Otis Singleton
Electric fences are used to deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary. They are often used for agricultural purposes and animal control, such as deterring deer from entering private property, keeping animals off airport runways, and preventing animals from raiding crops. Electric fences are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons, where lethal voltages may be applied. Electric fences can be temporary or permanent, and they can be powered by batteries or solar panels. In addition to electric fences, you may have also noticed large fenced-off electrical areas, which are known as substations. These substations are integral to the national electricity grid and enable electricity to be transmitted at different voltages. They are designed to limit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and are safe for the surrounding areas.
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What You'll Learn
Electric fences deter animals and humans
Electric fences are barriers that use electric shocks to deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary. They are commonly used for agricultural and security purposes. For example, electric fences can be used to deter deer from entering private property, to keep animals away from airport runways, and to prevent conflict between humans and elephants or other animals in Africa and Asia. Electric fencing can also be used to temporarily fence off large areas quickly and is popular for confining horses and pack animals overnight.
Electric fences are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons, where potentially lethal voltages may be applied. In US state prisons, "stun-lethal" electric fences can be set to deliver a non-fatal shock if touched once and a fatal one if touched a second time. These fences may consist of two sets of wires, one forming a conventional non-lethal fence and the second forming a lethal fence that is energized when the first fence detects an intruder. Alternatively, a single fence may be capable of running in "safe", "unsafe", or "lethal" modes by varying the voltage or pulse energy.
In addition to security and agricultural applications, electric fences are also used in livestock farming to exclude potential predators that may tunnel under fences to gain access to livestock camps. Virtual electric fences for livestock using GPS technology have also been developed.
The setup of an electric fence typically includes a power energizer that converts power into a brief high-voltage pulse. This pulse is released along a connected bare wire about once per second. Another component is a metal rod implanted in the earth, called a ground or earth rod. When an animal or human touches both the wire and the earth during a pulse, they receive an electric shock.
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They are used for agricultural and security purposes
Electric fences are primarily used for agricultural and security purposes. They are a type of barrier that uses electric shocks to deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary. Most electric fences are used for agricultural purposes, such as controlling the movement of animals. For example, they can be used to deter deer from entering private property, keep animals off airport runways, and prevent wild boar from raiding crops. Electric fencing is also used in small livestock farming to exclude potential predators.
Electric fences are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons, where lethal voltages may be applied. "Stun-lethal" electric fences have been implemented in many US state prisons, such as those in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Louisiana. These fences can deliver a non-fatal shock if touched once, and a fatal one if touched a second time.
In addition to permanent fencing, temporary electric fencing is also commonly used. This type of fencing can quickly fence off a large area and is often used for rotational or "strip" grazing. Temporary fencing can be powered by batteries or solar panels and typically consists of strands of wire, synthetic tape, or cord mounted on metal or plastic posts.
Electric fences are an effective tool for managing the movement of both animals and humans, ensuring safety and security in a variety of contexts.
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They can be set up temporarily
Electric fences are barriers that use electric shocks to deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary. They are mostly used for agricultural and animal control purposes, but can also be used to protect high-security areas such as military installations and prisons, where lethal voltages may be applied. Electric fences can be set up temporarily to fence off a large area in a short period. This type of fencing is often used for rotational grazing, where steel T posts are driven into the ground with hand tools to provide additional support. Portable fence energisers, powered by batteries or solar panels, are also used for temporary fencing.
Temporary electric fencing is particularly useful for managed intensive grazing, also known as rotational or "strip" grazing. It is also commonly used for confining horses and pack animals overnight when trail riding, hunting, or at competitions. For a small area, temporary electric fencing made of rope or web should be spaced at no more than 12 to 15 feet (4 metres) to prevent the fencing material from sagging and touching the ground.
In addition to agricultural applications, temporary electric fencing can be used to protect high-security areas on a temporary basis. For example, electric fences have been installed at some US state prisons, such as those in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Louisiana. These "stun-lethal" fences can deliver a non-fatal shock if touched once and a fatal one if touched a second time.
