Otis Singleton
Electric fences are designed to send short pulses of electricity across the wire, with each pulse lasting a fraction of a second. This is to ensure that the animal or human receives a shock but is able to move away from the fence before being shocked again. The clicking sound is caused by the energizer earthing, and it is normal to hear a click with each pulse. However, if the clicking becomes louder, it could indicate a fault in the fence, such as a partial break in the wire or poor grounding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of louder clicking | Could be due to a partial break in the tape, a short circuit, or poor grounding |
| Troubleshooting techniques | Use a fault finder, digital voltmeter, AM radio, or fence tester to locate the issue |
| Solutions | Check for vegetation touching the fence, ensure adequate grounding, and replace any faulty components |
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What You'll Learn
The fence may be touching something metal
If your electric fence is clicking louder, one possible reason could be that the fence is touching something metallic. Electric fences work by creating an electrical circuit when touched, which sends a pulse of electricity through the fence to deter intruders. However, if the fence comes into contact with a metal object, it can create a direct ground, causing the energy to be diverted and the clicking sound to become louder.
This issue can occur if the electric fence is installed too close to metal structures or equipment, such as a shed, water pipe, or even a chain-link fence. It can also happen if the fence wire comes into contact with metal objects, such as fallen branches or tools leaning against the fence.
To resolve this issue, you should first identify and locate the point of contact between the fence and the metal object. Turn off the energizer and disconnect the fence from the energizer and ground rod before attempting any repairs. Once you have found the contact point, carefully separate the fence from the metal object and ensure there is adequate distance or insulation between them.
You can use insulated wire connectors or tubing to separate the fence wire from any metal structures. Ensure that any tools or equipment leaning against the fence are removed and that there are no fallen branches or other debris creating a connection. If necessary, trim back any vegetation that may be pushing the fence into contact with metal objects.
By eliminating any direct contact between the electric fence and metal objects, you should be able to resolve the issue of the louder clicking sound and restore the fence's normal functioning. Remember to follow safety precautions when working with electric fences and consult with a professional if you are unsure about any repairs or adjustments.
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Dodgy contacts at joints
If your electric fence is clicking louder, it could be due to dodgy contacts at the joints. This issue can occur if there is a break in the wire or tape at the point where the energiser clip connects to the tape.
To troubleshoot this problem, start by inspecting the joints and connections, particularly where the clip from the energiser attaches to the tape. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Ensure that the connections are secure and properly aligned.
If the issue persists, try replacing the affected section of tape or wire. In some cases, the energiser clip itself may be faulty and need replacement. It is recommended to consult a professional electrician or a specialist repair service if you are unsure about handling electrical components.
To prevent future issues with dodgy contacts at joints, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial. Periodically check the connections and joints for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that the connections are tight and secure, and there is no debris or corrosion affecting the conductivity. Proper maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your electric fence and reduce the likelihood of unexpected loud clicking noises.
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Faults in the ground system
An electric fence is an electrical circuit. The electrical current travels from the charger, down the fence line, through the animal, along the earth to the ground system, and back to the charger. If the ground system is inadequate, the electrical current is reduced, and the animal receives a weaker shock.
The ground system should be at least 33 feet (10 m) away from electric or telephone ground systems to avoid interference. Moist soil conducts electricity much better than dry soil. If possible, locate the ground system in a boggy area. In dry weather, wet the area around the ground system to keep the soil moist. Make sure there are a sufficient number of ground rods. See your charger’s user manual for recommendations. If in doubt, use at least three ground rods. Use more ground rods if your soil conditions are not ideal.
Ground faults can be caused by grass, weeds, or overhanging branches touching the electric fence. A tree limb falling on the fence can break the insulator, causing the insulator to fall and the wire to lay against the fence post. This results in an instant ground fault. Broken insulators may also cause a fault by allowing the electric fence wire to touch the fence post.
To check for ground faults, use a voltmeter to measure the fence voltage. It should read 2 kV or less. If not, add more ground rods. Check the ground system by inserting the voltmeter’s ground probe into the earth at the full extent of the lead, and test the voltage on the last ground rod. The voltmeter reading should be no more than 0.3 kV. If the reading is higher than this, your ground system is insufficient, and you should add more ground rods or find a better location for your ground system.
Another way to locate a ground fault is to use a portable radio tuned off the station and on high volume. If there is no sound, the fence is OK. When the radio gets near a fault, you will hear clicking on the radio. As you get closer to the fault, the clicking will get louder. If the fault is caused by a faulty insulator, mark it with non-metallic paint so you can locate it easily after turning off the fence.
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Faults in the fence
One common cause of faults in electric fences is poor grounding. The ground system is an essential component of an electric fence as it provides a return path for the electrical current. If the ground system is inadequate, the electrical current is reduced, and the animal receives a weaker shock. Poor grounding can be due to several factors, including insufficient ground rods, incorrect spacing or depth of ground rods, dry soil, or interference from nearby electric or telephone ground systems.
Another cause of faults in electric fences is vegetation touching the fence. Trees, branches, or weeds can come into contact with the fence, creating a path for the electrical current to flow to the ground without passing through the animal. This can reduce the effectiveness of the fence and cause the charger to increase the voltage or current, resulting in louder clicking.
Additionally, faults in electric fences can be caused by physical damage to the fence, such as a break in the wire or tape. This can interrupt the flow of electrical current and affect the performance of the fence. In some cases, the issue may be with the energizer or charger itself, which may malfunction and cause irregular clicking or double-clicking.
To locate a fault in the fence, you can use a fault finder or a digital voltmeter. You can also use an AM radio tuned between stations; if there is a fault in the fence, you will hear clicking on the radio as you get closer to it. Once the fault is identified, it can be repaired or replaced to restore the proper functioning of the electric fence and reduce the clicking noise.
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A weed touching a live point
An electric fence clicking louder could be due to a weed touching a live point. Weeds can cause electric faults and draw voltage and amperage to earth, draining the fence of energy and causing it to short out. This is especially true in heavy weed conditions, where the fence has a heavy fence load and low resistance.
To prevent weeds from causing issues with your electric fence, it is important to implement weed control methods. This includes repairing weakened areas near the fence line, reducing foot traffic, mowing the grass at three inches or higher, using organic or chemical weed killers, and pulling or using a weed whacker. Regularly checking the condition of the vegetation around your fence is one of the easiest ways to prevent weed-related issues.
Additionally, it is recommended to keep the wire joints above the soil to improve airflow and reduce electrolysis. Seal the wire joints with thick paint, epoxy, or tar to keep moisture away. Using identical metals for your electric fence will also help avoid issues with electrolysis.
Other potential causes of a loud clicking noise in an electric fence include a partial break in the tape, a disconnection in the fence line, dodgy contacts at joints, or interference from nearby electric or telephone ground systems. It is important to regularly inspect your electric fence and implement the necessary maintenance and repair procedures to ensure it functions properly.
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Frequently asked questions
The clicking could be due to a partial break in the fence tape or a short in the fence.
The short could be caused by something intermittently touching the tape, energiser, or battery terminals. This could be vegetation, such as a weed blowing in the wind and touching a live point.
Using a fault finder is the quickest and most accurate way of locating a fault in the fence. Alternatively, you can use a digital voltmeter or an AM radio to locate the fault.
Most electric fence problems are caused by poor grounding. The ground system should be at least 33 feet (10 meters) away from electric or telephone ground systems to avoid interference. Moist soil conducts electricity better than dry soil, so keep the area around the ground system moist.
The clicking sound is the sound of the electric fence charger pulsing. Each click is a pulse of electricity sent across the wire.
