How to Install Electric Fences: Covering the Basics

Electric fences are useful for a variety of purposes especially within the farming community. Electric fences transmit enough electricity to give off a brief shock to anyone or anything that touches it. For framing purposes, electric fences have become an effective way to have better control over one’s livestock as well as reduce wild animals from attempting to enter the property. So, if you are looking for ways to keep your cattle from running off but wondering how easy it is to install electric fences, these how-to tips will guide you in the right direction.

Before attempting to install electric fences you need to have a clear idea of the basics, most especially because there is electricity is involved. While the installation process itself is not overly difficult, the electricity factor makes it tricky. For the sake of your own health and safety, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the risks and warnings before attempting to install any electric fence. To begin with, you need to find the right location for installing the electric fence controller. The location itself needs to be weather-resistant and also have an electricity outlet available. While you can install the controller do not plug it in!

Next you need to run grounding wire from the controller to a grounding rod that should be placed underground roughly 20 feet away. Using wire clamps, secure the wire to the rod ensuring that the clamp bites through both parts. To have a more effective grounding system in place (which is always recommended) you can add two additional grounding rods, spread roughly 10 feet apart and six feet underground. Ensure these rods are connected to the grounding wire as described above. Installing the fence posts will be determined by how much land you want to cover. If you are covering an extensive piece of land, it is recommended to use a guideline of about 50, 75 feet apart. This way, the connections will remain be more flexibility rendering them more sturdy and resistant to wear and tear.

When connecting the wiring, start off with the post farthest away from the controller. Always wrap your wiring with insulation to guard against corrosion. Once each portion of the fence has been wired you need to use additional insulated wire to act as jumpers connecting each row of wiring from the top wire to the next one down and so on. This way you will be able to guard against larger and smaller animals either from entering or attempting to leave your property. Once you have connected the top wire of your electric fence to the controller, it is time to re-check each connection before turning the power supply on. You can use a voltmeter to check that electricity is running through the entire length of your electric fence. These points mentioned here highlight the basics in terms of learning how to install electric fences. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of what you need to do beforehand, asking for assistance should you need it.