An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter animals or people from crossing a boundary. The voltage of the shock may have effects ranging from uncomfortable, to painful or even lethal – in the case of security fences. Most electric fencing is used today for agricultural fencing and other forms of animal control purposes. The energizers that we use for agriculture and livestock control is not of a lethal nature and are designed with a low-impedance pulse of shorter duration and faster travel speed.

Electrical voltage in the electric fence is measured in volts (V) and is a crucial factor for the safety and effectiveness of the system.Voltage in the electric fence plays a fundamental role in creating an electric barrier that deters animals from touching or crossing the fence. When an animal comes into contact with the electrified wire or barrier, the voltage creates an electric impulse that flows through its body, causing a sensation of discomfort or unpleasantness. This negative experience causes animals to avoid approaching or attempting to cross the fence.

The importance of voltage in the electric fence stems from its ability to provide adequate deterrence to animals. Insufficient voltage may not be enough to deter animals, allowing them to ignore the fence and cross it. On the other hand, excessively high voltage can pose a safety risk to the animals.

Recommended Voltage on Fence Line for different animal types.Horses: 2,500 Volts. Cattle: 3,500 Volts .Sheep/Goats: 4,500 Volts. Pigs: 5,000 Volts .Predators: 5,000-10,000 Volts. Deer: 5,000-10,000 Volts. Pets: 3,000 Volts. The voltage of an electric fence should vary from about 2000 to about 10,000 volts. A 10,000 volt output is the maximum voltage allowed by international regulations. The voltage that is used depends on the desired power of the shock and the distance on the fence that can be shocked up to. For a longer shocking distance range, a lower voltage would be used. However for a greater shock, a higher voltage would be used. With these higher voltages, sparks can travel greater distances into the animal. For every 1 mm of hide your animal has, 2000 volts must be used to overcome this layer otherwise, the animal will not feel a thing. For all operating purposes, a higher voltage fence will give you the best results when it comes to prohibiting livestock from a specific area.

When giving an animal a shock, the animal becomes a part of the circuit so that the shock can flow throughout the animal. The electricity will pass from the wire, through the animal, out from their feet, into the ground and back through ground rods. Wet and Soft soil is desirable because electricity flows better through this kind of soil.