QA

How To Set Up Electric Fence

Does electric fence have to make a complete loop?

The answer is no, an electric fence DOES NOT have to make a complete loop. Creating a continuous loop will increase voltage on the fence line, because power is pushed in both directions. Essentially, with a continuous loop, voltage only has to travel half the distance.

How deep does a ground rod need to be for electric fence?

To ensure ground rods come in contact with enough soil moisture to complete the circuit, best practice is to install 90 cm (3′) of ground rod below the water table for every joule of output provided by the energizer.

How much does it cost to set up an electric fence?

Installing an electric fence costs around $1,284, depending on the type you buy. Most homeowners pay between $1,016 and $1,618. A low-end electric fence costs $400, while a high-end electric fence costs up to $1,900. The cost includes a transmitter, receiver and wires that conduct power.

How do I install an electric fence over my fence?

To do so, add an electrified wire on the top of the woven wire fence, and then one or more along the inside using special chain link insulators designed to attach to these fences. If your woven wire is too far gone, peel it off your fence posts and add multiple wire strands.

What happens if you don’t ground an electric fence?

When an animal comes in contact with an electric fence, a pulse travels from the fence, through the animal and into the soil. Via the soil moisture, this pulse is captured by the ground system and returned to the energizer. Without proper grounding, the fence’s electrical circuit can not be completed.

Can electric fence wires touch each other?

Wires tend to flip due to the wind. Many people tend to install in-line strainers above each other, but this is not the right way to do it. You should separate them by a fence post so that they don’t catch on each other.

Can you use rebar as a grounding rod?

Proper Grounding Rod In most cases, pipe or rebar can be used. The grounding rod needs to be made of galvanized steel and also needs to be at least four feet in length for best results.

Why is my electric fence clicking?

Clicking is part of normal fence operation when a charger releases energy that travels along the fence. Almost all radio noise generated by electric fences is caused by a spark or arcing of the electrical current across fence hardware.

Do you need a grounding rod for electric fence?

In fact, the majority of electrical fence systems will actually require at least three grounding rods. These rods should be about 10 feet apart and should be placed at the start of the fence. Grounding rods can actually interfere with phone service as well as electrical lines that may be located on the property.

Is Invisible fence worth it?

Many people think an invisible underground wireless electric fence is the best way to keep their dog in their yard. However, they are simply not as effective as you might think. Statistics suggest that invisible wireless electric fences are only about 70% effective.

How expensive is invisible fence?

An invisible pet fence typically costs $957 to $1,444, including professional installation, for an average price of $1,200. An invisible pet fence, either wireless or in-ground wired, will usually cost between $957 and $1,444 including professional installation, for an average of $1,200.

Is Invisible fence cruel?

The prongs on the collar can injure the skin. Wild animals, cats, other dogs or even people (especially children) can easily wander into your yard, which can result in injuries to everyone involved. Invisible fences also do little to protect dogs from being stolen or harmed by people with bad intentions.

How many volts is an electric fence?

An electric fence will have a voltage range that can vary from 2,000 to 10,000 volts with 10,000 being the maximum permitted by international regulations. The amount of voltage chosen will depend on the distance that the fence can be shocked up to with the desired power of the shock.

What is the best gauge wire to use for an electric fence?

An electric fence will usually require a 14 gauge wire and is ideally used for simple, multiple wire applications. This is best suited when trying to contain tall animals with a thin coat in the area. Horses are best contained using either 14, 15, or 16 gauge wire depending on the intended application.

How far apart should fence posts be for electric fence?

Although it’s really up to you, the commonly accepted distance between posts is 12 feet. However, others recommend anywhere between 15 feet and 30 feet.

How tight should electric fence wire be?

Tensioning Wire High-tensile wire is typically tensioned to approximately 200-250 pounds. Be sure you do not apply too much tension to wires, as excessive tension will damage wire and may lift fence posts out of the ground in low spots. You can use a ratchet in-line strainer or tightener to tension wires.

Can electric fence dead end?

Electric fence does not need to make a complete loop. An electric fence line that dead ends will work just as well as a fence line that is a full loop.

Why is the ground wire hot on my electric fence?

Generally, the ground wire completes the circuit of the current flow in the fence. So when an animal touches it, it gets a shock from the hot wire. So the ground wire is crucial for an electric fence. But if you notice that it’s heating up, the most probable cause is leakage or improper grounding installation.

What is the minimum depth for a ground rod?

The only legal ground rod must be installed a minimum of 8-foot in the ground.

How do I check the ground on my electric fence?

To test your ground rod system: STEP 1 – Power: Connect your fence and ground hook-up wires, then turn the power on. STEP 2 – Check Voltage: Use your Zareba® Fence Doctor to read the voltage on the ground wire. STEP 3 – Over 400 Volts: If over 400 volts, your ground rod is leaking too much voltage.

Can I use copper tubing for a ground rod?

Copper pipe is excellent for chemical grounds that are especially good for r.f. grounding purposes. Since well over 90 percent of the effective grounding occurs in the first 5 feet using two 5 foot ground rods instead of a single 10 foot ground rod works much better.