Temporary electric fencing can also be used in conjunction with permanent fencing to enhance security. For instance, in the context of livestock farming, electric fencing can be added to existing fences to exclude potential predators that may tunnel under the fence. This combination of temporary and permanent fencing provides a more comprehensive security solution.
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Electric fences are also used to protect high-security areas
Electric fences are a useful tool for controlling the movement of humans and animals. They are often used in agricultural settings and for managing livestock. However, electric fences are also used to protect high-security areas. These fences can be set to deliver a non-fatal shock or a lethal one, depending on the level of security required.
High-security areas such as military installations and prisons often utilise electric fencing as a deterrent. The voltage used in these cases can be potentially lethal. For example, in the US, "stun-lethal" electric fences have been implemented in several state prisons, with a height of 12 feet to prevent escape attempts. These fences are designed with two sets of wires, one delivering a non-lethal shock and the other a lethal voltage. Alternatively, a single fence may be used with the ability to switch between "safe", "unsafe", and "lethal" modes by adjusting the voltage.
Electric fences are also employed in Africa and Asia to reduce conflict between humans and animals. In these cases, the fences are used to exclude predators and other animals from entering or exiting camps and farms. This application of electric fencing helps to maintain a safe distance between humans and potentially dangerous animals, reducing the risk of harm to both.
In addition to permanent structures, electric fencing can also be temporary. This type of fencing is useful for rapidly securing large areas for short periods, such as during outdoor events or for temporary livestock grazing. Temporary electric fencing is often supported by steel T posts, which can be quickly installed and removed using hand tools. Portable fence energisers, powered by batteries or solar panels, are used to electrify these temporary fences.
Overall, electric fences serve a diverse range of purposes, from protecting high-security areas to managing livestock and mitigating human-animal conflict. The versatility of electric fencing lies in its ability to be customised for different settings, whether it's a permanent fixture or a temporary solution, always with a focus on security and control.
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Electrical substations are fenced off to limit EMFs
Electrical substations are fenced off due to the health risks associated with the electromagnetic field (EMF) they emit. EMFs are composed of an electric field and a magnetic field, the latter of which is thought to be responsible for the health risks of low-frequency EMF. While the electric field lacks the power to penetrate the substation walls, the magnetic field can pass through bricks, concrete, and even the human body.
The strength of the magnetic field from a substation fluctuates depending on the electricity demand in the area. The magnetic field levels at the boundary of a substation are typically at a level of 1 or 2 microtesla (µT), which is higher than the typical magnetic field level in a house in the UK of about 0.01 to 0.2 µT. However, the magnetic field strength decreases rapidly as one moves away from the substation, with detectable magnetic fields typically extending between 3 and 8 meters away, and rarely up to 15 meters.
The health risks associated with EMF exposure have led to concerns about the safety of living close to electrical substations. While substations are typically situated away from residential and commercial buildings, there are cases where local distribution substations are located near homes as they supply electricity to the surrounding areas. These substations transform higher-voltage electricity to normal mains voltage and can supply up to a few hundred houses each.
Fencing off electrical substations helps to limit public access and reduce the potential health risks associated with EMF exposure. The fences serve as a physical barrier and often include warning signs to discourage unauthorized entry. While the magnetic fields emitted by substations cannot be shielded, proper fencing and signage can help ensure that people do not inadvertently expose themselves to high levels of EMFs.
Overall, the fencing of electrical substations is an important safety measure to limit EMF exposure and protect public health. By restricting access and reducing the potential for direct exposure to high levels of EMFs, these fenced-off areas play a crucial role in mitigating the health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
Those are electrical substations, which play a key role in transmitting electricity through the national system. They are used to convert electricity into different voltages to be transmitted throughout the country and distributed to local neighbourhoods, homes, businesses and buildings.
Substations can be large or small. Larger ones have a building and a fenced outdoor area, which may include a switchyard. The whole setup, including the parking area and stores dump, may be called a compound.
Electric fences are barriers that use electric shocks to deter humans and animals from crossing a boundary. They are mostly used for agricultural purposes and animal control. They are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons, where lethal voltages may be applied.
