Wiktor Wise
Electric fences are used to keep livestock protected from predators, but they are only effective if they are working properly. Testing an electric fence controller is important maintenance to ensure the fence is working as intended. There are several ways to test an electric fence, but a voltmeter is one of the most reliable tools for the job. This tool is specifically designed to detect voltage in electric fences, and it is easy to use. To test an electric fence, you should start by standing near the part of the fence farthest from the fence charger and identifying the ground wires of the fence by checking the fence manual. Next, hold the plastic part of the voltmeter’s probe and use the metal tip to touch the ground wire. If there is no ground wire, touch the metal tip of the probe into the soil near the fence. Finally, hold the metal prong on the end of the voltmeter to a charged wire. The digital screen on the voltmeter will display the voltage. Repeat these steps along the fence, moving closer to the charger, to find weak spots.
Characteristics and Values of Testing an Electric Fence Controller
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Testing tools | Electric fence voltmeter, non-contact voltmeter, compass, blade of grass, multimeter, spark plug tester, wire, alligator clips, fence tester, voltage tester, battery charge meter |
| Testing methods | Testing the entire length of the fence, checking for weak spots, testing at regular intervals, comparing voltage readings to the fence manual, checking for faulty wires, testing the ground wire, testing the battery voltage, checking for vegetation touching the fence, listening for snapping sounds, checking for shorts |
| Safety considerations | Do not touch the fence with bare hands, use insulated pliers or rubber gloves if necessary to touch the fence, do not underestimate the "zapping" power of an electric fence |
| Troubleshooting | Ensure proper grounding, check if the energizer is turned on, replace batteries in hand-held testers if voltage readings are inconsistent, consult the fence manufacturer or an electrician if unsure about the ground wire, address issues as they arise |
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What You'll Learn
Using a voltmeter
To test an electric fence using a voltmeter, start by standing near the part of the fence farthest from the fence charger. Identify the ground wires of the fence by checking the fence manual. Hold the plastic part of the voltmeter’s probe, and use the metal tip to touch the ground wire. If there is no ground wire, touch the metal tip of the probe into the soil near the fence. Keep the metal tip of the probe to the ground wire or the ground. At the same time, hold the metal prong on the end of the voltmeter to a charged wire.
The digital screen on the voltmeter will display the voltage. Compare the voltage reading to your fence manual, which will tell you what the fence’s voltage should be (most electric fences have a voltage of 2,000 to 10,000 volts). Repeat these steps along the fence, moving closer to the charger, to find weak spots.
Non-contact voltmeters are also available. They are simple to use and do not require touching the fence wires. Stand within 5 feet of the electric fence and point the blinking tip of the non-contact voltmeter toward the fence. If the voltmeter does not light up or beep, slowly move closer to the fence. If it still does not light up or beep, the wire likely lacks a charge. However, non-contact voltmeters do not provide information about the amount of voltage.
If you get the "on" indicator (lights and beeping) in some sections of the fence and "off" in other sections, follow up with an electric fence voltmeter to see if you get variable voltage readings along the fence. If you do get variable readings, or if you do not have an electric fence voltmeter, call an electrician or electric fence installer.
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Checking for vegetation
Vegetation is one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning electric fence. Tall grass, branches, weeds, bushes, and other plants that touch an electric fence can drain voltage, so it is essential to keep the area around the fence clear. Regularly trim plants growing along the fence to prevent them from coming into contact with it.
To check for vegetation issues, inspect your fence for any plants that might be touching the wires. If you find any, clear them away and trim the plants back to maintain a safe distance from the fence. You should also check for objects that might have been left leaning against the fence, such as tools, wheelbarrows, or a shovel, as these can cause a short.
If your fence has completely lost power, the problem could be vegetation-related. In this case, you should check your power sources. Outlets can be tested by plugging in another electrical device, such as a light. If that item doesn't work, consult an electrician. Solar power sources can be tested with a voltage tester; if the battery is underperforming, you may need to replace it.
If you suspect that vegetation is causing a fault in your electric fence, you can use a voltmeter to test for a charge. Stand within 5 feet of the fence and point the blinking tip of the non-contact voltmeter toward the fence. If the voltmeter glows with a steady red light and beeps, the fence is charged. If not, slowly move closer to the fence. Repeat this process along the entire fence to check for faulty wires.
