Electric fencing can be a great way to split fields, whether this is to separate horses, allow grass to rest and recover, to restrict access to grass, to implement a track system, to help prevent horses from leaning on and breaking wooden fences… and plenty more besides!
In this jargon buster, we’ll be exploring all the technical aspects of electric fencing and all the elements you’ll need to create a system.
Battery – if your energiser runs off a battery power supply, you’ll need a battery to make your fence work. Although there are lots of different types of battery available, most people use rechargeable leisure batteries for electric fencing.
Connector – plastic coated clips with metal inside that connect the energiser to the electric tape or rope.
Earth Rod – usually made of hardened steel, an earth rod is pushed into the ground and the energiser is connected to it via a lead. This helps to ensure that the fence works properly.
Energiser – the device that generates the pulse of electricity that passes around the fence when attached to a battery or the mains.
Gate – most electric fence systems need a gate to get the horse in and out of the area as needed, but also allow the current to flow through and complete the circuit the rest of the time. Electric fence gates are usually made up of a metal spring that connects to the fence with a hook in the handle, or they can be made using tape.
Insulator – small plastic loops that screw into the top or side of wooden fence posts and allow rope or tape to pass through so it maintains its effectiveness. These come in different shapes and sizes – including ‘offset’ options which keep the tape or rope a short distance away from your existing fence, perfect for horses who love to lean!
Joiners – specially designed metal pieces that allow two pieces of tape or rope to be attached to extend the length of a fence by attaching two pieces together in a way that shouldn’t reduce the charge passing through it.
Post – electric fence posts are made from plastic and come in different heights depending on what kind of animals you’re looking to separate with the fence. Posts have lots of different loops that allow the horse’s owner to put the tape where they want. Each post will have a sharp metal spike at the bottom with a foot rest that will allow the post to be driven into the ground without additional tools.
Reel – some people keep their tape or rope on a reel. This makes it easier and quicker to roll out and put away.
Rope – electric rope or tape can be used to make the fence, it’s down to personal preference.
Tape – flat tape that conducts electricity and can be used for fencing, like rope.
Tensioner – particularly useful at corners or at the start or end of your electric fence run, tensioners can be used to ensure that your fence doesn’t sag and stays taut.
Voltmeter/fence tester – if you want to know how many volts are passing through your electric fence at different points around the fence line, a voltmeter is a great option. Fence testers can have voltage readings on them but can also be more basic, simply showing if power is present rather than how much.
Warning sign – easy to slide onto electric tape or rope, these bright signs tell people that there’s an electric fence there. This isn’t just a ‘nice to have’, if your fence runs alongside a public right of way, it’s a legal requirement to have a sign every 50m.
To find out more about electric fences and what you need to set up your perfect system please contact us.
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Telephone: 01908 365335
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