A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Fence

An electric fence uses an energizer to send a high voltage pulse down an insulated fence line. The pulse is delivered intermittently, about once per second.

Animals that touch an electric fence receive a painful shock. Most animals quickly learn to avoid touching the fence after experiencing this unpleasant feeling.

The Energizer

The energizer (also known as a charger, fencer, zapper or weed killer) is the heart of your electric fence system. It sends very brief, high-voltage pulses down the fence wire that deter animals and predators.

Modern energizers produce a high amount of energy, yet they’re safe to touch because the pulses are so brief. They also don’t build up heat that would cause a fire.

Premier offers plug-in AC energizers for farms with power close to an outlet as well as solar and battery-powered Energizers for remote areas. When choosing an energizer, look at its voltage rating and consider the distance of your fence.

Make sure your energizer is low impedance and certified to be UL or CSA safe. A low-impedance energizer is designed to push energy past weeds and vegetation while still providing a powerful pulse to the fence wire. A high-impedance energizer, on the other hand, leaks energy into weeds and can pose a safety hazard.

The Wire

Electric fences are often used to keep livestock and domestic animals on the ranch, but they are also commonly found in areas where trespassing is a serious problem. For example, they’re often seen around freight carriers, auto auctions, equipment rental companies and even government buildings as a way to deter unauthorized personnel from entering.

Today’s energizers send very brief pulses of high voltage down the conductors every 1/10,000th of a second. This pulse is strong enough to prevent most predators and deter livestock. The pulse is so short that the conductors do not pose a fire risk when placed near combustible materials.

When cattle are first introduced to an electric fence, it can take up to three or four days before they learn to avoid it. This is because the pulsing electrical current feels like a cramp rather than a grabbing sensation. Once they experience the discomfort, however, they are likely to stay away from the fence and not return to it again in the future.

The Posts

The posts are the backbone of your electric fence malaysia, providing support and holding wires. They need to be strong enough to withstand animal pressure, stand up to the elements, and last for many years. Choosing the right post depends on your needs, such as the type and density of your soil and the desired spacing between posts. As a rule of thumb, temporary electric fences should have a post every 10 to 15 feet.

Our 4 ft plastic step-in electric fence posts are perfect for temporary enclosures. Their sharp chisel pointed end and heavy duty design allow you to install them in hard and rockier soils without difficulty. They also have 8 open clips that accommodate both poly tape and electrical wire for versatility.

Timeless fence posts are made from non-conducting recycled materials and offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional steel t-posts. They are strong enough to hold barbed wire and woven wire, and they never rust or rot. They are easy to set by stepping-in or pushing them into the ground, unlike rebar posts that must be pounded into place with a mallet.

The Grounding System

The grounding system ensures that any stray voltage that may escape the fence system travels down into the earth and disperses. Without a proper grounding system, animals and people could get shocked.

A good grounding system consists of a series of galvanized rods buried in the soil, connected to the ground wire on the fence charger. The rods should be at least 4 feet long. When digging, look for an area that is conductive and free of rocks and debris.

Depending on your climate, you may need to use a different grounding system than the standard one recommended by electric fence manufacturers. For example, if your soil is sandy or rocky you may need to install a ground return system in which the hot and ground wires alternate to help draw moisture from the soil. The grounding system should be checked often during very wet or extremely dry weather. A voltmeter designed for electric fences can be used to test the grounding system.