Beatrice Lang
Electric fences are a great way to keep unwanted visitors out of your yard and your livestock safely inside. They can be a highly effective, low-maintenance, and economical option for those with gardens or pastures. When installing an electric fence, it is important to brace each corner with a corner piece. Corner posts should be larger in diameter than the posts along the sides and should be installed with at least one-third of their length underground. There are several ways to brace a corner post, including using a floating diagonal brace, a single well-anchored post, or a floating diagonal brace. It is also important to use insulators at the corners to avoid electricity escaping through the posts.
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What You'll Learn
Use a floating diagonal brace
A floating diagonal brace is a popular method for bracing a fence post due to its sturdiness and reliability. It is also known as a "floating brace" and is commonly used by cattle ranchers. This method requires fewer materials and less labour than traditional "H-brace" methods.
To begin, set or drive a corner post into the ground. The size of the corner post will depend on the number of wires in your electric fence. For 2 to 4 wires, use a 5-6' corner post. For 5 or more wires, use a 6-8' post. The post should be anchored securely, with at least 1/3 of its length buried in the ground. To prevent decay, tamp loose gravel around the base of the post instead of soil. Natural wood, such as Osage orange, is a good option for corner posts as it is resistant to decay and can last for up to 50 years.
Once the corner post is in place, mark the location for the notch on the post. The notch should be positioned at about 2/3 of the height of the mesh or fence. Cut a notch into the corner post, ensuring it is deep enough to accommodate the end of the brace. The brace should be cut on a taper to fit securely into the notch.
Secure the brace to the corner post using a jack fence spike or a lag bolt. This will ensure that the brace assembly is sturdy and can support the weight of the wires.
Finally, attach the wires to the brace assembly, ensuring that they do not touch the brace. Use a piece of insultube or an insulator to keep the wires from making contact with the brace and to prevent electricity from travelling to the post.
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Corner posts should be larger in diameter and well-anchored
When installing an electric fence, it is important to remember that corner posts should be larger in diameter and well-anchored. This is because corner posts play a crucial role in providing structural support for the fence.
Firstly, the larger diameter of the corner posts adds strength and stability to the fence structure. This is especially important at the corners, where the fence changes direction and experiences greater stress and tension. The increased diameter provides a stronger foundation to withstand these forces and maintain the integrity of the fence.
Secondly, it is essential that corner posts are well-anchored. Proper anchoring involves securing the posts deeply into the ground and ensuring they are firmly braced. A general rule of thumb is to bury at least one-third of the overall length of the corner post underground. This provides a strong base that prevents the post from shifting or leaning over time.
To enhance the anchoring of corner posts, consider using gravel instead of soil to fill the space around the base. Gravel provides free drainage and significantly reduces the rate of post decay underground. Additionally, you can employ a “floating diagonal” brace technique commonly used by cattle ranchers. This involves notching a 4-inch by 10-foot post halfway into the main corner post, with the other end resting on the ground opposite the corner.
The stability provided by larger diameter and well-anchored corner posts is vital for the overall effectiveness of the electric fence. It ensures that the fence remains securely in place, preventing animals from escaping or intruding. Proper installation of corner posts also contributes to the long-term durability and low maintenance of the fence.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your electric fence is sturdy, reliable, and fit for its intended purpose.
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Use insulators to keep electricity in the wires
Insulators are essential for electric fencing as they prevent voltage from being lost to conductive materials such as fence posts and vegetation. They also help maintain proper wire spacing on a fence. When installing an electric fence, it is important to use insulators designed to manage the additional wire strain at corners and ends. This is because corners bear the most strain as the wire pulls in different directions.
There are several types of insulators available for electric fencing. Chain link insulators, for example, are designed to attach electric fencing to chain link fences, enabling the fence to carry an electric current without grounding. These insulators are typically made from durable, UV-resistant plastic and are easy to install, making them versatile and ideal for various applications. However, they may require regular maintenance to prevent grounding from vegetation or debris and are less suited for high-tension fencing.
Another type of insulator is the T-post insulator, which comes in various designs like screw-on, pin lock, and snap-on, offering versatility and durability for both temporary and permanent setups. T-post insulators can also be compatible with round posts and U-posts, depending on the specific product. For places with a significant fire danger, porcelain insulators are fire-resistant and the best choice. However, porcelain tends to develop small cracks over time that can hold water and conduct electricity.
