An electric fence works by delivering an uncomfortable, but not harmful, shock to animals or people that touch certain parts of it.
Electric fencing is used for containing livestock, controlling wild animals, protecting an individual or property line, and even repelling trespassers. Electric fences are popular because they are relatively inexpensive ($300 to $1,000 depending on length), easy to install (10 minutes or less), require very little maintenance (once a year if properly applied), pose no danger to animals/humans/property (unlike barbed wire) and have an extremely high success rate. The fence charger sends an electrical pulse through the electrified wires of the fence. If a person or animal comes into contact with two wires at once, they complete the electric circuit and are given a shock. Along with getting shocked, most animals will learn to stay away from the fence after receiving just one or two shocks. Electric fence systems are powered by either AC current (as in standard house current), 12v DC current (as in car batteries). These two types of fences are ideal for permanent electric fencing. Solar power electric fence system is generally used for temporary electric fencing purposes. The solar panel set charges a battery that stores the power that runs the electric fence system. There are many different types of chargers on the market. Some fencing companies offer their own brand of chargers and other companies sell chargers by third-party manufacturers. Some fence charge systems provide a pulsed shock, similar to a taser, while others provide a constant charge at lower levels.
Electric fencing can be powered by either AC current, 12v DC current or solar power. For most people with small to mid-sized property, a standard fence charger that plugs into a standard outlet is the best choice. These chargers usually have two settings: one for large animals and one for smaller ones. The larger animal setting provides a stronger electric shock than the smaller setting so it will repel predators as well as nuisance animals such as cats and deer. Battery and solar-powered electric fences are ideal for fencing rotational grazing areas. AC current electric fencing works best for permanent systems.
When a person touches an electric fence, it can cause a short circuit. The electric current from the fence flashes through the person's body instead of going into the ground. When that happens, your body completes the fence's electrical circuit. The electric charge makes you feel a strong shock or jolt. You might fall down or release the wire you're holding onto. If you touch two wires at once (for example, your hand holding one electric wire and your foot touching another) the electricity will travel through your whole body and make your muscles contract quickly. Your legs may move out from under you.
An electric fence charger works by pushing electric volts and amps through a wire. It is important to know the difference between the two and how they work together. Voltage (volts) is what we feel when we touch an electric fence wire with electricity running through it, whereas electric current measured in amps indicates the strength of the flow of electricity.
The electric fence energiser amplifies the electric signal either from AC mains or battery power into a high voltage pulse. A person or animal receives an electric punch on coming into contact with the electrified wire. When the animal receives the initial shock, it may attempt to breach the fence wire. The repeated experience creates a psychological barrier that makes the animals avoid coming into contact with the fence line.
Most electric fences are designed to emit harmless regulated current flows that act as a deterrent to intrusive animals. This characteristic makes electric fences good for pasture management. Typically the posts are not electrified and can even be made of concrete.Electric fence chargers have a dial so you can set the strength of the shock. The intensity varies from very light to very strong. When turned up higher, it causes more pain and may cause injury if someone or an animal is exposed to it for a long time. However, even when turned down low, electric fence chargers still give a noticeable shock that takes some time to get used to. If you've never touched an electric fence before, it might feel like a mild jolt from static electricity. When an animal touches the electrified fence and receives the shock, they learn not to touch the fence. The shock effect makes the animals learn not to come into contact with the fence. That way the electrified fencing becomes a psychological barrier to the animal. Overall, there is less stock pressure to the electric fence work because animals test the fence wire, less often.
Just like when you set up a regular fence, the higher your electric fence line is, the better. If it's too low, animals can go underneath or over it, rendering it useless. Electric fences for large animals need to be at least 1 metre high and those for small animals need to be at least 0.6 metres high.
Steel fencing conductive wires are excellent as hot wires so long as they are insulated.
Electric fences are typically wired using either a high-tensile or barbed wire system. When touching just one of these conductors, such as with only one finger, electricity will not pass through your body and into the earth. However, if your entire body is touching two wires at once (such as by grabbing onto both strands of a barbed-wire fence), the circuit is completed and the electric charge will flow from one conductor to the next and through your body back to the ground.
When working normally, power flows from the positive terminal and back via the negative terminal. The circuit is completed through a ground wire that is connected to a series of ground rods that are anchored into the earth.
Electric fences can be easily constructed by anyone with some knowledge of electricity. However, the electric fencing wires must be correctly grounded and insulated to provide protection from electric shock. If you don't know how to properly install an electric fence, hiring a professional is recommended. It is very important that the electric fence energiser you purchase has an automatic shut-off feature. If someone (or an animal) becomes trapped on the fence, this should turn off the electric fencing system to prevent injury or death. They should also include a gate warning sign. This will alert people as they approach your property, giving them time to back away from the entrance before getting zapped.
If you are using solar or battery power, you will need well-serviced batteries that can feed high voltage to the fence energisers. In addition, solar-powered fences need solar panels with sufficient capacity to keep the battery fully charged.
Maintaining your electric fence will keep it running smoothly and ensure maximum protection for your animals. Electric fences need to be checked regularly to make sure they are working properly, that the live wires are intact and the system is free of any weeds or other plant growth that might interfere with the electric fence circuit.
It's also important to inspect all components regularly, including checking for fraying or broken electrical wires, rust on metal fence posts, weed encroachment over insulators and loose or damaged insulators. You should also periodically check ground rods for corrosion. If you've had problems at this location in the past (e.g., lightning strikes), your fence may need more than one rod. You can also install a monitoring system, explained by the Victorian Department of Agriculture.