Fencing, how exactly does that work?
A fence of barbed wire, smooth wire, or mesh is unsuitable for horses because this method of fencing is inconspicuous and, above all, unsafe.
It is well known that horses can break through a fence. Besides an increased risk of contracting diseases, a horse can also end up in a ditch or stray onto a railway track or road. If the horse then hits a car, the consequences can be disastrous. Only after such an impressive event does the importance of good fencing become clear. But what should you pay attention to, in terms of material, power, and posts? And how high should the tape be? We will list the ins and outs.
How it works
An electric fence consists of an electrical circuit through which the current moves. To make this possible, you use an energizer with proper grounding, a fence wire that carries the current, and insulators that prevent the current from leaking away.
Step-by-step plan
For a correct electric fence:
- Choose the right energizer, either a mains or battery-powered device. If a 220 Volt socket is available, a mains-powered device is always preferred. If you have horses grazing in a pasture where there is no 220 Volt socket connection, then a battery-powered energizer is the solution.
- Choose good earth posts of the correct length, because grounding is an indispensable basis of every electric fence. If more than 1 earth post is needed, they should be placed at least 3 meters apart. Please note that you generally need more earth posts in dry soil than in moist soil. You can measure/test the current with a voltmeter.
- Choose the right fence posts, for example plastic step-in posts, and place them approximately 5-8 meters apart. Make sure the fence tapes remain taut for the fence to function optimally. Hofman Animal Care has the right tensioners for tensioning the electric fence. In any case, place sturdy wooden corner posts.
- Choose the right conductor. There is a wide choice: cord, wire, or tape. For horses, we generally recommend tape, with recognizable signals such as flags or tape fringes, etc., in the first few days the horses are outside. This way, the horse sees the electric fence earlier and can get used to it and not break out. Place the fence tapes at different heights, preferably the first tape at 50 cm high and the second tape at 100 cm high. If we are dealing with larger horses, we also recommend using a tape at approximately 150 cm high.
- Invest in a good reel! This allows you to easily wind the fence tape on and off. Our reel for tape and wire can be easily worn over the head, so it's not such a tiring job physically.
- Ensure good tape connectors. This way, you can optimally connect the fence tapes to each other to maintain optimal current conductivity.
- The fence tapes are attached to the posts using insulators. We recommend a tape insulator so that you can tighten the fence afterwards. Everyone knows that tape stretches over time, and with ISOL004030, you have a perfect solution for this.
- For a fence, you will of course also need a gate handle for the passages. Easy opening and closing without power interruption. Attach gate handle anchors to the wooden posts at the pasture entrance to hook the gate handle.
In short
What do you need for a well-functioning electrical circuit:
• An energizer that emits regular electrical pulses.
• A fence wire that conducts the current.
• Insulators that insulate the current from the posts.
• Grounding that returns the current to the energizer.
Which energizer best suits your pasture fence?
The choice of an energizer depends on various factors.
1. What is the length of the fence?
2. Which animals do you want to fence?
3. Vegetation on the fence?
4. How much power should the energizer have?
5. When choosing, consider future expansion plans.
6. Choose a device with sufficient output of impulse energy ''Joule'' and a high voltage ''Volt'' upon contact with the fence.
When there is a 220 Volt ''Socket'' connection nearby, this is the best solution and guarantee for a constant power supply, which possesses the most optimal deterrent properties.
Basic concepts
Output voltage in Volts
Output voltage is the voltage measured at the output of the device. The voltage is needed to transport the energy. Since the fence is not yet connected, this number has no practical value.
Voltage under load 500 Ohm in Volts
Voltage at 500 Ohm is the voltage on the fence upon contact with a human or animal.
Charging energy in Joules
This is the amount of energy that the energizer draws from the socket or battery.
Impulse energy in Joules
Impulse energy, also called discharge energy, is the impulse that the animal feels when it comes into contact with the fence. The higher the impulse energy, the stronger the shock.
Grounding
Grounding is extremely important. Good grounding accounts for 50% of the quality of the fence. The grounding ensures that the electrical circuit closes. This means that upon contact with the fence wire, the current flows through the animal into the ground and flows back via the earth post.
If the grounding is insufficient, your fence will not function effectively. Grounding consists of special earth posts. If more than one earth post is needed, they should be placed at least three meters apart. The type of soil plays an important role in choosing the number of earth rods required. For example, dry soil has much poorer conductivity than moist soil.
Conclusion
More earth posts are needed in dry soil than in moist soil.
Conductors
The main artery of your fence is the current-conducting wire (light metal or stainless steel) which transports the current, offered in various thicknesses and qualities. Apart from the specific advantages of the different options (cord, tape or wire), the most important aspect is electrical conductivity.
Frequently asked questions
Which energizer should I use?
If a mains connection is available, use a mains-powered device. Always power. If no mains connection is available, use a battery-powered device.
Can the energizer be grounded to the mains grounding?
No, that is not allowed. Install a separate grounding system.
Where should I place the earth post?
The earth post must be completely independent of the house or stable. The earth post must be at a distance of 10 meters from the house or stable. Never connect the earth post to water pipes!
There is current on the earth post, this can be caused by:
• Earth post is too short
• Too few earth posts
• Soil is too dry
Good grounding is the heart of your pasture fence!
Regardless of the power of an energizer, the installation is even more effective if good grounding is provided.
How far apart should the earth posts be?
At least 3 meters.
Does my fence need to be a closed circuit?
The current must flow in a circuit. Current flows via the tape, cord or wire to the animal or growing grass and back to the energizer via the earth rods (see "how electric fencing works" above).
How can I check my electric fence for perfect operation?
This can be easily checked with a digital voltmeter. If 4000 Volts (4kV) is read, everything is in order.
What is the minimum current that should be on a good fence?
A minimum of 4000 Volts. If it's not, first check the energizer, then the grounding system, and finally your fence.
What is the lifespan of a 9 Volt battery?
The lifespan depends on grounding, insulator quality, cord/tape/wire quality, and vegetation. If all of these are in order, the lifespan of a 9 Volt battery is typically 1 grazing season.
How many meters apart should I place posts?
For tape, every 4 to 5 meters. For cord, every 7 to 8 meters.
Finally
In any case, make sure the fence is rock solid! With good grounding, insulators, and fence tape, you not only keep your horses within the enclosure but also keep unwanted visitors out.
