Electric Fencing
Electric farm fences are a safe and effective means of providing both permanent and temporary fencing for most livestock. Their purpose is to supply enough electrical shock to an animal, whether livestock or predator, that comes in contact with the wire. Eventually livestock and predators get trained to stay away from the electrified wire.
Power Energizer
A power energizer converts the electricity a brief pulse of high voltage. A first terminal of the power energizer gives a high volt pulse down a bare wire about every second. A second terimal is connected to a metal graounding rod that is embedded in the soil. When an animal simultaneously touches the electrified wire and ground wire, the electric circuit is cxompleted, which in turn send a shock of painful electricity. You control the amount of shock that is emitted by regulating the amount of voltage, type of wire and joules of the power energizer.
Buy the best, most powerful energizer that is available and that you can afford. At some time, the energizer must send enough power through tall, wet shrubs and grasses. An electric fence works by shocking an animal's nervous system. The shocking power of the fence, not the height or number or wires is what deters the animals.
A fence charger should come from a reputable, dependable supplier, have low impedence, replaceable components, and have a warranty. Expect some charger breakdowns, especially from lightning storms. Some suppliers also offer lightning protection with their charger warranty.
If your farm fencing is too remote from an electric circuit at the house or barn, you should consider installing a solar electric fence charger.
Grounding
It's important to use three or more grounding rods that are between 6 to 8 ft long. This enables the electricity to make a complete circuit to the charger. Poor grounding does not make adequate shocks.
install several ground rods -- at least three that are 6 to 8 feet long, galvanized, and attached with good ground clamps. The electricity must complete a full circle back to the charger through the ground. Poor grounding gives weak shocks.
Safety Issues
- Before recharging the battery, disconnect it from the battery-powered fence controllers before recharging the battery. Otherwise you may damage the battery charger and the fence controller. You may also negate your your warranty.
- Teach everyone at your ranch how to disconnect a fence controller. If there is an emergency, then there will be more people available to perform this task. Remember to post notice signs on your electric fences near residential areas and on along public roadways.
- During electrical storms stay clear of the fence and never disconnect any of the wires or components.
- Do not connect the AC power supply to a DC fencer.
- When you finish installing the electric fence, check the voltage of the fence line. When power is on the fence, an OK light should flash.
Installing Electric Fencing
- It's important to place the controller under a cover that protects it from rain and moisure. Likewise, all your electric connections should have moisture protection. The lead-out wire on the controller takes the voltage from the fence terminal to the fencing wires. The jumper wire, in turn, moves the voltages from one electric line to another point, such as multi-wire systes, corners, burried fence wires, and gates.
- Always use insulated cable wire that is especially made for electric fences. This should be a 10 to 14 guage insulated cable that is guaranteed for up to 20,000 volts. Never use commen, house-hold cable wiring because it is typically only guarnted for 600 volts.
- Install a 6 ft ground rod to be within 20 ft from the controller.
- Attach a 10 to 14 guage ground wire to the ground rod, using a ground wire clamp.
- Then install at least two more ground rods that are spaces 10 ft apart and 6 ft deep. If you have area that is frequently damp, put a ground rod there also.
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