One of the most effective solutions to keep our animals where they should be, or to protect our livestock from wild animals that could cause damage, is the electric fence.
You have two types of (electric) fences for two different purposes.
- To protect your animals, to keep them in.
- To chase away animals, to keep them out.
How do electric fences work?
Basically, we can describe it as a circuit of electricity. The fencer energiser emits current which is then conducted through the wire. The moment an animal touches the fence, the animal feels an electric shock. This is a considerable but safe shock. The current goes through the animal to the ground, via the earth rod of the earthing system the current returns to the electric fencer.
What do you need?
There are a number of elements that an electric fence consists of:
Fencing energiser
The fence energiser supplies power to the electric fence and is therefore indispensable. The current pulses that are emitted ensure that the animals you want to protect stay contained and the animals you want to keep outside are sent away.
Conductor
By using wire, tape or cord you ensure that the current is conducted. The most suitable type of current conductor depends on the animal species, surface area and desired thickness.
Posts
Posts are used to fix the fence wire. These can be permanent, or temporary, which are easy to install and reuse.
Insulators
The insulators are used to ensure that the current does not flow to the ground. Various types are available suitable for both wood and metal fence posts.
Earthing
In order for an electric fence to function properly, grounding materials are necessary. The earth rod conducts the current back to the energiser as soon as the conductor is touched.
Permanent, movable or offset fencing?
How do you determine when you can go for a permanent, movable or offset fence? To clearly show the difference between these three, a short explanation follows.
The name says it all; permanent fencing. You install the electric fence once in a place where you know that you will not move it easily. The permanent fence will last a long time and can be used in a wide range of applications.
If you are looking for a solution to divide your meadow into several plots, it is best to go for a movable fence. You then ensure that the animals can stand close to each other, without coming together directly. Or you can change the herds from one pasture to another. This fence is also called a mobile electric fence. Because of the light poles, this fence is easy to move.
Do you have a conventional fence and do you want an electric fence? Then you can choose to electrify the existing fence. This is done by remote insulators.
Do you want to know more about electric fencing? Please contact our product specialist shop and workshop or contact us at knowledgecenter@kramp.com
