Simply! This is how electric fence works. An electrical pulse is built up and stored in the fencer unit. The high voltage (up to 9500 volts) low amperage pulse is released onto the fence wire approximately once per second. When an animal touches the wire the current continues through the animal to the moisture in the ground. Here it follows the moisture until it locates the unit’s ground rods. Once this cycle is complete, the animal receives a shock. This happens faster than you can snap your fingers!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF AN EFFICIENT ELECTRIC FENCE SYSTEM?

The most important part of any fence is the grounding system of the fencer unit itself! Every unit should be grounded with at least 2-6 ft ground rods. These rods should be connected together with galvanized wire and then to the unit. The wire should be clamped on the rods. The placement of these rods is very important.  They should be located in a moist location and 60 ft away from any other grounding system. The rods should be 10 ft apart. A good location is under the eaves of a building or by a down-spout if the building has eaves troughs.

IS THE FENCER UNIT I HAVE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR MY FENCE?

Most farmers may already have a fencer unit at their disposal. Any size hydro source unit will power your electric fence. The ability to handle vegetation growth on the wire will measure the strength of your unit. Before you purchase a new unit, try your old one first! Ground the unit as mentioned above and install it.  Once the unit is installed it will be necessary to test the electric fence. To test the electric fence use a proper fence tester. This tester should be able to measure the strength in volts either by a series of lights or digitally. Check the fence at the start and near the end of the fence. A reading of at least 3000 volts is needed to contain cattle. Try to check the fence once a week to monitor voltage. The voltage may change due to vegetation or shorts caused by something metal. If the fence line is free of shorts (from metal) and the reading is still low then a larger unit may be needed.

When purchasing a fencer unit there are a few things you should consider:

1) The strength of the unit. This is usually measured in Joules (a measure of energy). There are two different measurements, Stored Energy Output & Output Energy. The Stored Energy Output will always be higher. Make sure you are always comparing the same figures.

2) What is the warranty coverage and for what period of time

3) If I have to get it repaired, will I get a unit to use on loan? Should repairs be too costly, consider a new unit.

4) If a salesman is recommending a certain size, ask-Why that size?

5) How large an area are you fencing and what type of animals are you planning to fence in?

Whatever your fencing questions or concerns may be, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or click here to use our online form.