Farmers have been used electric fence many years to protect livestock and ensure the successful operation of their property. Rather than being a physical barrier, it’s a psychological barrier that train most animals to keep away from the fence.

In the short term erecting an electric fence may appear more complex and expensive than barbed or woven wire. However, it’s not long before it will save you inportant time, effort and money in maintenance and repair.It may appear more complex than standard fencing. But if you follow some basic straightforward principles you’ll have your new electric fence up in practically no time.

Where to start

Plan your fence carefully. There are a number of things to consider before you start erecting your fence. What type of animals do you need to fence in or out? The terrain and climate it needs to operate in. Will your fence be temporary or permanent?

Type of animals

Electricity needs conductivity to deliver a shock. Thick, shaggy and heavy coats, such as sheep and goats, may act as an insulator, requiring a more powerful fence than for other animals.

Permanent or temporary electric fence

For temporary and movable fence you should look at using solar or battery powered energizers. They allow for the fence to be easily moved and re-erected. Temporary fences typically run for short distances and use lightweight components such as poly step-in posts, fiberglass rods with poly wire, tape or rope.

Temporary electric fence is very effective in the day-to-operation of a farm as its needs change from season to season. Temporary electric fences are ideal for selectively grazing pastures, in that they can be moved in minutes. These wires can be tapped off an existing electric fence, or a small battery or solar powered energiser can be used to power the fence separately”.

A permanent boundary fence requires more robust materials such as high tensile steel wire anchored to wooden posts. Requiring minimal maintenance, a well constructed high tensile electric fence will protect your property for a number of decades.

Terrain and climate

Terrain with thick vegetation will require a more power than in relatively clear terrain. Dry frozen ground can limit the grounding ability of the fence, which impacts its ability to deliver a charge due to low fence voltage.

In very wet conditions wooden posts can absorb water causing little shorts. Proper grounding, with potential weather and terrain consideration being taken into account, will alleviate the vast majority of problems.

Don’t be too cheap

Cost is an important thing to consider when planning your fence. But basing your decisions based purely on price is likely to be false economy in the long run. Aside from cheap components and energisers breaking down frequently, your fence is likely to fail at performing its job.