An electric fence delineates a boundary to discourage animals and humans from crossing it. Unlike conventional fences, it uses electric shock to startle rather than injure. This is the most effective way to prevent livestock and domestic pets from leaving a sanctioned area or to deter trespassing. It is also used to prevent the theft of farm produce. It is also useful for security purposes at homes, businesses and prisons to deter robbery and vandalism.
The heart of an electric fence is the energizer that turns battery power or household current into a high voltage pulse along the bare wires. This pulse, which runs for 1/300th of a second, creates an electric field around the perimeter of the fence.
This field has sufficient intensity to stop most animals and birds from touching the fence, but not enough to cause a painful electrical burn or severe shock. Normally, an animal will feel a sensation like the snap of a rubber band. However, this feeling is only temporary, and the animal will learn to avoid the fence and move to a safer area.
A properly installed and maintained electric fence will work well for years, but regular maintenance is important to ensure proper operation. Insufficient maintenance can result in low voltage, weeds, or faulty connections which could lead to the fence not delivering its intended shock. An electronic fence tester is a great tool for locating problems with the energizer, wiring, or fence line.
Electric fences are relatively easy to construct compared with other types of fencing. No special skills are required, making them suitable for DIY installation. Regular inspections are also important to help prevent potential problems, such as dead trees or branches coming into contact with the fence lines and insulators.
The simplest electric fence malaysia are just the insulated fence wire connected to an energizer, but more complex systems include gates and multiple live wires. It is best to purchase an energizer that is slightly larger than the minimum needed for your fence. This will allow for future expansion and will ensure that enough power is being delivered to the tapes or wires.
Most energizers use a solid-state circuit to charge a capacitor and then release the charge with a thyristor. This results in a much more controlled voltage delivery and a shorter pulse, lasting only a few milliseconds.
A good grounding system is essential for an electric fence to function correctly. Ideally, the grounding rods should be driven into moist soil that is at least 50 feet (15 m) away from any other utility grounds, buildings foundations and buried waterlines.
It is recommended that you use a minimum of three separate, but connected, grounding rods. Each grounding rod should be at least 8 inches (20 cm) long. In wet conditions or where the soil is sandy or pumice, longer rods may be necessary.
Different species have varying internal resistances in ohms to electricity, and this must be considered when determining the appropriate amount of energy to supply the fence. For example, pigs and cattle need more power than sheep and goats.