Electric fences are an affordable, effective alternative to traditional fencing for keeping livestock and pets on your property. Whether you’re planning a new pasture or want to contain your poultry, the right electric fence can help. But to get the most out of your electric fence, you need to know how to set it up and maintain it. In this article, we’ll cover eight simple steps to guide you on your way to a safer and more productive livestock yard.
1. Determine your perimeter.
Before you begin to build your electric fence, take a measuring tape and mark the corners of your property with stakes. This will give you a clear idea of the size of your enclosure and how much wire you’ll need. Also, it’s a good idea to walk the entire perimeter of your property to make sure the wires are in a straight line and not crossing above power lines or communication cables.
2. Choose the wire gauge that best suits your needs.
The gauge of your wire is important because it will affect how much electricity can travel over its surface. A smaller gauge number will indicate a larger diameter of wire, while a higher gauge number means a thinner wire. It’s important to remember that the more current a wire can carry, the better. If you are building a high-tensile fence, you will need to use a 12.5 gauge steel or aluminum wire that specifically states it is for high-tensile systems.
3. Choose a grounding system.
There are two basic ways to ground an electric fence: one method relies on the earth to conduct the electrical current back to the charger. This is the preferred method for long, rugged and remote fences. The other involves using a series of grounding rods connected to the energizer’s ground terminal. This is a more reliable system because it prevents an animal from receiving a shock by touching just one wire.
4. Install the wires.
When you’re ready to begin putting in the fence, follow the instructions provided with your variety of wire and make sure to use the connector clamps that are included with your selection of wire. You can also purchase a self-locking ratchet-style wire tensioner or a turnbuckle cable tensioner to ensure that your wire is pulled taut. Be sure to check with the vendor to make sure the charger you’re purchasing is optimized for your planned length of wire.
5. Keep it up to date.
After you’ve installed your fence, make sure to recheck the voltage regularly. A voltage meter is available for this purpose, and you can also use an outlet tester or plug an appliance such as a light into the outlet to make sure it is working. Also, be sure to keep up with the maintenance of your fence by periodically cleaning and trimming undergrowth, weeds and vines away from the wires.
By following these simple tips, you can have an electric fence malaysia that will last for years to come. Having the proper equipment and maintaining your fence will help you save time, money and heartache. Ann Larkin Hansen is a homesteader, organic farmer and author of the Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner and The Electric Fencing Handbook. She is also the coauthor of The Landowner’s Guide to Managing Your Woods with consulting forester Dennis Waterman and master logger Mike Severson.