An electric fence is a barrier designed to allow an electric current to pass through it. Because it intends to deliver a high voltage shock to whoever touches it, it serves as an effective security measure against thieves and trespassers.

The concept of the electric fence has been around since 1830 as Fanny Trollope describes it in the book, Domestic Manners of the Americans. In 1905, the Russians improvised electrified fences during the Russo-Japanese War. However, it wouldn’t be until the early 1930s that the U.S. and New Zealand would fully develop electric fencing technology.

While the early idea of the electric fence was as a defensive weapon, the first application of the technology was to keep livestock under control or pasture management. It kept cattle, sheep, or horses from leaving the parameter but also kept unwanted, wild animals from entering gardens, crop fields, or other types of private properties.

Over the decades, electric fencing technology has evolved. Today, people use electric fences for more than just keeping livestock from wandering off. Electric fences now also serve as perimeter security, keeping perpetrators out of high-security properties such as businesses and government facilities.

As a perimeter security measure, the modern electric fence provides a non-lethal shock to anyone who tampers with the fence.

How Electric Fences Work

An electric fence typically consists of an energizer, conductor, posts, insulators, and earthing. The energizer, also known as a fence charger, is what emits the current pulse.  The pulse, which lasts approximately 150 microseconds long, is released once every second. If an animal or person were to touch the fence, they would receive a great shock. The power then goes from the animal or person into the ground, returning to the energizer via the earth rods.

Debunking Common Myths About Electric Fences

One of the biggest myths about electric fencing is that the shock it provides is dangerous and potentially deadly. This is untrue; electric fences were designed to be a psychological, non-lethal deterrent. While the shock you would receive from touching an electric fence is rather painful and uncomfortable, it will not kill you.

At Electric Guard Dog, our electric fence warning signs promise 7,000 volts, delivering the strongest, most effective visual deterrent. Few thieves will ever touch our fences, and no thief will touch it more than once. It’s safe, but it hurts.

It’s also not true that electric fences are expensive. An electric fence is one of the most cost-effective measures you can adopt for your business. Compare it to traditional security measures, and you will find that an electric fence relentlessly protects your assets and employees with 24/7 security but for less.

With Electric Guard Dog, you not only save, but you also have no upfront costs and immediate response. Our system is charged by solar panels and batteries, ensuring the fence will stay armed. We also offer additional security layers to personalize your site security to your needs.