Electric Fence Energizers
Electric Fence Energizers
Choosing the Right Energizer (Fence Charger)
Once you have decided what type of electric fence you want for your property, you will need an energizer also known as a fence charger to power it. The correct energizer size for your property is determined by the type of animal to be fenced, distance of fence to be powered and the number of wires in the fence. Selecting a larger Energizer than you need, results in better stock control and a larger safety factor if the fence or installation is imperfect (forage/vegetation interference, etc.)
Once you have decided what type of electric fence you want for your property, you will need an energizer also known as a fence charger to power it. The correct energizer size for your property is determined by the type of animal to be fenced, distance of fence to be powered and the number of wires in the fence. Selecting a larger Energizer than you need, results in better stock control and a larger safety factor if the fence or installation is imperfect (forage/vegetation interference, etc.)
Electric Fence Energizers can be powered by either main grid power or battery power, with multi power and seasonal solar options available
- 120V Main Powered - these are energizer units which are plugged into a 120V mains power supply.
- Multi Powered - these are 12V energizer units that come with a power adapter for 120V plug in power. These versatile energizers can be left out in your paddock and use a 12V deep cycle battery to power it. Two batteries can be rotated on a regular basis or a solar panel can be added as effective grazing season means of continuously charging your battery.
- Solar Box energizers are all in one packaged offering effective grazing season livestock control in remote locations where power is unavailable. Solar systems are a cinch to install and will last for years.
- Battery Only powered these energizers.
Steps to Good Grounding
Grounding is perhaps the most neglected component of many fence systems. We recommend three ground rods, 6’ deep and spaced 10’ apart are the minimum recommendation. Never attach copper to steel. Electrolysis can occur and result in corrosion which weakens shocking power. Use galvanized ground wire and grounding rods to avoid this problem.
Consider that most energizers use galvanized or stainless steel terminals – not copper. Think of your ground system as an antenna that gathers electricity in order to deliver the shock to the animal. Modern satellite receivers can tune in to more television channels than the “rabbit ear” antennas of the past. A hose clamp holding a piece of copper wire to a rusty t-post has been the weakest link of many electric fence systems.
Grounding is perhaps the most neglected component of many fence systems. We recommend three ground rods, 6’ deep and spaced 10’ apart are the minimum recommendation. Never attach copper to steel. Electrolysis can occur and result in corrosion which weakens shocking power. Use galvanized ground wire and grounding rods to avoid this problem.
Consider that most energizers use galvanized or stainless steel terminals – not copper. Think of your ground system as an antenna that gathers electricity in order to deliver the shock to the animal. Modern satellite receivers can tune in to more television channels than the “rabbit ear” antennas of the past. A hose clamp holding a piece of copper wire to a rusty t-post has been the weakest link of many electric fence systems.