Electric Fencing For Your Paddock

Electric Fencing For Your Paddock

When the days become longer and the grass turns greener, it signals one thing - the arrival of spring.

What you need

1. Energiser  Smaller energisers come with batteries but if your Energiser does not come with it's own batteries you will also need to buy a battery.
2. Batteries
3. Earthing Stake  make sure you by the right one for your Energiser.
4. Tape 
5. Fence Posts  These tend to come in two sizes, the taller is better for horses or naughty ponies that jump!
6. Gate Handles Finally you need a way in and way out with.

Or you can keep it super easy with one of our Electric Fencing Kits if you are setting up a new fence

You might also need Insulators 

Electric fencing for paddocks is a popular choice for containing livestock and providing a safe and effective boundary. Here's a basic guide on setting up electric fencing for paddocks:

What makes up your Electric Fencing

Energisers

Mains or battery? Battery energisers are extremely portable and offer a wide range of options from 6v and 9v models with disposable batteries to 12v rechargeable models.

As energiser power levels rise, it is increasingly difficult to draw power from battery alone while maintaining a practical battery life. Mains energisers have a greater pool of power to draw from so climb to greater power levels. 

Dual-power energiser have been specifically designed to offer the highest possible level of flexibility, quality and simplicity of operation. Our Gemini and Raptor energisers come in a range of power options and will operate from both mains and battery power sources. 

Our Fire Drake solar energisers operate at popular power levels and have been developed specifically for the UK climate and feature high efficiency solar panels carefully matched to replace the battery energy used while operating. 

Batteries

All batteries needed for the effective power supply of our energisers. We stock both 6v and 9v air alkaline and saline batteries to 12v deep cycle leisure batteries. 

We also stock battery chargers for 12v batteries in a wide range of amperage options.

Earth stakes

Earthing a fence system is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of building an electric fence. We recommend a minimum of one 1 metre earth stake for any fence application at least 1 metre in depth. The fence line is only one half of the circuit - the ground is the other!

Tape, Rope & Wire

Tape, rope or wire - what do you choose? The primary concern is visibility. For many animals an electric fence acts as a psychological barrier and they must be able to see it to avoid it. Products which offer a higher contrast with the surrounding environment are more likely to be effective. Tapes and ropes are more common in equine applications. Poly-tapes, ropes and wires conduct power through thin metal conductors running through the length. The more metal in a fence line the more efficient it will be. Products with a combination of both steel and copper material conduct the most effectively. A lower Ohm value indicates the product offers less resistance to the energy flowing through it and thus will take the power further.

Plastic posts

Mobile plastic posts offer a cheap and easy alternative to the more traditional metal post. Plastic posts typically have built-in loops/slots for your conductive material so that no additional insulators are needed. They are easy to install, move and replace when required.

Insulators

The insulators primary role is to securely hold the fence line without power leaking from post to ground. Insulators come in a range of different shapes and sizes in order to provide specific functions in your electric fence system.  You only need insulators where your tape could earth out for example using wooden post to hold your tape in place, you do not need these if you are using plastic posts.

 

 

 

1. Plan Your Fence Layout: Determine the perimeter of your paddock and where you want to place the fencing. Consider factors such as terrain, existing structures, and the type of animals you're containing.

2. Select Your Materials: You'll need several components for your electric fence:

   • Fence posts: Choose sturdy, weather-resistant posts suitable for your terrain.
   • Electric fence wire or tape: Select high-quality wire or tape designed specifically for electric fencing.
   • Electric fence charger (energizer): This is the heart of your electric fence system. Choose a charger appropriate for the length of your fence and the type of animals you're containing.
   • Insulators: Insulators are used to attach the electric wire or tape to the fence posts while preventing electricity from leaking into the ground.
   • Grounding system: A grounding system completes the circuit and ensures the fence delivers a proper shock. It typically consists of grounding rods and grounding wire.

3. Install the Fence Posts: Place your fence posts at regular intervals along the perimeter of your paddock. Make sure they are securely anchored into the ground.

4. Attach Insulators: Attach insulators to the fence posts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Insulators should be positioned to prevent the electric wire or tape from contacting the posts and shorting out the fence.

5. Install the Electric Wire or Tape: Run the electric wire or tape along the insulators, ensuring it is taut and properly connected to each post. Make sure there are no kinks or slack in the wire that could hinder its effectiveness.

6. Install the Charger and Grounding System: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the electric fence charger and grounding system. The charger should be mounted in a sheltered location and connected to a power source. The grounding system should be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, typically involving driving grounding rods into the ground and connecting them to the charger with grounding wire.

7. Test the Fence: Before introducing livestock to the paddock, test the fence to ensure it is working properly. Use a fence tester to check for voltage along the entire length of the fence. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs to ensure the fence is delivering a sufficient shock.

8. Monitor and Maintain: Regularly inspect your electric fence for damage or wear and tear. Keep vegetation cleared away from the fence to prevent grounding out. Test the fence periodically to ensure it is delivering an effective shock.

By following these steps, you can effectively install and maintain electric fencing for your paddocks, providing a safe and secure enclosure for your livestock.