It is crucial to properly ground an electric fencing in order to keep it in good condition. It can be difficult for cattle and other livestock to be contained if the fence is not properly grounded. Predators will also find it difficult to avoid it. A fence that isn’t properly grounded will likely not shock animals if they bump into it.
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GROUND ROD installation
Grounding circuits are essential components to your electric fence’s proper functioning. The fence charger or energizer is designed to transform the electric charge into safe power for people and animals.
The electric current is felt by animals when they touch the fence wire. The charge continues its circuit through the earth to reach the ground rod, and then up to the ground terminal of charger.
The path of electric current will not be completed if the ground terminal of a charger and the animal are not properly grounded. A properly installed ground circuit is essential since earth supplies half of the electric field circuit.
Birds that land on the wire won’t be hurt. They will not be shocked because they are not in direct contact with ground when they are seated on the wire.
HOW DOES ELECTRIC FENING WORK?
An electric fence’s grounding circuit is an essential component. The grounding circuit basically keeps the fence in good working order. The fence charger is also known as the energizer. It alters the electric charge in the fence. The electric fence is now safe for animals and humans. The fence’s ability to function properly can be affected by significant amounts of snow or rain.
A properly functioning fence will cause an animal to feel some electric current. The charge moves through its body and can be felt by the animal. The charge travels through the earth to the grounding rod. It then travels up the ground wire to the grounding terminal. The animal won’t feel the shock if the fence isn’t working correctly.
You can do a lot to make sure that your electrical fences are working properly. In 9/10 cases, electrical fence problems can be traced back incorrect grounding. Most of these cases are caused by very dry or very moist weather. It is important to inspect the ground system and the voltage of the electric fence in extreme wet or dry weather. This will ensure that the system remains grounded, despite any soil appearing around it. An electric fence voltmeter is required to test the voltage.
WIRE/TAPE/BRAID TYPE
When making a fence, it is important to use the correct type of wire ( See our wires and tapes as well as braids,). If you are using solid wire, 10 to 14 gauge insulated wire is recommended. It can withstand 20,000 volts. Do not use household cables or industrial cable as they are only rated for 400 volts. This is insufficient to support an electric fence.
PROPER GROUNDING ROD
Make sure you use the correct type of grounding rod. Pipe or rebar are acceptable in most cases. For best results, the grounding rod must be made from galvanized steel. It should also be at least 4 feet long. The effectiveness of an electrical fence system will be diminished if it is made from copper rods.
Sometimes, additional grounding rods may be required to complete the grounding system. In reality, most electric fence systems will require at least three grounding posts. These rods should be approximately 10 feet apart and placed at the beginning of the fence.
Grounding rods can interfere with both phone and electrical service. Grounding rods should be placed as far as possible away from utilities. This is especially important for phone lines.
