If your electric fence isn’t zapping as well as you’d like, then these are the top 10 reasons your electric fence doesn’t work how you’d like it to.
Knowing that your electric fencing is working, and working reliably, is an important feeling for most horse owners. A successful electric fence will ensure that your horses, and other livestock, remain where they are supposed to be. It is important to find any defects as soon as possible as it could become a welfare issue for your animals.
No-one wants to get a phone call telling them that their animals are loose. Not only could the animals get hurt, they could unwittingly cause an accident that you may be help liable for. Read on to find out how to solve the most regular electric fence problems.
There are several reasons that your fence may not be working. Below are the top ten reasons, and their solutions:
- Dry earth rod – During the summer the ground can get very dry. Whilst it’s lovely to have great weather, it isn’t so good for the workings of your electric fence. If your fence isn’t working as it used to, try watering the earth rod as water will help the conduction of electricity and hopefully improve the way your fence works.
- Broken/old tape/wire – Wire and tape have their lifespans. They are out in all weather; wind and rain, hot and cold. The opening and shutting of gates can also eventually lead to frayed ends and broken electric wires within the tape/rope.
- Dead battery – If you are using a battery to run your electric fence then check that your battery hasn’t run down too far. Put on another battery and take the suspect one home to charge. Alternatively, use a voltmeter or multimeter in the field. If you do this then remember to turn off the system for an hour before testing to make sure that the reading isn’t being influenced by other factors (Source 1).
- Non-working energiser – If your tape is fine and your battery is charged, then it could be that your energiser has failed. Unfortunately there is little you can do other than replace it if it is out of warranty. Try checking it on another system before deciding if you will need a new energiser.
- Not enough earthing points – Your fence may not work, or be as powerful as you would expect if you don’t have sufficient earthing points. It is normally recommended that there are 3 grounding rods for battery powered fences. More will be needed if your energiser is above 5Joules/run on mains (Source 2).
- Weeds – Electric fences work best when there are no weeds or trees touching the fence tape. Some energisers will note in their manual how much touching vegetation is permitted before it compromises the unit, but try to aim for no long grasses growing against the fence.
- Faulty lead out wire – Especially if you are running a track system and needing to electrify internal paddocks, you are likely to be using lead out wire. If this has been compromised by hooves or other anything else, then it may short the entire fence.
- Clips knocked off wire and/or battery – Sometimes the problem is really very simple. If the fence isn’t working, check that all of the connections are where they are supposed to be. Crocodile clips can easily be knocked off or the teeth can be not touching enough for power to flow.
- Loose tape connectors – When the electric fence is long, it may be that you have tied two ropes or tapes together. If these connections come loose the electric may not be able to flow properly. Tightening these connectors may make your fencing work properly again.
- Not enough oomph – When your fencing is working but just not giving out enough of a shock, there could be several reasons. Firstly your energiser; not powerful enough is the most likely explanation. Or using cheap electric tape with not enough electric wires running through it.
Mains Fencing Or Battery?
Mains fencing in my opinion will always be the preferred option as power cuts are rare and your fence can be far more powerful. However, many horse-owners don’t have this option and have to rely on the battery powered alternatives.
How To Check Your Electric Fence
Checking your fencing is easy if you have the right tools. Putting your hand on the fence is not recommended!
Battery testing units are readily available and inexpensive. Checking your fencing as part of a weekly routine will help you spot any problems areas quickly and hopefully mean that you can rectify any problems before your horse realises that some of the fencing is not up to par.
Solar Powered Energisers & Separate Solar Panels
If you don’t have several batteries to rotate, or it’s simply a pain to keep changing them regularly, then using a stand alone solar panel could be the answer. I’ve not had to charge the battery for my Helos 4 energiser for several years as I’ve added a free-standing solar panel to keep the charge topped up.
There are now several all-in-one solar energisers on the market that do away with the need for a battery. However, most of these have very low Joule outputs which will only keep in horses that are very respectful of fencing in the first place.
How Many Joules Should My Energiser Be
The higher the Joules output, the higher the shock level given to your horse. Ideally you should use an energiser that has a Joules output of over 3. Anything below that and you may find out that horses lose respect for it very quickly.
If you don’t have an unlimited budget then in my experience, the Helos 4 and the Fortis SG300 are two of the best energisers to use. The SG300 also has a very handy light to let you know when the battery needs charging.
How Do I Stop My Horse Going Through Electric Fencing
If you’ve checked that your fence is working properly, and that your energiser is giving out enough power, then it may be time to consider other actions to help keep your pony where he ought to be.
Firstly though, try to find out why your horse is trying to leave his paddock. Is he hungry? Does he lack company? Is he being bullied? If any of these are the triggers, then address these issues first.
If all else fails, try these simple ideas:
- Water – Water conducts electricity. If your horse is a serial escapee try putting him back in the paddock wet after exercise. The fence will give more of a zap and you may find that he doesn’t try again.
- More strands – If you only have one strand on your fences try adding another, or possibly two more strands. That way your horse can’t try to stretch underneath and then find himself accidentally in the adjacent paddock.
- Electric conductive rug – There are rugs now that conduct electricity through the rug so that rugged horses are not immune to fencing. They can be a little pricey, but well worth the money for extra piece of mind.
- Clipping – If your horse does not wear rugs then you can try using a bib clip. Many horses in winter grow such thick coats that they really don’t feel the ping of the electric fence. Clipping the front means that the electricity from the fence is definitely felt.
- Double fence – Putting in another line of fencing may act as a deterrent to even the most accomplished Houdini. Putting the fencing 50cm away from the existing fence will stop most horses trying to barge through or jump over.
- Higher fence – Plastic electric fence posts come in different sizes. If your horse has a tendency to jump over the electric fence to get out then opt for the taller posts. Some owners find that even these are not high enough. In these circumstances either doubling up on the fences or lashing two poles together to increase the height may help.
Electric fencing has improved over the years. As have the battery capacities and solar panels that can be added to keep your fence-line in good condition.
Conclusion
Getting the right electric fence/battery/energiser combination for your yard can be difficult if you have horses that are determined to escape. If your fence has stopped working there are several things to check before going out and buying a new system.
The most important part of setting up your electric fence is the energiser. Buy the best that you can afford with the highest Joules. It is a false economy to buy a cheaper energiser which doesn’t have the necessary output as you’ll end up buying a more powerful one eventually.
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