Otis Singleton
Electric fences need to be regularly tested to ensure they are working properly and keeping your property secure. If the voltage is too high, it could cause dangerous shocks to animals or humans. If it's too low, animals could escape without issue. You can test an electric fence with a voltmeter, a screwdriver with a plastic handle, or even a blade of grass. If you're using a voltmeter, you can buy a non-contact one for around $20 to $50. These are easy to use and don't require you to touch the fence wires. If you're using a screwdriver, touch the metal end to the fence wire and look for an electric arc. If you're using a blade of grass, simply hold it against the wire.
Testing an Electric Fence with a Voltmeter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voltmeter type | Non-contact voltmeter or electric fence voltmeter |
| Voltmeter cost | $20 to $50 |
| Voltmeter features | Digital screen, blinking red light on tip, metal prong on top, attached metal probe at the end of a wire |
| Distance from fence | Stand within 5 feet of the fence |
| Indication of charge | Beeping, glowing steady red light |
| Indication of no charge | No beeping, no glowing light |
| Indication of weak spots | Variable voltage readings |
| Voltage range | 2,000 to 10,000 volts |
| Alternative tools | Basic neon bulb tester, multimeter, spark plug tester, screwdriver with plastic handle, blade of grass |
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What You'll Learn
Using a non-contact voltmeter
Non-contact voltmeters are simple tools that can be purchased for $20 to $30 at most home improvement retailers. They are easy to use and do not require you to touch the fence wires. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a non-contact voltmeter to test an electric fence:
- Turn on the non-contact voltmeter: Before you begin, turn on the non-contact voltmeter and wait for a blinking red light on the tip. This usually indicates that the device is ready to be used.
- Stand at a safe distance: Position yourself within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of the electric fence. It is important to maintain a safe distance to avoid any potential hazards.
- Point the voltmeter at the fence: Direct the blinking tip of the voltmeter toward the fence. Keep in mind that you should not make physical contact with the fence.
- Observe the voltmeter's response: If the voltmeter detects a charge, it may start glowing with a steady red light and emit a beeping sound. This indicates that the fence is electrified.
- Adjust your position if needed: If the voltmeter does not respond initially, slowly move closer to the fence while maintaining a safe distance. Repeat the process of pointing the voltmeter at the fence and observing its response.
- Interpret the results: If, even at a close distance, the voltmeter does not light up or beep, it is likely that the fence wire lacks a charge. This means there is no voltage or insufficient voltage in the area.
It is important to note that non-contact voltmeters only provide a basic indication of voltage presence. They do not give specific voltage readings. If you require more detailed information about the voltage levels, you may need to use an electric fence voltmeter or seek the assistance of a professional electrician or electric fence installer.
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Using a screwdriver with a plastic handle
Testing an electric fence is important to ensure that the voltage is not too high or too low. While keeping a voltmeter on hand is ideal, you can use a screwdriver with a plastic handle if you don't have one. The plastic is non-conductive, so it will keep your hands safe from shock.
Before you begin, make sure you have a metal screwdriver with a thick plastic handle. You should never touch the metal of the screwdriver or the fence wires with your hands when performing this test.
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. Touch the metal end of the screwdriver to each fence wire. You may notice an immediate electric arc move from the wire to the screwdriver, which indicates that the wire is working. If you don't see an arc right away, gently move the screwdriver along the wire for up to 30 seconds. If no arc occurs, that wire may lack a charge.
After you test an electric fence and find weak points, you can start troubleshooting the problem to get your fence back up and running.
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Testing at the furthest point from the charger
To begin, identify the ground wires of the fence by checking the fence manual. If there is no ground wire, touch the metal tip of the voltmeter 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 the test at different points along the fence to confirm your results. If you get a low voltage result at the furthest point, repeating the test closer to the charger may help you pinpoint where there is a problem. Even if the voltage reading is good, repeating the test in other locations will confirm the result.
It is important to keep safety in mind when testing an electric fence. Always treat the fence as if it is electrified and be aware of the hot wire. Disconnect the power source to the electric fence before beginning any troubleshooting procedures.
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Using a blade of grass to test for a pulse
While voltmeters are the most reliable way to test electric fences, a blade of grass can be used if necessary.
To test an electric fence with a blade of grass, hold the blade against the wire. If you feel anything, the fence is live. If you don't feel anything, it might still be live.
It is worth noting that this method is not always reliable, and you may still get a shock if you touch the fence. One source notes that modern low-impedance fence chargers can deliver a powerful shock.
It is recommended that you use a non-contact voltmeter or a plastic-handled screwdriver to test an electric fence. If you do use a screwdriver, be sure to only touch the metal end to the fence wire.
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Troubleshooting weak spots and calling an electrician
Troubleshooting weak spots in an electric fence involves several steps. Firstly, it is important to regularly test your ground system to ensure your electric fence is functioning optimally. This can be done by measuring the voltage with a digital voltmeter. If the reading is higher than 0.3 kV, your ground system is insufficient, and you may need to add more ground rods.
Grounding issues are a common cause of faults in electric fences. Poor grounding can result in reduced electrical current, leading to weaker shocks for animals that come into contact with the fence. To address this, ensure that your ground system is at least 33 feet (10 meters) away from electric or telephone ground systems to avoid interference. Additionally, moist soil conducts electricity better than dry soil, so consider locating the ground system in a moist area or wetting the surrounding area during dry weather.
Another potential issue is vegetation, such as grass, weeds, or overhanging branches, touching the electric fence. This can cause the electric current to leak away from the fence and into the earth. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your fence, clearing any vegetation that may be in contact with the fence wires. Broken insulators can also lead to faults by allowing the electric fence wire to touch the fence post.
Connections of wires can be points of weakness, as poor contact from wrapped wires can lead to arcing and potential damage to the wires. Using proper connectors is recommended to avoid this issue. Underground jumper wires should be made of appropriate materials and regularly inspected for any damage.
If you are unsure about how to troubleshoot your electric fence or are dealing with complex issues, it is best to call a professional electrician or electric fence installer for assistance. They will have the knowledge and experience to identify and resolve any problems with your electric fence safely and effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Stand within 5 feet of the electric fence and point the voltmeter towards it. If the voltmeter begins to beep and glow with a steady red light, this indicates a charge. If not, slowly move closer to the fence. If there is still no beeping or light, the wire likely lacks a charge.
Most electric fences have a voltage of 2,000 to 10,000 volts. If the voltage is too high, it could cause dangerous shocks to animals or humans. If it's too low, animals may be able to escape through the fence.
Yes, you can use a screwdriver with a plastic handle. Touch the metal end of the screwdriver to the fence wire. If there is an electric arc moving from the wire to the screwdriver, the wire is working. If there is no arc, the wire may lack a charge.
