Fencing (Horse)

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 energizer that gives frequent power surges.
• A fence wire that conducts electricity.
• Insulators which isolate the flow of the poles.
• Grounding which carries the current back to the energizer.

Which energizer is best suited for your pasture fence?


The choice of an energizer depends on several factors.
1. What is the length of the fence?
2. Which animals would you like to keep within the fence?
3. Vegetation on the fence?
4. How much power does the energizer need?
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 a constant power supply.

ZoneGuard 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 animals on the fence.

Energy storage in Joules

This is the power of energy which absorbs the energizer 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 flows 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. If more than one grounding pole is needed, one should place it at least three metres 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: A dry soil needs more grounding poles than a moist soil.


Current conductors

The artery of your fence is the conducting wire (alloy or stainless steel) which transports the stream, these are available 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 absolutely require the best material? Than choose the ropetape or wireZoneGuard Plus provides a 40 times greater current conduction.

Frequently asked questions:
Which energizer is best for me?

Should a main connection be present, use a main energizer. When a main connection is unavailable, use a battery energizer.

Can the energizer be grounded to 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 the house/stable.
The grounding should be in a distance of 10 metres from the house/barn.
Never connect the grounding pole to water pipes!!

Current on the grounding post?

The grounding pole is too short.
Too few grounding piles.
The soil is too dry.

A proper grounding is the heart of your pasture fence!!

No matter what the ability of an energizer is, the system is even more effective if it provides a good grounding.

How far should the grounding poles 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 energizer again via the grounding pins (see 'How does electric fencing work?').

How can I check if my electric fence performs perfectly? 

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). Is there not enough power? First check the energizer, then the grounding system and finally your fence.

How long 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.