10 Easy Steps to Build an Electric Fence

Electric Fence

Electric fences are a great way to keep livestock in and predators out. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In this article, we will show you how to build an electric fence step-by-step.

The first step is to determine the perimeter of the area you want to fence. Once you know the perimeter, you can purchase the necessary materials. You will need:

Electric fence wire
Electric fence posts
Electric fence insulators
Electric fence charger
Ground rods
Wire connectors

Tools (wire cutters, pliers, hammer, etc.)

Once you have all of your materials, you can begin installing the fence. The first step is to set the posts. The posts should be spaced 10-12 feet apart. Once the posts are set, you can begin running the wire. The wire should be attached to the insulators on the posts. Once the wire is run, you can connect the charger to the fence. The charger will send an electric current through the wire, which will deter animals from coming into contact with it.

Planning the Fence Layout

Choose the Fence Line

The first step in planning your electric fence layout is to determine the perimeter you want to protect. Consider the area you want to enclose, as well as any obstacles or hazards that might need to be avoided.

Mark the fence line clearly with stakes or other markers. This will help you visualize the fence’s path and identify any potential problems.

Determine the Fence Height

The height of your electric fence will depend on the type of animals you need to keep out. For livestock, such as cattle or horses, a fence height of 4-5 feet is typically sufficient. For smaller animals, such as deer or rabbits, a fence height of 2-3 feet may be enough.

Choose the Fence Material

Electric fences can be made from various materials, including wire, polywire, or polytape. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs.

Wire is the traditional fencing material and is still popular today. It is strong and durable, but it can also be difficult to handle and install.

Polywire is a lightweight and flexible alternative to wire. It is easy to install and can be used in areas where wire fencing would be difficult to use, such as around corners or obstacles.

Polytape is similar to polywire but is wider and flatter. It is highly visible and effective at deterring animals.

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wire	Strong and durable	Difficult to handle and install
Polywire	Lightweight and flexible	Not as strong as wire
Polytape	Highly visible and effective	Can be more expensive than wire or polywire

Choosing the Right Materials

Wire or Cord

The type of wire or cord you choose will depend on the purpose of your fence. For permanent fences, heavy-duty, galvanized steel wire is the best option. It is strong, durable, and resistant to rust. For temporary fences, you can use lighter-gauge wire or cord.

Gauge	Tensile Strength (lbs)	Diameter (inches)	Weight (lbs/100 feet)
9	1,150	0.148	2.9
10	850	0.135	2.2
11	700	0.120	1.7
12	550	0.105	1.3

Insulators

Insulators are used to keep the wire or cord from touching the ground or other surfaces that could cause it to short out. They are typically made of plastic or ceramic. Choose insulators that are rated for the voltage of your fence.

Posts

Posts are used to support the wire or cord. They can be made of wood, metal, or fiberglass. Wooden posts are the most common and affordable option. However, they are not as durable as metal or fiberglass posts. Metal posts are more durable, but they are also more expensive. Fiberglass posts are the most durable and expensive option.

Energizer

The energizer is the power source for your fence. It sends a pulsating electric current through the wire or cord. Choose an energizer that is powerful enough for the length and type of fence you are building.

Installing the Posts

Choosing and Installing the Posts

Selecting the appropriate posts is crucial for the stability and effectiveness of your electric fence. Choose strong and durable posts that can withstand wind, rain, and other elements. Wood, steel, or fiberglass posts are common options, each with its pros and cons.

Digging the Holes

The depth and spacing of the holes for your fence posts depend on the type of fence and the soil conditions. Dig holes at least one-quarter to one-third the height of the post above ground. Make sure the holes are wide enough to accommodate the post and any concrete or gravel you might use for reinforcement.

Setting the Posts

1. Place the post in the hole: Position the post in the hole and ensure it’s plumb (vertical) by using a level.

2. Tamp the soil around the post: Gradually fill the hole with soil in layers, tamping it down firmly around the base of the post.

3. Reinforce with concrete or gravel (optional): To further solidify the post, mix a small amount of concrete or fill the bottom of the hole with gravel. Pour the concrete or gravel around the base of the post and allow it to set. Be mindful not to overdo the reinforcement, as this can weaken the post’s ability to move slightly in response to temperature changes or ground movement.

Wiring the Fence

1. Running the Wire

Run the fence wire along the intended perimeter, keeping it approximately 6-12 inches above the ground for livestock fences and 4-8 inches for small animal fences. Use insulators to attach the wire to posts or trees.

2. Connecting to the Energizer

Attach one end of the fence wire to the positive terminal of the energizer. The other end should be connected to a ground rod driven into the ground, completing the electrical circuit.

