Electric Fencing Installation Rules

How to install an electric fence for animals correctly


An assessment of promising areas for improving the efficiency of pasture use for cattle has shown that it is organizationally and economically feasible to transform low-productivity agricultural lands into more productive cultivated pastures by sowing perennial and annual grasses and using small-panel and large-panel methods of grazing animals using an electric shepherd.

Electric fences provide portioned, most efficient use of grass in small paddocks. With the large-panel method, instead of an expensive capital fence, it is also advisable to use a cheap electric shepherd.

COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRIC SHEPHERD

Let's consider the main elements for constructing an electric fence:
1. Electric shepherd (generator)
2. Conductors (wires, tapes, cords)
6. Connectors
7. Grounding pole
9. Tester
10. Special high-voltage cable
11. Additional elements

RECOMMENDATIONS ON HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF LINES

For different animals, different heights of conductor placement and number of lines are recommended depending on physiological characteristics.

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GENERAL DIAGRAM

Let's look at the general appearance of the electric fence in the diagram. The example shows a fence with three lines.



HOW THE DESIGN WORKS

How the electric fence works under normal conditions: the animal simultaneously touches the ground and the electric fence conductor and receives a slight electric shock.
The electric fence (generator) produces high-voltage pulses that pass through the conductors at a frequency of 1 time per second. When the animal comes into contact with the fence, the electric current passes through the animal's body into the ground. The animal receives a slight electric shock and moves away from the fence. The electric shock does not pose a danger to the animal's life, but it develops a stable reflex in the animal not to approach the fence.

Power options for electric fences:
powered by a 220 V network
powered by a 12 V battery
powered by a solar battery
If possible, always choose an electric fence that runs on electricity. A powerful fence is needed when:
animals with long hair are grazing
the fence tape is located low (risk: grass may touch the fence)
the fence is long
there are males in the herd

INSTALLING WICKET POSTS:

1. Decide on the layout of the territory, the location of the electric fence, the number and location of the passages.
2. Install the posts for the gate. The gate should ensure unimpeded passage of animals, people and equipment.
3. Install the posts for the electric fence along the entire perimeter.
The height of the posts should be fixed along the entire perimeter (in relation to the landscape). The distance between the posts is selected taking into account the landscape. The more differences in height, unevenness, ditches, etc., the more often the posts are installed. The maximum distance between the posts is 10 meters.

WICKET SIZE
The recommended width of the wicket, depending on the kit used, is from 2.5 m to 4.5 m. Spring kit: 4.5 m. Kit with flexible cord: 3.2 or 4.5 m.
When using only handles and insulators for the wicket separately, the distance between the posts should be from 2.5 to 3.5 m.



Installation procedure:
1. Install the gate posts
2. Screw the gate insulators into the posts
3. Connect the spring to the insulated handle
4. Install the spring kit on the gate insulators

Installing the gate kit:
1. The gate kit consists of a spring, an insulated handle and gate insulators. Insulated handles allow you to open and close the gate without turning off the electric fence.
2. Select the optimal height of the electric fence lines. The height and number of lines for each type of animal is selected according to the recommendations.

INSTALLATION OF INSULATORS

1. Install posts for the electric fence along the entire perimeter
2. Mark the height of the fence lines.
3. The height of the lines is selected taking into account the recommendations for each type of animal.
4. Screw in the posts insulators using a special device.
5. Check that all insulators are installed with the slot for the conductor facing up.



Important!When using wooden poles, installation of insulators is mandatory, since voltage losses on damp wood are significant. Conductors should not touch uninsulated elements of the fence. This can lead to breakdown of the electric fence.

CONNECTING THE LINES TOGETHER

Connect the lines to each other with jumpers. Run electricity under the gate using a high-voltage cable. This will ensure a good flow of electricity through the gate.


Right edge of the gate. Continue the same wire without breaking it! The wire connector will prevent the wire from jumping out when the gate is opened. You can also connect the wire for conducting electricity under the gate to this connector.


INSTALLING CONNECTORS

Use special connectors to connect the conductors to ensure good contact. Poor quality connectors are subject to corrosion and impair the operation of the electric fence.
Installation procedure:
1. Insert the conductor into the connector
2. Tighten the connector to ensure contact

INSTALLING THE ELECTRIC FENCE (GENERATOR)

1. Install the generator, securing it with the fasteners included in the delivery set.
2. Install the ground pole next to the generator. The ground pole must be buried at least 80 cm into the ground. For dry and loose soil (sand), use several ground poles.

Installation procedure:
Install the generator
Drive the ground pole 80 cm into the ground.
Install the power source.



ORGANIZE HIGH-QUALITY GROUNDING!

The grounding of the electric fence should not be connected to the grounding of buildings, the general grounding of the network or the water supply. For safety reasons, the grounding of the electric fence must be installed at a safe distance (at least 10 m) from the grounding of buildings (or water pipes).
For this reason, it is recommended to use a special high-voltage cable to organize the grounding. This is especially important in cases where the electric fence is located indoors and the grounding cable needs to be taken out of the building.
When connecting the grounding to the water pipe, the consequence may be the sensation of electric shocks, for example, in the shower. Connecting the grounding of the shepherd to the general grounding system of the electrical network can cause interference in the operation of electrical and radio devices, for example, in a telephone.
Install the grounding pole on the bank of a river, lake or on the edge of a ditch (a damp place is required). Never install the grounding pole under the roof, since dry soil (sand) conducts electricity poorly!

