electric fence help

3 posts

Member for

5 years 6 months
Last seen: 03/19/2019 - 22:32
Joined: 10/01/2018 - 20:09

electric fence help

Hi all, I looking to set up around 3km of offset electric fence for added security to house some sheep. I have not dealt with electric fences before and I'm a bit unsure on a few things, although I understand how to set it up. Firstly, If a tree was to fall on the fence pushing steel pickets over allowing them to make contact with live wire will this cause and sparks or potential start a fire? Secondly, will wet vegetation contacting the live wire cause any sparks? Lastly, the fence is in a relatively dry area, can I run my earth lead onto the existing fence as well pickets in the ground?
Last seen: 06/13/2019 - 10:17
Joined: 09/09/2011 - 11:03
Good evening, Firstly if your fence shorts out, ie a kangaroo twists the wires trying to jump over it or something similar, it will not Sparke enough to generate a problem. Gallagher did extensive testing on this many years ago and it is very unlikely to happen. Secondly wet vegetation will not cause the fence to sparke it will only cause it to short. Shorting does not stop electricity from travelling through it increases the amps, instead of volts and its volts that animals feel and cause the fence to work. So in essence the higher the amps, lower volts and less effective fencing. Lastly I suggest putting and earthing spike in the ground somewhere which remains quite damp, such as near a downpipe or in a natural waterway or drain. This is because many fences are rendered ineffective and cause problems simply because there isn't suffecient conduction between earthing spike (whatever it is) and dry ground. Or you can just water the spike every month or so. My tip is don't earth to a shed or similar structure either because concreate footings usually insulate when dry. I hope this helps. Rolly
Last seen: 03/19/2019 - 22:32
Joined: 10/01/2018 - 20:09
Thanks for the advice.

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