Monthly Archives: August 2021

Now, we’ll answer some questions on how to install an electric fence at home, which doesn’t have to be on a farm or ranch. However, you’ll want to check with local authorities before doing or having an electric fence installation in the city. Knowing how to properly install an electric fence is important so that you don’t cause harm to anyone or anything that wasn’t intended, and not to cause damage to your property. 

The first question many ask is, are electric fences easy to install?

Once you have decided that an electric fence is what you need, you need to know how electric fence installation is done, and the following steps will walk you through the process. First, you need to make sure you have the following equipment and tools for your electric fence installation: 

• Metal fence wire
• Electric charger for a wire fence
• T-posts and support posts
• In-line strainers
• A weed eater

Step 1. Lay The Fence Line Out

Start by laying out the fencing where you want it. This means you’ll need to clear the area of any trees, fallen tree branches, tall weeds, etc. You don’t want anything in the way that could make your electric fence installation ineffective by shorting it out. Use the weed eater to knock down the tall grass and weed and use loppers to cut back trees or branches that could be in the way. 

Step 2. Insert Posts and Prep for the Gate

Place wooden posts at the planned corners of the fenced area and where the gate will be installed. You should also place a wooden post midway of each fence run and then metal T-posts every 10 to 20 feet. 

Step 3. Hang the Gate

With the T-posts installed, hang the gates.  

Step 4. Insert the Support Posts

With the round wooden posts and T-posts installed, it is time to insert the support posts every few feet between the T-posts. These posts will ensure that the electric fence wire doesn’t drag or hit the ground.

Step 5. Run the Fence Wire

The part of running the wire isn’t easy, but it is the crux of the whole project. Stretch the wire between the wooden posts then connect the wire to the electrical connectors that are installed on the T-posts and wooden posts. Place the wire in the correct slots of the support posts, making sure each strand is connected to the same rung of the connectors and support posts. Repeat this process until all wire is strung and in place. 

Step 6. Pull The Wire Tight

It can’t be stressed enough how important it is for the wire to be pulled tight. The goal is not to have a sloppy-looking fence and to make it as effective as possible. A nimble critter could jump over a sagging fence line. 

Step 7. Connect the Charger

A solar-powered charger will work but the voltage isn’t as strong as the standard charger. Follow the instructions that come with the charger on how to install the unit. 

Step 8. The Ground Rods

Now, insert ground rods, making sure you have plenty, so your electric fence installation works well with the proper current needed. 

Now, test it all to make sure you have the right voltage for your electric fence installation. It is recommended to do this with rubber sole shoes, so you don’t get shocked. 

Does an electric fence have to make a complete loop?

No, your electric fence installation does not need a complete loop. However, the benefit to this is the voltage to the fence line is increased with a continuous loop. 

How deep does a ground rod need to be for electric fence?

The majority of grounding rods are made from either copper or galvanized steel, and the wire that connects the energizer to the ground rods must be identical to the rod. This reduces any electrolysis performance reduction.

The more output a charger has, the more grounding rods you will need. The general rule is 3 feet ground rod for every joule output. A minimum of 10 feet should be spaced between each one.