CONNECTING THE GENERATOR

1. Install a lightning rod. Lightning rod is necessary to prevent the generator from failing when lightning strikes the electric fence. Connect the lightning rod to the electric fence.
2. Connect the electric fence to the ground and lightning rod.
3. Connect the electric fence to the power source, observing the polarity.



Installation procedure:
1. Install the lightning rod
2. Connect the lightning rod to the electric fence.
3. Connect the generator to the ground and to the lightning rod
4. Connect the generator to the power source

SECOND OPTION FOR INSTALLING A LIGHTNING ROD

For detailed advice, please call. 
(099) 26-22-122, (067) 26-22-122

Step-by-step installation instructions

Step 1: Planning and Marking

Before starting work, carefully plan the location of the electric fence. Determine the perimeter to be fenced and mark the places for installing the posts. Take into account the terrain, the presence of obstacles (trees, bushes) and the space for the gate. You can use a measuring tape and pegs to accurately place the posts.

Step 2: Installing the columns

Install the posts around the perimeter according to the markings. The depth of the posts depends on their type and height, but is usually at least 50-70 cm to ensure stability. It is important that the posts are installed vertically. If you are using an electric fence attachment on fiberglass reinforcement , make sure that the reinforcement is securely fixed in the ground.

Step 3: Installing insulators

On each post, install insulators at the required height. The height of the insulators depends on the type of animal. For cattle, 2-3 rows of conductors are usually installed, for small cattle - 1-2 rows. Make sure that the insulators are securely fixed and not damaged. For example, an insulator for an electric shepherd on metal posts from 8 to 14 mm (with a screw) provides a strong fastening.

Step 4: Tensioning the conductors

Stretch the wire, cord or tape between the insulators. The conductors should be tensioned evenly, without sagging. Use special connectors to connect the conductors. If you are using multiple lines of conductors, make sure they are insulated from each other. It is important to choose the right type of conductor, for example, ELEON 3-core rope (cord) for electric fences can be a good choice for certain types of fences.

Step 5: Connecting the Generator

The electric shepherd generator is installed near a power source (outlet or battery). Connect the conductors to the appropriate terminals of the generator. It is important to observe the polarity and manufacturer's instructions. It is also necessary to ensure reliable grounding of the system using a special grounding conductor. This is critical for the safety and efficiency of the electric shepherd.

Step 6: System Testing

After installation is complete, check the operation of the electric fence using a voltage tester. Make sure that the pulses travel the entire length of the fence and have the required power. If you find sagging wires or a weak signal, check all connections and insulation.

Installation features for different types of animals

Electric cattle herder

Cows need a strong and reliable fence. Use powerful generators and dense posts. Usually 2-3 rows of conductors are installed at a height of 60 to 120 cm. It is important to ensure reliable grounding, as cows may be more persistent in trying to get through the fence.

Electric shepherd for sheep and goats

For small livestock, less powerful generators can be used. Usually 1-2 rows of conductors at a height of 40 to 80 cm are enough. It is important to consider that sheep and goats can be more agile, so the fence should be without gaps where they could slip. Specialized plastic drinkers for sheep and goats with a tubular valve are well suited for this, which provide a stable water supply.

Electric shepherd for horses

When installing an electric fence for horses, safety is especially important. It is recommended to use a wide tape instead of wire, as it is better visible to the animals and reduces the risk of injury. The yellow tape for horses farmer 20 mm, 200 m is an excellent choice for this purpose. The height of the conductors is usually from 80 to 140 cm, depending on the size of the horses.

Electric shepherd for protection against wild animals

To protect against wild animals such as wild boars, foxes or deer, powerful systems are required. The height of the fence and the power of the generator should be significantly higher. It is important to consider that wild animals can be more aggressive and strong. In such cases, it is worth considering specialized sets of electric fences from wild animals , which have increased power and durability.

Types of Insulators for Wooden Posts

For use with wood, manufacturers offer several structural solutions, each with its own installation and operating features.

Nail-On Insulators

These models are considered traditional and particularly easy to install. Nail-on insulators are designed for installation on wooden posts: they are fixed with a nail, after which the conductor is placed in the mounting hole or groove of the insulator. Manufacturers offer separate nail-on insulators for metal wire and polymer rope. The compatible conductor diameter depends on the model, so always check the product specifications before buying.

Screw-In Insulators

This option, such as a ring screw-in electric fence insulator, has an integrated metal thread. These insulators are screwed directly into the wooden post. Manufacturers produce screw-in ring insulators for wire and rope. A special drill attachment for screwing in insulators is often used to make installation easier and faster, preventing the tool from damaging the plastic head.

Universal Insulator

If different types of posts are used in different sections of the fence, for example, wood alternates with reinforcement, a universal insulator can be useful. Thanks to its design, it can be attached either with metal clamps or screws to round posts, or fixed to a wooden surface with self-tapping screws.

Proper Earthing—the Heart of Your Electric Fence

Even the most expensive insulators will not ensure that the system operates if the earthing is installed incorrectly. When an animal touches the wire, the pulse passes through its body into the ground and then returns to the energiser through the earth electrodes. If this circuit is broken or has high resistance, the animal will not feel the electric shock.

  • The effectiveness of an electric fence depends greatly on proper earthing. Dry or rocky soil conducts electricity much less effectively, so several deeply installed earth electrodes connected to one another may be required in such difficult conditions.
  • An earth electrode connected to the building’s general electrical system should not be used for earthing. The electric fence must have a separate earth system installed in accordance with the pulse energiser’s instructions.
  • Recommendations on the number and positioning of earth electrodes may differ between guides, so the instructions of the specific energiser manufacturer and the actual readings taken with a special voltage tester must always take priority.

See also in the catalog

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