Steps to Install an Electric Fence
Electric fences are often used by farmers to keep their livestock in and any wild animals out. Putting up an electric fence by yourself is not that difficult to do if you have the right tools, materials and follow the simple directions in the article below.
The tools and materials that you will need to put up your own electric fence are:
- A hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Wire-strippers
- A post-hole digger
- A voltage tester
- Insulation wrap
- Pliers
- An electric fence controller
- A grounding system
- Electric fence posts
- 10 to 14 gauge wire insulated for 20,000 volts
The first and most important step to installing an electric fence is to find a safe place for the fence controller. The controller must be protected from the weather. If you do not have anywhere, you will need to build a place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting the controller. But do not connect it until you have completely installed the fence.
The ground rod must be installed within 20 feet of the fence controller, should be at least six feet long and be installed in the ground. Run grounding wire form the ground rod to the fence controller and secure it to the rod using a clamp. Check the owner's manual that came with the ground rod to see if there are any other things that particular ground rod needs done.
Install the fence rods between 25 and 75 feet apart. The closer you put the post, the stronger your fence will be, but the farther apart they are the more flexibility the fence will have. Use the post-hole digger to dig the holes for the posts.
Starting at the post farthest from the controller, install the wiring. Make sure all connections are tight and spliced right. To reduce rusting, you should wrap all the connections with insulation. To keep out smaller animals, run the wires closer together at the bottom of the fence. Use 10 to 14 gauge insulated wire between the rows of electrified wire.
After you finish installing all the wiring, check all of your connections and connect the fence controller. After you make sure everything is install properly and safely, plug in the fence. The fence controller should have a light blinking to let you know that the fence is on.
And lastly, use a voltage meter to make sure that the whole fence is properly electrified.