When it comes to keeping your cattle secure and your property protected, an electric fence is a reliable solution. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right electric fence wire? Is high tensile wire really the best choice?
High tensile wire electric fences offer several advantages over traditional fencing options. They are stronger, more durable, and require less maintenance. But are they suitable for your specific needs?
In this article, we will explore the essentials of high tensile wire electric fences. We will discuss the different types of electric fence wires, their characteristics, and suitability for different animals. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which option is best for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Poly Wire, Poly Tape, and Poly Braid are alternative options to High Tensile Wire for electric fencing.
- High Tensile Wire is ideal for permanent fences over large areas but may not be suitable for all livestock.
- Consider Turbo products for long temporary fences.
- Equine Fence Wire provides the safest solution for horse fencing.
- Choose the right electric fence wire based on your specific needs and budget.
Essential Components for Building an Electric Fence
When it comes to building an electric fence, several key components are essential for its effective operation. These components ensure the proper functioning, durability, and safety of your electric fence system.
1. Electric Fence Energiser
An electric fence energiser is the control unit that regulates the pulse on the electric fence. It converts the input energy to a safe and pulsed output energy that runs along the hot wires or live wires of the fence. Choosing the right energiser with the appropriate power rating is crucial for the effectiveness of your electric fence.
2. Electric Fence Posts
Electric fence posts provide structural support for your fence. They can be made from various materials such as timber, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. The choice of post depends on the permanence of the fence and the ease of removal. Proper placement of the posts ensures the stability and longevity of your electric fence.
3. Electric Fence Wire, Braid, or Tape
To conduct electricity along the fence line, you’ll need electric fence wire, braid, or tape. Different types of wire or tape are available, including steel wire, polywire, polytape, and electrified netting. The choice of conductor depends on the type of animals you’re containing and the visibility required.
4. Electric Fence Insulators
Electric fence insulators are crucial for preventing the conductor or wire from touching the posts or stakes. Insulators come in various types, including wood post insulators, steel post insulators, offset insulators, plastic insulators, ceramic insulators, and screw-in or nail-on insulators. Proper insulation ensures that your electric fence operates safely and effectively.
5. Electric Fence Earth Stakes
Electric fence earth stakes are essential for completing the electrical circuit of your electric fence. They provide a path for the electrical flow to return to the energiser after passing through the animal and into the ground. Earth stakes should be placed at least two meters apart and connected to form a bank for larger systems.
6. Electric Fence End Strainers
Electric fence end strainers are used to take the tension or strain of the wire or tape when it is pulled tight. They help maintain the fence’s integrity and prevent sagging. Properly tensioned electric fence ensures its effectiveness and longevity.
7. Electric Fence Wire Joiners or Connection Bolts
Electric fence wire joiners or connection bolts are used to connect sections of wire or tape together. They ensure a secure and reliable connection, maintaining the continuity of the electric fence system.
8. Electric Fence Signs
Electric fence signs are important for safety and to alert people to the presence of an electric fence. They can be easily visible and informative, ensuring that individuals are aware of the potential electrical hazard.
9. Electric Fence Lead Out Cable
An electric fence lead out cable is used to connect the energiser to the fence and earth posts. It ensures a proper flow of electricity throughout the fence system, providing consistent performance.
Building an electric fence requires careful planning and installation. By choosing the right components and paying attention to their proper assembly, you can create an effective and reliable electric fence system. Now that you know the essential components, you’re ready to get started!
