Electric pasture fence - Everything you need to know
COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRIC FENCE
An electric fence is an effective method of controlling and securing animals within a specific area. Unlike traditional fences, which are physical barriers, the operation of an electric fence is based on psychological principles. The animals learn to respect the fence as they receive a harmless but unpleasant electric shock when touched. This electric shock is safe for both humans and animals, but creates a natural fear of further contact with the fence.
This type of fencing can be used universally and is suitable for keeping a wide variety of animal species as well as for protection against intruders. The fence therefore not only serves as a boundary, but also provides security by effectively keeping animals within a specified area while protecting them from external threats.
THE COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRIC FENCE SYSTEM AT A GLANCE
An electric fence system is made up of several essential components that work together to ensure an effective guarding function:
- Electric fence device: This device is responsible for generating regular electrical impulses that are sent along the fence.
- Supply cables: These cables transmit the electrical impulses from the device to the fence and back from the ground rods to the device, allowing even greater distances to be bridged.
- Fence wire: It serves as a conductor that transports the electric current along the fence. High conductivity as well as stable and secure connections are essential for the efficiency of the system.
- Current flow on contact: When an animal touches the fence, the current flows through its body. The electric shock is painful but not dangerous and is intended to prevent the animal from repeating the contact.
- Vegetation: Plants on the fence can cause short circuits by discharging the current into the ground, which leads to a loss of electrical charge in the fence.
- Insulators: They insulate the fence wire from the posts and thus prevent the current from flowing into the ground. This maintains the integrity and function of the fence.
- Power line through the ground: The current flows through the ground back to the electric fence energizer. The conductivity of the ground can vary, which affects the efficiency of the circuit.
- Ground rods: These are anchored in the ground and conduct the current from there back to the fencing device via the ground supply lines. They are a decisive factor in closing the circuit and ensuring that the system functions properly.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE ELECTRIC FENCE SYSTEM: KEY FACTORS FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
The effectiveness of an electric fence system is determined by three main factors:
Conductivity of the fence wires:High conductivity of the material is essential for the transmission of electrical impulses over long distances. With 2.5 mm thick steel wires, for example, fence lengths of up to 120 kilometers can be realized, provided there is no vegetation that impairs conductivity. If a single wire is used, the maximum length is reduced to 30 kilometers. For shorter distances or where there is heavy vegetation, the use of compact strands with stainless steel conductors is recommended, but these limit the fence length to a maximum of 250 meters.
Earthing:The earthing system is crucial for the return of the current to the device and therefore for the safe operation of the fence. Especially in dry, sandy or stony soils, which have a low natural conductivity, an appropriate dimensioning of the earthing is critical. The number of earth rods required depends on the performance of the electric fence. It is important that all earthing components are corrosion-resistant and that regular checks are carried out, especially during dry periods.
Standard earthing recommendation: For devices with an output of 1 to 5 joules, three galvanized earthing rods, each 1 meter long and 3 meters apart, should be used and firmly connected to each other and to the high-voltage cable.
The electric fence unit: The basis of any electric fencing system is the electric fence unit, which supplies the required electrical energy. The selection of the appropriate device should be based on the fence length, the number of wires, the type of animal and the available power source. For detailed recommendations on device selection, you can refer to special tables and guides tailored to your specific requirements.
IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR DEVICE SELECTION:
- Exposure to vegetation along the fence
- Length of the fence and number of wires
- Species to be guarded
- Power source (9 V, 12 V or 230 V)
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC FENCE SYSTEMS:
- For fence lengths up to 500 meters without vegetation: At least 0.25 joules required.
- For fence lengths up to 1000 meters with normal vegetation: At least 2.0 joules required.
- For fence lengths of up to 1000 meters with heavy vegetation: At least 6.0 joules required.
By paying attention to these key factors, you can ensure that your electric fencing system functions optimally and provides a safe boundary for your animals.
To make it easier for you to select the right electric fencing device for your specific application, we have developed a clear selection scheme.
With the new PATURA fence calculator, you can easily determine the device tailored to your needs.
Electric fences are suitable for fencing in or keeping out almost all animal species. The main differences between the fences are the height, the number of wires and sometimes the material of the fence.
PATURA electric fencing units are characterized by their high performance, especially when the fence is heavily overgrown. Models with 9, 12 or 230 volts are available.