3. Installing Insulators

Insulators prevent electricity from flowing into the ground or other objects along the fence line. Place insulators on all posts, corners, and areas where the wire changes direction.

4. Maintaining the Fence Line

Regular maintenance is crucial for a well-functioning electric fence. Here are specific steps to follow:

Inspect Vegetation:

Keep grass and weeds trimmed around the fence to prevent grounding.
Check Insulation:

Ensure insulators are securely attached and not cracked or damaged.
Test Circuit:

Use a voltage tester to measure the voltage along the fence line and identify any weak spots.
Repair Damage:

Promptly repair any breaks or shorts in the fence wire or insulators.
Adjust Vegetation:

Cut back vegetation that grows too close to the fence and might cause grounding.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your electric fence.

Grounding the Fence

The grounding system is essential for the proper functioning of an electric fence. It provides a path for the electrical current to flow back to the power source, completing the circuit. Without proper grounding, the fence will not be effective in deterring animals.

There are two main types of grounding systems for electric fences: ground rods and ground wires.

Ground rods are metal rods that are driven into the ground. They are typically made of copper or stainless steel, and they should be at least 8 feet long. Ground rods should be spaced 10-20 feet apart, depending on the soil conditions.

Ground wires are bare copper wires that are buried underground. They should be at least 6 feet deep, and they should be spaced 10-20 feet apart. Ground wires are typically used in areas where it is difficult to drive ground rods into the ground.

No matter which type of grounding system you use, it is important to make sure that the ground connection is good. The ground connection should be checked regularly, and any loose connections should be tightened.

Grounding Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Ground rods	Easy to install Low cost	Not as effective in dry soil Can be difficult to drive into hard ground
Ground wires	More effective in dry soil Easier to install in hard ground	More expensive than ground rods Can be damaged by digging or other activities

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems with your electric fence, here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

1. Fence Not Shocking

Check connections between energizer, fence, and ground wires.

Ensure energizer is properly grounded and has sufficient power.

Test fence using a voltage tester or voltmeter set to “AC volts”.

2. Fence Shocking Intermittently

Inspect fence for breaks or loose connections in wires or insulators.

Check for vegetation touching the fence or nearby ground.

Monitor energizer for low battery or power issues.

3. Fence Shocking Too Much

Adjust energizer settings to lower output voltage or pulse rate.

Use thicker gauge wire for the fence line.

Increase the distance between fence wires and ground vegetation.

4. Fence Not Grounded Properly

Ensure ground rod is at least 3 feet long and buried in moist soil.

Connect ground wire securely to ground rod and fence.

Test ground connection by measuring resistance between ground rod and fence using a multimeter (should be under 10 ohms).

5. Energizer Not Working

Check if power is reaching the energizer.

Replace batteries or ensure it is connected to a power source.

Reset the energizer if it has a reset button.

6. Vegetation Touching Fence

Trim vegetation away from the fence line to prevent grounding.

Use taller fence posts or insulators to keep wires out of reach.

Add vegetation barriers such as netting or wire mesh.

7. Animal Not Respecting Fence

Use a higher output energizer or add multiple fences.

Train animals to respect the fence using fear-aversion techniques.

Hang reflective tape or flags on the fence to make it more visible.

8. Lightning Damage

Install lightning diverters at strategic points.

Ground the fence system properly to dissipate lightning strikes.

Repair any damaged components immediately.

9. Rust or Corrosion

Use galvanized or stainless steel wire, posts, and other components.

Coat metal surfaces with anti-rust paint or sealant.

Inspect and replace rusted components regularly.

10. Animal Bridging the Fence

Install a “hot” or electrified fence wire at ground level to deter animals from crawling under.

Create a “no-climb” zone by adding barbed wire or razor wire to the top of the fence.

Adjust fence height or bury the wire underground to prevent animals from jumping or digging beneath it.

How To Build An Electric Fence

Electric fences are a great way to keep animals in or out of an area. They are relatively inexpensive to build and maintain, and they can be very effective. If you are thinking about building an electric fence, there are a few things you need to know.

The first step is to determine the purpose of your fence. Are you trying to keep animals in or out? Once you know the purpose of your fence, you can start to plan the layout.

The next step is to choose the right materials. You will need to purchase electric fence posts, wire, and a charger. The type of posts you need will depend on the type of soil you have. The wire should be made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. The charger is what will power the fence.

Once you have all of your materials, you can start to build the fence. The first step is to install the posts. The posts should be spaced about 10 feet apart. Once the posts are installed, you can start to string the wire. The wire should be attached to the posts using insulators.

The final step is to connect the charger to the fence. The charger will send a pulse of electricity through the wire. This pulse will deter animals from touching the fence.