There are several different types of portable electric fence
wires, tapes and braids - frequently called “conductors”. Knowing
which one to choose can be a bit tricky - especially for those new to electric
fencing. Here
we take you through the different types of conductors available to help you
make the right choice for your farm:
High
Tensile Wire Fencing
High
Tensile Wire is suitable for permanent fences over a large area. However, as
wire fences don’t give like a Poly Tape or Poly Braid fence, high tensile wire
fencing isn’t suitable for fast-moving animals, such as horses, who could
succumb to serious injury if they run into the wire at speed.
High-tensile
wire is available in two options: galvanized steel and aluminum. Both are
strong, hard-wearing, and low maintenance, and are a good choice for
constructing perimeter fences to contain slow animals. Galvanized steel offers
an economic solution that will effectively carry an electric charge long
distances. Aluminum offers superior conducting capabilities – four times as
much as galvanized steel however, it tends to be more expensive than steel
wire.Poly Wire
The most common portable/temporary
fence “conductor” is Poly Wire. Poly Wire is made of plastic strands and
embedded thin metal wires used to carry electrical current from a Fence
Energizer. The individual strands of plastic and wire are typically
twisted tightly together to form a single wire.
Poly Wire lacks the strength of
steel wire fencing but it won't rust and is more visible to animals. Wires less
than 3mm in diameter are popular for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, while
larger 5mm diameter versions are suitable for horses due to improved visibility.
As it’s available on a reel, it
provides a convenient option for temporary fencing solutions, such as strip
grazing, and also offers a cost-effective option for subdividing pastures.
Poly
Braid
Poly Braid is a superior construction than Poly Wire, and is less likely
to be damaged by the wind and ice than Poly Tape.
Poly Braid consists of individual
strands of plastic and wire that are braided together to form a tight weave
making it more durable, and less prone to tangles and overstretching. Poly
Braid comes in various diameters (thickness).
Equine
Fencing
If
you own horses Equine Fence Wire is the safest, most effective electric fence
for your horse. This long life, high tension fence uses specially designed wire
coating to reduce risk of injury.
Turbo
Braid can be used as a low tension semi-permanent fence alternative to Equine
Fence Wire. Braid is designed not to tangle or overstretch and is easy to
install.
A semi-permanent Tape fence is
highly visible, simple to construct and will last years, making this type of
fence an economical and popular choice for horse owners.
“if a jewel falls into the mire, it remains as precious as before; and though dust should ascend to heaven, its former worthlessness will not be altered.”
— al jaber