The Pin-Lock Wrap-Around Insulator is a good option for corner posts, providing distance between the existing wire and the electrified fence to prevent shorts. Ring insulators are another option for wood posts, allowing easy threading of wire through the post and providing flexibility for different fence designs. For end strain insulation, the Long-Life Super Strain Insulator is ideal for high-tensile electric fencing and secure end post connections.
When installing electric fencing, it is important to plan the layout carefully, considering the number of animals to be contained and determining the spacing and number of wires needed. Each corner of the electrical fence will need to be braced with a corner piece, and corner posts should be larger in diameter and properly anchored to provide adequate support. Additionally, it is recommended to use insulated electric fence wire for the hot side of the fence to ensure proper insulation and prevent voltage leakage.
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Connect wires at corners to increase voltage
To install an electric fence, you must first plan your layout. This includes deciding on the number of wires, the spacing between them, and the height of the fence. Each corner of the fence will need to be braced with a corner piece. Corner posts should be larger in diameter than the posts along the sides and should be installed with at least 1/3rd of their length underground.
To increase the voltage of your electric fence, you can connect all the electrified wires together at the corners and gates. This is because connecting wires in parallel reduces the series resistance of the wires, allowing for a higher current flow and improved voltage at the end of the fence. This setup is called a parallel circuit.
Additionally, you can improve the voltage by utilising your fence's cold wires as extra earthing. If you have steel posts, take an earth wire and a live wire under every gate, connecting them throughout the fence, starting from the main energizer earth stake.
It is important to note that electric fences should be kept clean of vegetation. Weeds and grass touching the wires can reduce voltage and make the fence less effective. Regularly checking the voltage with a digital voltmeter is recommended.
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Use a grounding wire to extend from the ground terminal to all grounding posts
When installing an electric fence, it is important to use a grounding wire to extend from the ground terminal to all grounding posts. This is a crucial step in ensuring the fence's effectiveness and safety. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:
Firstly, place at least one grounding rod near the charger. Use a post-hole digger or slammer to set the grounding post securely in the ground, leaving at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) of the post above the surface. It is recommended to set another grounding post 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) away from the first post. This provides an essential path for the electricity to flow and ensures the fence's functionality.
Next, attach the grounding wire to the ground terminal of the charger. This wire should be securely connected to the ground terminal, following the manufacturer's instructions or a qualified electrician's advice. Ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken during this step.
Now, extend the grounding wire to all the grounding posts. This involves carefully running the wire from the ground terminal to each of the grounding posts that you have installed. It is important to use the appropriate length of wire and to secure it properly to ensure a reliable connection.
Finally, secure the grounding wire to each grounding post using a grounding clamp. This step ensures that the wire is firmly attached to the posts and helps complete the electrical circuit. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your electric fence system.
By following these steps, you will successfully extend a grounding wire from the ground terminal to all the grounding posts in your electric fence setup. This will help ensure the proper functioning of your electric fence and provide a safe and effective barrier. Remember to consult with experts or follow specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for a more detailed guide tailored to your specific electric fence system.
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Frequently asked questions
Before installing an electric fence, it is important to plan the layout, including the number of wires and brace corners required. Install fence posts using a long string to mark a straight line and set them securely in the ground. Corner posts should be larger in diameter and properly braced. Use high-quality insulators and attach the wires using a simple twist or a flat metal plate for a stronger connection.
Natural wood, such as Osage orange, is a popular choice for corner posts due to its resistance to decay. Other options include catalpa, bald cypress, redwood, red cedar, mulberry, and black locust. In areas without decay-resistant trees, consider creosote-treated pine posts.
One method is to wind the wire around a corner post and carefully unwind it until the next post. Thread the wire through the plastic hooks and repeat until you return to the starting post. Then, use a round plastic piece to thread the electrical wire, creating a single piece of wire along the parameter.
Instead of wrapping wire, you can use electric fence tape or polywire, or waratahs/steel Y-posts with Y-post insulators. Another option is to use a hose clamp or bicycle inner tube with tie wire for insulation and friction.
Connect all electrified wires together at the corners to increase the voltage along the entire fence. It is recommended to connect the fence charger in the middle, if possible, to ensure consistent voltage distribution.
