Simple Guide on Installing Electric Fence

When you have chosen the equipment required for the application planned, installing electric fencing is not difficult and there are a few simple but critical areas to keep in mind. Whether you’re trying to keep your livestock from wandering off your property an electric fence is the ideal solution.

When installed properly, an electric fence will generate a mild shock to demoralize the animal from advancing through the fence. Check out the tips and warnings we have provided for you before you trial installing the fence

 Tips and Warnings

  • Place “Warning: Electric Fence” signs as often as you need, so that from any vantage point one is easily seen
  • Educate family and friends on how to safely disconnect the electric fence in the case of an emergency
  • Check your electric fence thoroughly every year for signs of damage, poor connections, or poor insulation
  • Avoid installing your electric fence grounding system within 50 feet of any utility grounds, underground telephone lines, or water pipes.
  • Do not use standard household electric wire. It is only rated for 600 Volts
  • Avoid using barbed wire
  • Do not add any other pieces of equipment to the circuit dedicated to the electric fence
  • Do not “tie in” any equipment to the electric fence field controller
  • Only fuses rated for 1 Amp/250 Volts should be used for the electric fence
  • Avoid adding a second fence controller on the same fence at the same time
  • Avoid standing near the electric fence during a lightning storm
  • If you are using metal fence posts, ensure that the wire DOES NOT come in contact with the post

At Wholetech, we ensure that the life of our customers is made easy and simple by providing all important information to our customers.

Asses the Materials Needed to make your fencing easy;

  • Electric Fence Wire
  • Electric Power Box (Select the best one that suits your gardening needs)
  • Metal Stakes
  • Grounding Post
  • Plastic Hooks (2 per metal stake)
  • 8 Round Plastic Rings and 8 pieces of wire approximately 24 inches long (Corner connectors)
  • Sledge Hammer/Pile Driver
  • Wire Cutter
  • Gloves (Optional; not pictured)

Here are the steps we have put forward to help you start your fencing;

Step One

Find a weather-resistant location for your electric fence controller. This can be under an overhang or inside your basement or garage. Wherever you decide to place it, make sure that there is an available 120-volt polarized outlet (an outlet where one blade slot is slightly larger than the other). Install the electric fence controller, but do not plug it in yet.

Step Two

One grounding rod will need to be installed within 20 feet of the electric fence controller. The grounding rod should be at least six feet long (all of it underground) and made from copper or galvanized. Run a grounding wire (10 to 14 Gauge, 600V to 20,000V) from the controller to the grounding rod and use the grounding clamp to secure the wire to the rod. Ensure that the clamp bites through both the wire and the rod.

Step Three

For the best grounding system, install two more grounding rods spaced 10 feet apart and reaching six feet underground. Daisy-chain these rods to the grounding wire as well. Check the Warnings Section below for more information about grounding rods.

Step Four

How you install your fence posts will be determined by how much land you are protecting. If you have a farm or other large parcel of land, then you will want to space your posts between 25 and 75 feet apart. Use the post-hole digger to make the installation quicker and easier. The distance between posts ensures that if something runs into the wire, there will be enough flexibility that it will not cause the connections to break.

Step Five

With the fence posts installed, it is time to install the wiring. Start your wiring with the farthest post from the electric fence controller. Make sure to use proper splices and tight connections throughout. Wrap your connections with insulation wrap to help reduce corrosion.

The common height for an electric fence for horses is 48 inches. With fences this high, it is best to run wires closer together (about six to eight inches apart) near the bottom of the fence to prohibit smaller animals from getting in. The wires from the middle to the top of the fence should be spaced about 10 inches apart. One wire should be set at the shoulder height of the animal to be contained.

Step Six

When each post is wired, use an insulated length of 10 to 14 Gauge, 20,000 Volt wire as a jumper to connect each of the rows of wire. For instance, connect a jumper wire from the top wire to the second, from the second to the third, and so on.

Step Seven

Now that the fence wires are connected, make your connection from the electric fence controller to the top wire of the electric fence. Once your connections are made, go back and re-check all of your connections along the fence. Do this before applying the power. When you are finished, insert the electric fence controller’s plug into the available polarized outlet. There should be a light on the controller that will light up to notify you that the fence is working properly.

Step Eight

Once your installation is complete and the fence is electrified, use a voltmeter to check voltage along the length of the fence to ensure the electricity is flowing the entire length.

In case you are not able to do the installation, don’t worry we have also provided some of the advantages and disadvantages that you may consider to look for someone to do the job. Check out so that you can make an informed decision on how you want your work to be carried out and to bring the satisfaction that you want.

 The Advantages and Disadvantages Of Appointing A Specialist For Electric Fence

Electric fencing has become popular among homeowners and farmers who want to keep their property safe and secure. This type of fencing is not only effective but also cost-effective. However, installing an electric fence is only a job for some. That’s why some people prefer to hire a specialist to do the installation for them.

Advantages of Hiring a Specialist for Electric Fencing:

Expertise and Experience

Electric fencing specialists have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to install electric fences properly. They have the necessary training and certifications to handle the job effectively. Specialists will ensure that the railing is installed in the right location, height, and voltage to achieve the desired results. They will also ensure the system is grounded correctly and the charger is properly installed.

Saves Time and Money

Hiring a specialist to install your electric fence will save you time and money. The experts have the necessary tools, experience, and knowledge; they can install the fence more quickly and efficiently than you can. This way, you can ensure the railing is installed the first time correctly, reducing the need for future repairs and maintenance.

Liability

An electric fencing specialist will be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the fence to humans or animals. They will have insurance coverage, which means that you will be protected in case of an accident. You will be held responsible if you install the fence yourself and someone gets hurt.

Disadvantages Of Hiring A Specialist For Electric Fencing:

Cost

The cost of hiring a specialist to install your electric fence can be quite expensive, depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the installation. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Lack of Flexibility

You must know that hiring a specialist means that you have to work around their schedule. This can be inconvenient if you have a tight schedule or need the job done quickly. You may also have to wait long for an appointment, especially during the busy season.

Limited Creativity

Electric fencing specialists have their ideas and methods when it comes to installation. They may not be willing to work with your ideas or desires to design your electric fence. This can be frustrating only if you have specific preferences.

We hope that the information that we gathered for you is helpful. Have a look at the MANUAL GUIDE for more information.

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