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Electric Fence Energiser | Regulates the pulse on the electric fence |
| Electric Fence Posts | Provides structural support for the fence |
| Electric Fence Wire, Braid, or Tape | Conducts electricity along the fence line |
| Electric Fence Insulators | Prevents the conductor from touching the posts or stakes |
| Electric Fence Earth Stakes | Completes the electrical circuit of the fence |
| Electric Fence End Strainers | Takes the tension or strain of the wire or tape |
| Electric Fence Wire Joiners or Connection Bolts | Connects sections of wire or tape together |
| Electric Fence Signs | Alerts people to the presence of an electric fence |
| Electric Fence Lead Out Cable | Connects the energiser to the fence and earth posts |
Choosing the Right Electric Fence Energiser and Power Source
The energiser serves as the powerhouse of your electric fence system. It converts mains or battery power into high voltage pulses of current that are regularly sent down the fence wire. When considering an energiser, it’s important to look at its joule rating and stored energy rating, as these are the best indicators of its effectiveness. Keep in mind that the voltage output of the energiser depends on its power supply and the efficiency of the earth system.
Mains power is a cost-effective option for running your energiser, although it may require underground cables to connect the energiser to the fence and earth posts. Battery-powered energisers, on the other hand, offer more portability and are better suited for temporary fencing. For better performance and longer battery life, consider using leisure or marine batteries. If you are in a remote location, solar-powered energisers provide an alternative power source. Just ensure that the solar panel is positioned to optimize sunlight conversion and that a regulator is used to prevent battery damage.
The earth system plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of your electric fence. It enables the power to flow around the fence, ensuring that animals receive a shock when they touch the live wires. As for the conductor, you have several options, including steel wire, polywire, polytape, or electrified netting. The choice of conductor depends on the type of animals you are containing and the level of visibility required. To ensure the effectiveness of your earth system, it is essential to test it regularly. You can do this by shorting the fence and measuring the voltage or by digging a trench with a proper grounding rod.
When setting up your electric fence, make sure to choose the right energiser, power source, earth system, and conductor. Selecting the appropriate components is crucial for an effective and reliable electric fence system. Remember to perform regular testing and maintenance to uphold its functionality and keep your animals safe and secure.
FAQ
What is high tensile wire electric fencing?
High tensile wire electric fencing is a type of fencing system that uses strong and durable wire to carry an electric charge. It is commonly used to contain livestock, such as cattle, and provide security and boundary control.
What are the different types of electric fence wire?
There are several options for electric fence wire, including poly wire, poly tape, poly braid, and high tensile wire. Each type has its own features and benefits, such as visibility, strength, and durability.
How do I choose the right type of electric fence wire?
The choice of electric fence wire depends on factors such as the type of animals being contained, the visibility required, and the permanence of the fence. Poly wire is suitable for temporary fences, while poly tape and poly braid offer more durability and strength. High tensile wire is ideal for permanent fences over large areas.
What components do I need to build an electric fence?
The essential components for building an electric fence include an electric fence energiser, electric fence posts, electric fence wire braid or tape, electric fence insulators, electric fence earth stakes, electric fence end strainers, electric fence wire joiners or connection bolts, electric fence signs, and an electric fence lead out cable.
What is an electric fence energiser?
An electric fence energiser is the control unit that regulates the pulse on the electric fence. It converts the input energy to a safe and pulsed output energy that runs along the hot wires or live wires of the fence.
How do I choose the right electric fence energiser and power source?
The choice of electric fence energiser and power source depends on factors such as the size of the fence, the power supply options available, and the level of portability required. Mains power is cost-effective for permanent fences, battery-powered energisers are suitable for temporary fences, and solar-powered energisers provide an alternative power source in remote locations.
What is the importance of the electric fence earth system?
The electric fence earth system is crucial for the effectiveness of the electric fence. It allows the power to flow around the fence, and a well-functioning earth system ensures that animals receive a shock when they touch the live wires.
What are the different types of electric fence conductors?
The choice of electric fence conductor depends on factors such as the type of animals being contained and the visibility required. Options include steel wire, polywire, polytape, and electrified netting.
How do I test the effectiveness of the electric fence earth system?
Testing the electric fence earth system is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Methods include shorting the fence and measuring the voltage or digging a trench with a proper grounding rod.
What are some maintenance tips for an electric fence?
Regular testing and maintenance are necessary to maintain the functionality of an electric fence. This can include checking for any damage or corrosion, ensuring proper tension of the wires, and replacing any faulty components.