An electric fence uses electric shocks to stop animals or humans from entering an area. Especially in South Africa, where crime is rampant, having an electric fence is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to protect themselves, their family and their home.
Having a badly maintained electric fence means having lessened security as the electric fence will not work to its potential. It is vital to check your electric fence monthly to make sure that there are no breaks or vegetation touching the electric fence (eg: the leaves of a tree). When performing maintenance on your electric fence, you should also check the electric box to make sure that it is sending out signal. Having a voltmeter to maintain your electric fence is also recommended.
When wanting to maintain your electric fence and ensure that it is working properly, it is important to not touch the electric fence unless you use a piece of wood to do so. If you need to touch the electric fence for some reason, like needing to check a break in the wire, it is important to ensure that the electrical system is off. Touching the fence directly while the electrical system is functioning will almost certainly lead to being electrocuted.
When checking the maintenance of your electric fence, you should also check the insulators. Faulty insulators will prevent electricity reaching through the fence. If an insulator is damaged, a makeshift insulator can be made out of a piece of an old tyre, but it is important to call an electrician as soon as possible to make sure that the electric fence is maintained.
Damaged insulators, damaged fence posts, overgrown vegetation and broken wires are the most likely reasons for an electric fence to not be performing optimally.
An electric fence needs to be maintained properly, or there really is no point in having an electric fence in the first place. Maintenance should be carried out by an experienced individual or electrician and safety risks should be minimized at all times. The ability to maintain an electric fence is not difficult and should be checked monthly.
