What Is Electric Fence
An Electric Fence Is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter people or animals from crossing a boundary. The voltage of the shock may have effects ranging from discomfort to death.
What Is The Purpose Of An Electric Fence?
An electric fence is a barrier used to keep your animals safe and unwanted animals out of gardens and other landscapes you want to protect.
How Does Electric Fence Work?
An electric fence energizer converts mains or battery power into a high voltage pulse. The energizer releases this pulse on to an insulated fence line about once every second. The pulse itself is only around 150 microseconds long.
This pulse is commonly referred to as the “shock” and is felt by any animal which touches an electrified fence. When the animal makes contact with the fence the circuit is complete. It is at this point the animal receives a shock. The diagram below shows how the current flows from the energizer down the fenceline and through the animal. The current then flows through the earth back to the ground system and completes the circuit. It is the shock which deters the animal from putting pressure on the fence line.
An electric fence is a psychological barrier rather than a physical one so the animal must be educated to respect the fence. The pain that an animal feels is short lived and does not physically harm the animal, unlike barbed wire which can cause severe cuts and long lasting pain whilst also damaging the hide.
What Voltage Is An Electric Fence?
Electric fence energisers put out high voltage (around 8,000 volts), but very low amperage or current (around 120 milliamps). This is 120-thousands of an amp.
How Effective Is Electric Fence?
Many people think an invisible underground wireless electric fence is the best way to keep their dog in their yard. However, they are simply not as effective as you might think. Statistics suggest that invisible wireless electric fences are only about 70% effective.
What Do You Need For Electric Fencing?
- Energiser. The powerhouse of your electric fence.
- Conductor (Wire) You can use various types of wire, or conductor, for an electric fence.
- Reels.
- Stakes and Posts.
- Insulators.
- Earth Stakes.
- Fence Tester.
Advantages Of Electric Fence:
Low Cost Of An Electric Fence.
An electric fence can perform the same task as a conventional fence using much less material. Depending on the length of the fence where the cost of the energiser may be spread over, this type of fencing generally proves to be cheaper than standard stock fencing.
Easy To Build
Lower wire tension and generally lighter construction make much quicker and easier construction, especially in difficult terrain. No special ability is required making it suitable for DIY. No specialist knowledge is required and an electrician is not necessary. As long as a few simple rules are followed an effective fence may be erected by the householder.
Durability
Electric fences are not subjected to the same physical pressure from animals, and can therefore be expected to have a greatly extended service life. The life of old stock fences can be considerably extended using an electric fencing outrigger.
Universal Application
Experience world wide has shown that electric fencing will contain all types of animals. This includes Elephants, bears, walrus, hippo and even snails. Educated stock develop greater respect for electric fencing than for any other type of fence.
Flexibility
There is no quicker or easier way to effectively subdivide a paddock for controlled grazing than with an electric fence. Fences are frequently moved on a daily or even hourly basis with high density grazing or on dairy farms.
Low Maintenance
Once your fence is properly installed and your stock are trained, the maintenance requirements of electric fencing are little different from conventional fences. A daily check on the voltage will highlight any problems with a periodic inspection of vegetation approaching the fence lines.
Less Stock Damage
The electric shock from your electric fence causes no physical damage to hides and pelts. If your stock is forced through the fence by veld fires or dogs, they are at less risk than with a conventional barbed wire stock fence tearing the hide to shreds incurring vet bills.
Electric Fence Installation Prices In Ghana:
Electric fence installation prices in Ghana are between Ghc 4000 to GHc 6000 and above for a standard plot and wall design.