Beatrice Lang
Electric fences are designed to send short pulses of electricity across the wire, normally once per second, with each pulse lasting a fraction of a second. If your electric fence is not pulsing, there could be a number of issues. These include faulty wiring, improper grounding, vegetation touching the fence, or faulty equipment. To troubleshoot, you can check the wiring, connections, and grounds, as well as look for any objects or vegetation touching the fence that could cause a short circuit.
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What You'll Learn
Poor connections
To ensure your electric fence is properly grounded, it is recommended to have at least three 8-foot (2.4-metre) ground rods installed, spaced several feet (2 metres) apart. If your fence performs poorly during dry weather, it is a sign that your grounding system needs improvement. Moist soil conducts electricity better than dry soil, so it is recommended to locate the ground system in a boggy area or keep the area around the ground system moist.
In addition to proper grounding, it is important to check for good connections along the fence line. Loose or poor connections at junction points, terminals, or splices can cause electrical resistance and interrupt the circuit's continuity. Vegetation touching the fence can also drain voltage, so it is important to clear any plants or branches that may be in contact with the fence and maintain regular trimming.
It is also crucial to maintain the insulators along the fence line. Damaged, cracked, or dirty insulators can create shorts or drain voltage on your fence. Prolonged exposure to the sun, temperature variations, and physical stress on the fence line can damage insulators, so regular inspections and replacements are necessary.
Finally, heavy rain, snow, or ice can compromise the conductivity of an electric fence by creating a path of low resistance for the electric charge to escape, reducing its effectiveness. Regular maintenance is essential to address any issues caused by severe weather events.
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Faulty grounding
To ensure proper grounding, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, the ground system should be positioned within a certain distance from the fence charger. It is recommended to place the ground system within 75 feet of the fence charger, while maintaining a minimum distance of 25 feet from buildings with metal siding. Additionally, the ground system should be at least 33 feet away from electric or telephone ground systems to avoid interference.
The type of soil also plays a significant role in grounding. Moist and wet soil conducts electricity much better than dry soil. Therefore, it is advisable to locate the ground system in a boggy area or an area that remains moist throughout the year. If the soil is dry, it is possible to water the grounding system to maintain a strong electrical connection. In extremely dry conditions, a bentonite mix can be added to the grounding system to improve moisture retention.
To enhance the grounding, it is important to ensure an adequate number of ground rods. A standard grounding system typically includes three to six galvanized grounding rods spaced 10 feet apart. However, if the soil conditions are not ideal, it may be necessary to increase the number of ground rods. It is recommended to refer to the charger's user manual for specific guidelines.
By following these guidelines and ensuring proper grounding, you can help prevent issues with your electric fence and ensure its effectiveness in containing cattle or deterring predators.
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Vegetation touching the fence
Vegetation touching an electric fence can cause it to not pulse. This is because plants—including weeds growing up from below the fence, bushes growing into the fence, or branches resting on the fence—will drain voltage from the fence. To prevent this, it is important to regularly trim plants near the fence and remove any trees or grass growing close to the fence line.
It is also important to ensure that the fence is properly insulated and that there are no objects leaning against it, as this can also cause a loss of power or a drop in voltage. A good way to test if an electric fence is working correctly is to use a voltage tester or a fence tester.
If the fence is not pulsing due to vegetation, it is important to first turn off the power to the charger. Then, check both connections (positive-to-fence and negative-to-ground rod) and ensure they are securely attached. If one or more connections have come loose, reattach them, turn the power back on, and see if this resolves the issue.
If the issue persists, keep the hook-up line connected to the terminal and disconnect it from the fence, leaving the ground rod hook-up completely attached. Then, turn the power on and use a voltage tester to check the output of the hook-up wire that is normally attached to the fence. If the voltage is low or there is no power, the issue may be with the power supply unit or the battery, in which case it may need to be replaced.
It is also recommended to regularly test the electric fence and address any issues that arise to prevent future problems.
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Faulty wiring
First, check that your wires are insulated properly. If they are not, this may cause a short circuit, preventing the fence from pulsing correctly. You should also check that the brace wire is correctly routed. Brace wires should be on the inside compared to other fence wires. If they are not, they may lie against the fence wires and cause a short.
Next, ensure that your hook-up wires are securely connected to the charger and their final destination. One hook-up wire should lead from the positive terminal to the fence, and the other should run from the negative terminal to the ground rod. If one or both of these wires have come loose, reattach them and turn the power back on to see if this resolves the issue.
If your wiring appears to be secure, you may have a short issue. Check for any objects leaning against the fence, such as a shovel or vegetation, which could be causing a short. If you have steel posts, check the insulators, as these are a common source of wiring issues.
If you have checked for wiring issues and are still unable to find the problem, you may need to replace the unit. If your electric fence is battery-powered, measure the voltages on the battery to see if it is defective.
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Defective unit
A defective unit can cause an electric fence to stop pulsing. Poor grounding is the most common cause of electric fence issues. An electric fence is an electrical circuit, and if the ground system is inadequate, the electrical current is reduced, and the animal receives a weaker shock. It is important to regularly test your ground system to ensure your electric fence is working properly.
If you have a fence charger, you will hear it clicking like a metronome. Each click is a pulse. If your fence charger is double-clicking, this may indicate that the unit is defective. A defective unit may also be the cause if your electric fence is not pulsing at all.
If you have no interest in repairing the device, then the unit is likely defective and needs to be replaced. If your unit has a battery, measure the voltages on it. If it has a lead-acid battery, this may be the cause of the problem, as these have a limited lifespan.
It is important to prioritise safety when troubleshooting electric fence issues. Always disconnect the power source before starting any troubleshooting procedures. When working with a live fence, always be aware of the hot wire and your body's position.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be a number of reasons for this. Firstly, check that your wires are insulated properly and that there are no design flaws. You should also check that your hook-up wires are securely connected to the charger and their final destination.
If your fence has lost power, is running low on voltage, or has dropped a charge, you may need to check for a short circuit. This could be caused by vegetation touching the fence, or a metal object coming into contact with the wire.
You can test your fence with a voltage tester. Alternatively, some people suggest urinating on the fence to see if it is working.
If your fence is working but the amps are high, this could be caused by poor connections. Check that your hook-up wires are securely connected and that your connections are not loose.
If your fence is still not working, it may be defective and need replacing. If you are unsure, it is best to consult an electrical professional for advice.