Alternatively, you may be able to listen for the sound of a working electric fence. Go to a quiet part of the fenced-in area and stand about 1 foot from the fence. Listen for a faint buzzing or humming sound. If you hear strange noises, such as crackling or clicking, hire a fence company to investigate.
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Testing the ground wire
First, identify the ground wire by referring to your fence manual. Electric fences usually have a ground wire, and this is important to direct any lightning strikes or power surges into the ground, protecting the energizer. If you are unsure, contact the fence manufacturer or an electrician to identify the ground wire.
Next, you will need to use a voltmeter to test the voltage. You can purchase a voltmeter from most home improvement retailers for around $20 to $50. Stand near the part of the fence farthest from the fence charger and hold the plastic part of the voltmeter's probe, touching the metal tip to the ground wire. If there is no ground wire, insert the metal tip into the soil near the fence. Keep the metal tip in contact with the ground wire or the ground.
At the same time, hold the metal prong on the end of the voltmeter to a charged wire. The voltmeter will then display the voltage. Compare this reading to the voltage specified in your fence manual, which should be between 2,000 and 10,000 volts. If the reading is over 400 volts, your ground rod is leaking too much voltage, and adjustments should be made. If it is under 400 volts, the system is sufficiently grounded.
Repeat these steps along the length of the fence to check for weak spots or faulty wires. It is important to keep vegetation near the fence trimmed, as this can drain voltage and affect the accuracy of your readings.
By following these steps, you can effectively test the ground wire of your electric fence and ensure it is functioning as intended.
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Checking the battery
Checking a Solar-Powered Battery:
Use a voltage tester to measure the voltage of your solar-powered battery. A 12-volt battery should test at 12 volts to properly energize a charger. Similarly, a 6-volt or 6/12-volt battery should show a minimum of 6 volts in the test. If the battery is underperforming, you may need to replace it. Solar batteries are designed to last about 1,000 days (3 years), and it is recommended to obtain a new one after this period. Additionally, keep in mind that a solar battery could lose its charge after an extended period without sufficient sunlight.
Checking a Non-Solar, DC Fence Charger Battery:
If you have a battery-operated, non-solar, DC fence charger, you should check if the DC battery is delivering the appropriate charge. Hand-held testers that require batteries may give inaccurate readings or no reading at all if the battery is depleted. Therefore, it is important to replace the battery, especially when voltage readings are inconsistent.
General Battery Care and Maintenance:
- Regularly check the batteries in your electric fence controller, especially if you suspect a problem or if your livestock has escaped.
- Ensure that your solar panels are free from obstructions, such as tall grass, branches, or dirt, as these can block sunlight and impact the battery's ability to charge effectively.
- Keep the batteries clean and dry, and store them in a cool, ventilated area when not in use.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for battery care and replacement to ensure optimal performance.
Safety Precautions:
Always prioritize safety when working with electric fences and batteries. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection. Ensure that you are using the correct tools, such as a voltmeter or battery tester, to avoid any accidents. Do not attempt to modify or repair the batteries or fence components unless you have the necessary knowledge and expertise.
By following these instructions and safety precautions, you can effectively check the battery of your electric fence controller and ensure that it is functioning properly.
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Using a compass
To test an electric fence with a compass, hold the compass near the fence, moving it within about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of each wire. Hold the compass near each wire for 10–30 seconds. If the wire is charged, the magnetic field created by the charge should cause the compass arrow to vibrate. For best results, use the compass near the quietest part of the fence, where you can listen for a faint buzzing or humming sound.
While this method is simple and inexpensive, it may not be as accurate as using a voltmeter. If you need to confirm whether a fence is on or off, it is recommended to use a non-contact voltmeter.
Other low-tech methods of testing an electric fence include using a blade of grass or simply listening for the sound of a working electric fence. However, these methods are not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as they can still deliver a powerful zap.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a voltmeter to test an electric fence controller. Start by standing near the part of the fence farthest from the fence charger. Identify the ground wires of the fence by checking the fence manual. Hold the plastic part of the voltmeter’s probe, and use the metal tip to touch the ground wire. If there is no ground wire, touch the metal tip of the probe into the soil near the fence.
A non-contact voltmeter is a safe way to test an electric fence. It will only reveal if there is or isn't any voltage coursing through the fence.
Electric fence indicator lights can be installed along the fence wires. The light will be on when the fence is working properly.
There could be a problem with the ground wire connection. Poor grounding is a major cause of electric fence malfunctions. Tall grass, branches, weeds, brush, or other plants that touch an electric fence can also drain some of the voltage.
