Fencing (how does it work?)

How does electric fencing work?
An electric fence consists of a flow circuit through which the current flows. The current passes through the wire to the animal or the grass and through the grounding pole of the grounding system back to the unit.

What is needed for a properly functioning circuit:
• An energiser that gives frequent power surges.
• A fence wire that conducts electricity.
• Insulators which isolates the flow of the piles.
• Grounding which carries the current back to the energiser.

Which energiser best suits your pasture fence?
The choice of an energiser is dependent on several factors.
1. What is the length of the fence?
2. Which animals would you like fencing?
3. Vegetation on the fence?
4. How much power must have the energiser?
5. Start thinking about future expansion plans.
6. Choose a device with sufficient delivery of pulsed power and high voltage when touching the fence.

A connection of 220 volts is the best solution and guarantee for constant power supply. 

Excellent pasture fence makes quality affordable!

Basics:
Output voltage in Volt
Output voltage is the voltage measured at the output of the unit. The voltage is necessary to transport the energy. Because the fence is not connected, this number has no practical value.

Tension at 500 Ohm load in Volt
Tension at 500 Ohm is the voltage in contact with human or animal on the fence.

Energy storage in Joules
This is the power of energy which absorbs the energiser from the mains or battery.

Pulse power in Joules
The pulse power is the impulse, which feels the animal when it comes into contact with the fence. The higher the pulse energy, the stronger the impact.

Grounding
Grounding is extremely important. Proper grounding is 50% of the quality of the fence. The grounding ensures that the circuit closes. This means that upon contact of the fencing wire, the current through the animal proximately inflows to the ground and is recovered through the grounding post. 

If the grounding is insufficient your fence will not work effectively. A grounding consists of special grounding poles. Is there more than one grounding pole needed one should place it at least three meters apart. In the selection of the required number of earth pins the soil plays an important role. For example, a dry soil has a much poorer conductivity than a damp soil.

Conclusion: In a dry soil are needed more grounding poles than in a moist soil.

Current conductors
The artery of your fence is the conducting wire (alloy or stainless steel) which transports the stream, these are offered in various thicknesses and qualities. Regardless of the specific advantages of the different options (rope, tape or wire) the most important aspect is the electrical conductivity.
Do you want absolutely the best material? You choose the rope, tape or wire. Excellent Plus provides 40 times greater current conduction.

Frequently asked questions:
Which energizer is best for me?
When a main connection is present, use a main energizer. When there is no main connection available, use a battery energizer. 

Can the energizer be grounded on the grounding of the power line?
That is not allowed. Install a separate grounding system.

Where should I place the grounding pole?
The grounding pole must be completely independent of house / stable.
The grounding should be 10 meters away from the house / barn.
Never connect the grounding pole on water pipes!!

Current on the grounding post?
The grounding pole is too short.
Too little grounding piles.
The soil is too dry.

A proper grounding is the heart of your pasture fence!!
What the ability of an energiser is, the system is even more effective if it provides a good grounding.

How far the grounding poles should stand apart?
At least 3 metres.

Does my fence need to circulate?
The current needs to circulate. Current circulates through the rope, tape or wire to the animal or grass and back to energiser again via the grounding pins (see 'How does electric fencing work?').

How can I check my electric fence on a perfect performance?
You can check this easily with a digital voltmeter, 4000 Volt (4kV) is ok.

How much power should at least be on a good fence?
At least 4000 Volt (4kV). If there is not enough power? First check the energiser, then the grounding system and finally your fence.

What is the lifespan of a 9 volt battery?
The lifetime depends on grounding, the quality of the insulators, the quality of the rope, tape, wire and vegetation. Is this all right? Then the average life of the battery is one grazing season.

After how many metres should I place poles?
Tape: every 4 to 5 metres.
Rope: every 7 to 8 metres.