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Here is the best way to check your electric fence to see if its working
Fence energizers (also known as chargers) vary in their ability to electrify large amounts of fencing and to handle vegetation that is touching the electrified fence wires.
One way to protect buildings from fires due to lightning strikes is to mount the energizer outside of the building on a fence post. Cover the energizer to protect it from the weather. There are many ways you can protect it; this cover makes use of a repurposed plastic barrel.
Chargers come in models that are designed to produce a very short pulse, while others produce a longer pulse. The shorter the pulse, the less likely the electric impulse will be to start a fire.
The power supply can vary also. Some plug into electric outlets, while others run off of batteries, and yet others use solar power. If electric power is available, use this power supply because it is the most reliable and usually the least expensive.
Joules is a method to measure energy units. Basically, the longer the fence, the higher joules you will need in your energizer. Fence length should be measured by multiplying the actual fence length by the number of wires that are electrified. So, if you have one mile of fence and three wires are electrified, you would need an energizer capable of handling three miles of fencing. Work with your local energizer supplier to help determine how many joules you need for your length of fencing and vegetation.
Impedance is a measure of how much resistance is present in an electric fencing system. High impedance energizers work best when resistance is higher from dry grass touching the electric wires, when the soil is very dry, or when the fencing system could benefit from additional ground rods.
Low impedance energizers work best when resistance is low, such as during times of the year when the soil is moist, the grass is green, and there are plenty of ground rods installed. Some energizers are designed to withstand both conditions and are referred to as wide impedance energizers. They tend to combine medium to high voltage with much greater current levels.
Electric fences need to be “grounded” to properly carry the electric current through the fence wires. To ground an electric fence, you’ll need to drive a minimum of three 6-foot-long galvanized “ground rods” into the ground. Select an area that remains moist throughout the year. Separate ground rods by at least 1½ times their length, then drive each rod at least 6 feet into the ground. Attach the first ground rod to a non-electrified wire, then hook the rods up in sequence.
Ground electric fences using at least three 6 foot copper or galvanized steel ground rods. In this photo, a 6 foot rod is pounded 4 feet into the ground to ensure contact with soil moisture.
Additional rods may be needed for very long stretches of fence. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions that come with your fence charger to determine how to properly ground your specific fence.
Maintain at least 65 feet between the ground rods and any utilities. This is especially important to prevent stray voltage problems with dairy operations. Also be sure to also avoid any underground utilities and fuel storage areas.
If you are not familiar or comfortable doing this type of fence design on your own, contact a professional fence contractor.
Regardless of the animal species you own or are planning to own, when in the planning phases, it is best to consider where the logical place to establish a livestock handling system would be. For example, a thoughtfully designed handling system would be located where you’d conduct routine or emergency veterinary care for your animals (vaccinations, worming, birthing assistance). The handling system does not need to be fancy or expensive, but it must be functional and established in the right location.
Here are some considerations:
- Locate it near the barns or other farm buildings.
- Ensure good soil drainage.
- Make it accessible for vehicles, especially trucks with trailers to load animals for transport.
- Consider access to electricity for lighting and electric tools, such as clippers.
