Permanent Electric Fencing
Permanent Electric Fencing
Good installation with quality components is the key for successful permanent fences. Permanent electric fences are a recommended long-term fencing solution. Compared to barbed wire, woven wire and rail fence, Permanent power fence systems are economical, easy to install and operate, and require less maintenance due to minimal physical contact with livestock and animals.
A permanent electric fence is a physiological barrier that utilizes energized galvanized High Tensile (HT) steel wires to contain livestock by training them where the boundaries are. When the animal touches the energized wire, they receive a sharp but safe electric shock which they then gain a fearful of thus training them to respect and avoid contact with the electric fence. Once trained, this electric fence acts as a psychological barrier instead of a physical barrier such as a standard barbwire fence. Less contact with the livestock allows permanent electric fence systems to last longer than barbwire fences with less maintenance. A properly installed and maintained permanent electric fence can last up to 40 years, costs less to install and requiring far less maintenance than barbwire fence, with less injure to your livestock and wildlife.
Each electric fence system requires an energizer (charger) to electrically charge the wires. The voltage and power requirements vary by animal type, length, and vegetation load on fence. Use the energizer selection guide to compare all energizers. Each energizer connects to the positive (hot) fence wires, typically through an insulated cable, and to the grounding rods. A cut-out switch can be installed on the main feed to the electric fence or at regular intervals to kill the power for maintenance work. Energizers with remote controls, Fence monitors, and battery back-up systems are also available
Fence posts can be spaced 25-45ft apart just enough to support the electrified wires and maintain a consistency in wire height. On fences less than 3 wires a large single termination post can be utilized in solid soil conditions. For fences 4 wires or more an H-brace brace is required at the end of every straight section of fence or directional change. For permanent electric fences wood, steel, fiberglass, or Gallagher Line posts are used. Wood and steel fence posts require an insulator to be installed to attach the wire to the post to prevent grounding the electrified wire. Fiberglass fence posts a drilled with mounting holes every 2” and are naturally non-conductive so an open-eye metal post clip is used instead of a plastic insulator to attach the wire. Gallagher Line Posts require a line post clip to secure wire to the post.
Permanent electric fence wire should be 12.5 Class 3 Galvanized High tensile wire, We recommend Gallagher Power Wire. HT wire should be tensioned and maintained at 150-200 lbs of tension. We sell several different types of wire strainers and tools that make tensioning the fence wire safe and easy.
Fence gates require a break in the electrified fence wire to allow livestock, people, and vehicles through. Joint clamps and underground insulated cables are used to carry the electricity to the other side of the gate where it can be reattached to the fence wires. To prevent livestock from getting through open gates, an electrified spring gate is used to maintain the fence barrier. Spring gate handles make it easy for a person to open the gate and pass through without touching electrified wire or turning off the power to the fence. We carry a variety of electric fence gate kits for simple gate installations.
Operating and maintaining your electric fence requires a few simple tools to make the job much easier. Fault finders, fence alerts, and voltmeters allow you to quickly locate any short in your fence system and check the voltage in the field. Some energizers have remotes that allow the fence power to be turned on and off from anywhere along the fence line for quick maintenance. Lightning diverters prevent damage to your fence by redirecting lightning to ground, and flood gate controllers limit excess energy loss during rising waters during heavy rains near creeks or streams. Energy limiters Improves safety by reducing fence power in public areas
Please look through our Electric Fence System Configurations to find the fence by animal type that may best meet your needs.
Our FenceFast team can also assist in the design and supply of a complete Power Fence system