Ultimate Guide to Safe and Effective Electric Fence Installation

Why Proper Electric Fence Installation Matters

Installing an electric fence correctly is crucial for security, safety, and compliance with legal regulations. Poor installation can lead to system failures, increased maintenance costs, and potential legal consequences. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your electric fence functions efficiently and remains within legal requirements.

Key Safety Considerations for Electric Fence Installation

• Separate Wiring for Safety: Always keep high-voltage (HT) wires separate from low-voltage components like keypads, gates, sirens, strobe lights, and mains wiring.
• Avoid Unauthorized Modifications: Modifying the energizer in any way voids the warranty and may render the unit illegal.
• Remote On/Off Functionality: If using a remote On/Off switch, ensure the wire between the remote switch and the energizer does not exceed 100 meters. The switch must be closed for the fence to be energized.
• Use an Intelligent FOB for Security: Instead of a basic switch, consider using an intelligent FOB on the keypad bus for enhanced security.

Power Supply and Connections

• Remote Receiver Power Source: The remote receiver can obtain 12VDC from the keypad bus but must not exceed 0.1 Amps. This is insufficient to power an armed response transmitter.
• Siren and Strobe Power Limitations: Combined, these devices should not draw more than 1.75 Amps.
• Isolation Relay for Alarm Systems: When connecting a radio alarm transmitter or an alarm panel, use an isolation relay between the strobe light output and the panel. Never power these systems using the energizer battery.

Proper Wiring Guidelines

• Magnetic Gate Switch Wiring: The wire between the magnetic gate switch and the energizer should not exceed 100 meters and must not run parallel with high-voltage fence wires. The switch should be open circuit when the gate is open.
• Remote Keypad Cable Limitations: The total length of the remote keypad cable must not exceed 100 meters and should not run in parallel with high-voltage wires.
• Multiple Keypad Connections: You can connect up to two keypads per energizer, ensuring each has a unique address setting.
• Use High Voltage (HT) Wire: Always use HT wires between the fence and energizer, including the earth wire. Never run HT wires in the same conduit as low-voltage wiring.

Best Practices for Secure and Long-Lasting Connections

• Use Ferrules or Line Clamps: When connecting two high-voltage wires, always use ferrules or line clamps instead of twisting them together.
• Avoid Dissimilar Materials: Do not mix materials such as copper and steel in connections to prevent corrosion and inefficiency.
• Proper Earthing:
  • Install three earth electrodes at least 1.2 meters apart between the energizer and the fence.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters between the fence earth electrode and any other earthing system for suburban installations.
  • For agricultural installations, the separation should be at least 10 meters.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

• Reattaching the Energizer Cover: When replacing the front of the energizer, hook the top first, then push the bottom closed before fastening it with cap screws.
• Use Only Rechargeable Batteries: The energizer must not be used with non-rechargeable batteries.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: The sealed lead-acid battery in the energizer vents gas under certain conditions. Install the energizer in a well-ventilated area to prevent hazards.
• Legal Compliance: Always check and comply with local regulations concerning electric fence installation in your area.