the fence near overhead power lines. If this cannot be avoided, ensure the fence wiring is installed underneath the power lines and at a right angle to them. The vertical distance between any fence wire and the earth's surface should not exceed 2 metres in such cases.
Each energiser should be connected to its own earthing peg, positioned at least 10 metres away from any other earthing device. The earth system is vital as it completes the circuit and delivers a shock to any animal touching the fence. Position the earth stakes in moist soil and use additional earth wire stakes for every 1.5 kilometres of fence run.
For added safety, particularly if your fence is accessible to the public, install warning signs. These signs should be yellow with clear lettering or symbols indicating "ELECTRIC FENCE". The signs should be at least 200mm by 100mm in size, with lettering of at least 25mm in height.
Finally, for effective livestock management, use a large energiser to produce a powerful shock. This will help animals associate the fence with an unpleasant jolt, encouraging them to stay clear of it.
Electric Sheep Dreams: Androids and Their eBook Fantasies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Earthing systems
To set up an earthing system for a Thunderbird electric fence, it is recommended to use the Thunderbird Earth Stake, which is easily movable. Position the earth stakes in a moist area, ensuring they are at least 10 metres away from other earth systems. For every 1.5 kilometres of fence run, additional earth wire stakes are required. It is also recommended to run earth wires parallel to live wires and use Thunderbird Super Earth Kits (Bentonite) to enhance the earthing system.
When installing electric fencing near overhead power lines, it is important to maintain a vertical distance of no more than 2 metres between the fence wire and the surface of the earth. Keep the fence wiring away from telephone, telegraph, or radio aerial lines. Additionally, ensure that the fence is properly signed, especially if it is accessible to the public. The signs should be yellow with black lettering, measuring 200mm by 100mm, and displaying the words "ELECTRIC FENCE" or the appropriate symbol.
To optimise the earthing system, consider the following tips:
- Use offset wires and install the fence at the height of the animal's nose.
- Connect live wires and earth wires together at each end of the strain to reduce voltage loss.
- Choose an electric fence energiser that is larger than what is required to ensure sufficient power.
- For temporary or permanent electric fence setups, Thunderbird Thundercord, a thick polywire/cord, offers great visibility, low wind drag, and higher mechanical and electrical strength.
Exploring Androids and Their Dreams in Electric Sheep Booktopia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Electric fence signage
Sign Placement and Spacing:
Place warning signs at regular intervals along your electric fence to ensure they are easily visible. Recommended spacing varies, with some sources suggesting signs be placed every 200-300 feet, while others recommend intervals of 250 feet or approximately every 75 metres. This ensures that anyone approaching the fence, whether adults or children, will be clearly warned of the electric current.
Sign Size and Inscription:
The signs should be an easily noticeable size, measuring 200mm in height and 100mm in width. The inscription should clearly state the words "ELECTRIC FENCE" or use a universally recognised symbol that indicates the presence of an electric current. Any lettering on the sign should be at least 25mm in height to ensure readability, even from a distance.
Sign Colour and Contrast:
The basic colour of the sign is recommended to be yellow, providing a clear contrast to the inscription. This contrast is essential for visibility, making the signs easy to spot, even from a distance. Some signs may also feature a picture of a hand getting zapped, providing a visual warning that is easily understood, even by non-English speakers.
Use of Fence Flags:
In addition to traditional warning signs, consider using fence flags to increase the visibility of your electric fence. These flags are available in various colours and sizes and can be placed at regular intervals along the fence line. They are especially useful for helping livestock and wildlife identify safe boundaries, ensuring they respect the fence and stay clear of potential hazards.
By following these guidelines for electric fence signage, you can effectively warn people and animals of the presence of an electric fence, preventing accidental contact and ensuring the safety and security of your property.
Electricity: Primary or Secondary Source?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wire and fence run
The wire and fence run are crucial components of an electric fence. Here are some detailed instructions for setting up the wire and fence run of a Thunderbird electric fence:
Firstly, choose the right wire for your fence. Thunderbird electric fences can be installed with electric fence tape or straight wire in various thicknesses. Tape is generally easier to see and safer than straight wire. Poly tape, poly braid, and poly rope are suitable for most applications. For a more robust fence, consider using coated wire or galvanized wire.
When installing the wire, it is essential to use insulators to keep the electricity in the wires and away from the posts. Insulators should be chosen based on the type of wire you select, as different wires have different insulator requirements. For example, braided or rope-style fencing will need insulators that provide enough space to slide through. Manufacturers often include insulators designed specifically for their products, so refer to their instructions.
Next, run the wire along the fence posts, starting from the post farthest away from the charger. Use connector clamps to securely mount the wire, ensuring it is pulled taut to prevent sagging. Avoid simply wrapping the wire around the posts, as this can lead to corrosion and looseness over time. Thunderbird recommends running earth wires parallel to live wires and using Thunderbird Super Earth Kits (Bentonite) for optimal results.
The spacing of your fence posts will depend on the terrain and size of the fenced area. As a general guideline, metal rod or plastic posts should be spaced around 20 to 40 feet apart, while ensuring they are not too close together. Brace the corners and gates to reinforce the structure.
Finally, for the fence to be effective, it is crucial to install an adequate number of grounding posts and ground rods. A good rule of thumb is to have one ground rod for every two joules of power output. For example, if you have a 6-joule unit, you will need three ground rods. These ground rods should be placed at least 10 feet apart and connected using ground rod clamps and wire.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that your Thunderbird electric fence's wire and fence run are properly installed and functioning as intended.
Dispose of Electrical Cables: Safe and Eco-Friendly Methods
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Animal training
When introducing electric fence netting to larger livestock, it is vital to train them to respect the fence. This can be achieved by allowing animals to discover the fence line in their own time within a holding paddock for several days. This way, they will learn to associate the fence with a shocking jolt and stay clear of it. It is recommended to use a larger energiser to produce a powerful shock during this training phase.
Additionally, the design of the paddock plays a role in effective animal management. Square paddocks provide more even grazing and reduce waste caused by animal traffic. Having multiple paddocks can be beneficial during periods of low pasture growth, as it provides a longer rotation period. Floodgates can be incorporated, with flood/short isolators to prevent the main fence from shorting out when water is present.
It is important to note that electric fence wires and tapes may need to be joined or repaired. Thunderbird offers wire joint clamps that prevent voltage loss due to loose or broken wires. Their energisers, such as the MB-145, MB-375, and MB-530 models, are suitable for medium-sized farms and offer advanced control and reliability. These energisers can be plugged into a wall or powered by a 12V battery, providing flexibility for various electric fence applications.
When setting up an electric fence, ensure that it is well-maintained and regularly checked for any faults or breaks. Vegetation, faulty insulation, and extensions beyond the energiser's capacity can cause issues. Always follow safety precautions, such as avoiding the storage of flammable goods near the fence to prevent potential sparks. By following these guidelines and training your animals, you can effectively utilise the Thunderbird electric fence for livestock management.
Electric Blanket Safety: Are They Dangerous If Left On?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
An electric fence is reliant on an earth return system to complete the circuit and deliver a shock to the animal.
Poly tape and poly wire are only recommended for short runs. For longer runs, use 1.6mm gal wire.
Fence lines crossing beneath overhead power lines should be avoided. If a crossing is necessary, it should be made underneath the power lines and as close to a right angle as possible.
Do not store flammable goods near an electric fence. If there is a fault, a spark may be produced. Also, ensure that signs are placed at regular intervals to warn the public.
Position earth stakes in a moist area, at least 10m away from other earth systems.
