The person or animal will feel a rapid electrical shock, which may range from a small buzz to a very painful jolt. The electricity is discharged in less than one second and is usually DC (direct current). The severity of the shock depends on a number of factors: The voltage of the electricity.

Electrified fences should never touch wood, metal or any other conductive material. If they do, fence voltage will be sharply reduced.

With low amps and a pulsating current, electrical fencing is a safe product. It is the amperage within the electrical charge and the constant connection that makes electricity dangerous. The one issue may occur if an animal gets trapped in the fence for a period of time and is unable to extricate itself.

Most electric fences are used for agricultural fencing and other forms of non-human animal control, although they are also used to protect high-security areas such as military installations or prisons, where potentially-lethal voltages may be used