Electric Fence Building Help

Building an electric fence is easy with the right knowledge and equipment. Whistler Farm Supplies provides everything you need to make the process simple and effective. Have questions? Just give us a call

(Cows) How to Install an Electric Fence

Install Fence Posts Start by installing the permanent posts, like wood, steel, or concrete ones. Space the posts about 3 to 4 metres apart and bury them around 20-30cm deep. (Tip) It’s a good idea to mark each post so they’re all set at the same depth.
Add the Insulators You need to attach electric fence insulators to the posts to stop the electricity from shorting and escaping. The type of insulators you use will depend on the type of fence wire you’ve chosen. Make sure you fit one insulator (per strand of wire) on each post along the fence line.
Install the Polywire Depending on how many strands of wire you need, start installing the polywire from the top down. The top strand should be roughly at the nose height of your cows (around 80-90cm off the ground).
Build the Gates Run power under the gates using an underground cable, so it continues from one side to the other. Make sure both permanent and temporary gates are wired the same way
Install the Energizer The energizer is the heart of the system, powering the fence. Check the energizer’s output, which is measured in joules, to ensure its strong enough for your fence.
Install the Earth Stakes For the electric fence to work properly, the current needs to return to the energizer through earth stakes. For a permanent setup, you’ll generally need about 3 stakes, each 1-2 metres long, driven into the ground.
If you want your fence nice and straight. Run wire or string from end (corner posts) post to end post, so you have a nice straight line then put your middle posts
A fence with 2 fully electric wire can be 7 -10 metres for cows
When putting off sets on an existing wire/barbwire fence the off sets can be 7 -10 metres apart.
Always remember you cannot loop your wire back to itself you have to finish with a dead end (using an end insulator.

(Horses) How to Install an Electric Fence

Setting up an electric fence for a horse paddock is key to keeping your horses safe and contained. Follow these steps to get started:

Plan Your Paddock Layout: Size: Determine the size and shape of the paddock based on the number of horses and available space. Access Points: Include pathways and gates for easy access to move horses, vehicles, and people.
Clear the Fence Line: Remove Vegetation: Clear away any grass, bushes, fallen branches, or trees along the fence line. This prevents short-circuiting, helping the fence stay properly charged.
Choose and Install Fence Posts: Materials: Use sturdy wood, steel, or concrete posts for permanent installations. Space posts 3-10 meters apart, depending on the terrain and strength needed. Depth: Bury each post 20-30 cm deep for stability. Mark posts to ensure a consistent depth throughout the fence line.
Attach Insulators: Purpose: Insulators prevent electricity from shorting out, keeping the charge within the fence. Attach one insulator per strand of wire or tape on each post. Type: Select insulators based on the fencing material (e.g., electric tape, polywire) and post type.
Install Electric Tape, Rope, or Polywire: Visibility: Use 40mm electric tape or rope, which is highly visible to horses and safer. Height: For adult horses, set up two to three strands of electric tape or rope at 60 cm, 90 cm, and 120 cm heights. Secure Attachment: Attach the tape, rope, or polywire to insulators on each post, ensuring it is taut to prevent sagging.
Connect the Wires: Link for Consistent Voltage: Use connection buckles or bolts approximately every 30 meters to link wires and maintain consistent voltage across the fence. Corners and Gates: Reinforce the fence line at corner posts and gates for stability.
Install Gates: Power Continuity: Run power beneath gates with an underground cable, connecting both sides of the gate for uninterrupted current. Permanent & Temporary Gates: Wire gates the same way to maintain a secure electric field around the paddock.
Install the Energizer: Power Source: Choose a solar-powered, battery, or mains-powered energizer based on the paddock’s location and available power sources. Output Strength: Check the energizer’s joule rating to ensure it’s powerful enough for the fence. Grounding: Ground the energizer with earth stakes for effective operation. Generally, three stakes, each 1-2 meters deep, are needed for a permanent setup.
Test the Fence: Voltage Check: After setup, test the fence with a fence tester. For horses, aim for a voltage between 3,000 to 5,000 volts.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect Routinely: Walk the fence line to check for sagging, wear, or grounding issues, particularly after storms or strong winds.

By following these steps, you’ll have a secure, reliable electric fence that keeps your horses safe and the paddock protected. For quality products and more electric fencing supplies, visit [whistlerfarmsupplies.com.au](https://whistlerfarmsupplies.com.au)