5 Key Factors to Maximizing an Electric Fence System

1. Select the right energizer. Choosing the appropriate energizer for your individual property and electric fence needs is the first step to a successful electric fence system. 

2. Be flexible with the wire. Give your wire a little flexibility and it won't give you a worry, says Mohr. "This isn't barbed wire, the line doesn't need to be super taut to be effective," he explains. "Adding some flex in the wire allows for curious wildlife on your property as well as unpredictable changes in weather. You can always go back and tighten the line during the summer dry months if needed."

3.  Use good insulators. While constructing a new fence system, some consumers staple the high tensile wire directly to the fence – which works great if the post is dry and will remain dry.

4. Monitor the spacing of the posts.

5. Develop a proper grounding system. Most people don't put too much thought in to their grounding system, Mohr says. "But they should. Approximately 80% of all power fence problems stem from inadequate grounding. The ground posts help maximize the overall electrical efficiency of your entire fence system,

THE ELECTRIC FENCE ENERGISER.

There is an all too real reason to buy an energiser that just meets your requirements due to price considerations. The majority of figures quoted by manufactures' capacity are based on a fence of good quality and in perfect condition, often under laboratory conditions. Unfortunately this will leave you with very little capacity when there is a fault, vegetation growth or increased challenge. If at all possible get an energiser that is larger than required. This will allow you plenty of latitude and it will be able to power through most situations as they arise.

THE EARTH POST.

The ground constitutes 50% of the electrical circuit but 90% of all problems originate at poor earthing, either at the earth stake itself or on the fence. Fortunately this is easy to rectify. Additional earth stakes may be added by driving them into the ground about 2m away from the existing stake and joining them together. Copper, Stainless Steel or Galvanized steel rods are best as mild steel will rust so creating a poor conducting barrier. All rods should be in permanently moist soil, under the building eaves, in a river bed, below a dripping tap or in an irrigated flower bed. In particularly dry weather the soil around the stakes may be watered.
If the fence extends over 500m away from the main earth it will be necessary to add an additional earth line to the bottom of the fence and bury a stake at those intervals. Wire is a better conductor than ground so a ground rod every +/- 500meters will greatly increase the effectiveness of the fence.