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Electric Fence Sheep & Goat Equipment Poultry Supplies
Electric Fence Energizers—The Basics
 
Electric fence is a pain barrier, not a physical barrier
A common mistake is not electrifying it
 
An electric fence will not be effective until it has been connected to a suitable fence energizer.
 
The energizer takes in electrical energy from an outside source (either a 110V plug-in outlet or a battery) and then pushes the energy out in very brief, high-voltage, high-amperage pulses. When an animal touches the energized wires of the fence, it receives a shock, and is discouraged from challenging the fence.
 
Fences which are not properly energized pose a greater risk to animals. Because they are willing to challenge the fence, they may escape or become entangled (and may die). On a % basis, entanglement is very rare, but it can and does occur.
 
Energized fences also last longer and require less maintenance—because animals do not crowd, rub or scratch on them.
 
 
 
Common Energizer Types
 
 
All-in-one Solar Energizers for Electric Fence
 
All-in-one Solar
 
  • Portable and quick to set up, operable in minutes.
  • Large capacity battery for increased life during long periods with low sunlight.
 
 
Plug-in (AC)
 
Plug-in (AC)
 
  • Available in higher outputs for larger, whole farm fences.
  • Less expensive than all-in-one solar units.
  • Less visible for vandals and thieves.
 
 
Combination (AC/DC)
 
Combination (AC/DC)
 
  • Powered by either plug-in or batteries.
  • Best for use in shaded areas.
  • Less expensive than all-in-one solar units.
 
 
 
 
How an electric fence works
How an electric fence works
When an animal touches the energized wires of the fence, a brief pulse of energy is pushed through the point of contact into the soil and to the ground rods, completing the circuit. The resulting shock is what deters an animal from challenging the fence again.
 
  1. The energizer pushes an electric pulse through its "+" terminal to the fence.
  2. The pulse travels through the conductors and pressurizes the fence with excess electrons. That pressure is measured in volts.
  3. When an animal touches the fence, excess electrons enter it and travel through the animal to the soil.
  4. After exiting the animal, the pressurized electrons travel through the soil’s moisture back to the energizer’s ground rod.
  5. The electrons enter the energizer via the ground rod. The amount that returns is the shock effect.
 
 
 
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Factors that affect a pulse’s strength and shock effect
  1. Joules of output from the energizer equal the volume of electrons in a pulse. The more joules, the larger the potential shock effect to an animal.
  2. Resistance of conductors, animal and soil. High total resistance absorbs more energy and reduces the shock effect.
  3. Energy loss via grass contact and poor insulators. Energy that leaks this way is not available to shock the animal.
  4. Soil resistance. Rocky or sandy soils increase resistance. Sandy soils do not hold moisture well, so they behave similar to clay soils during droughts (increased resistance). Rocky soils are a little different. The rocks act as a physical barrier to the path of the pulse. In order to reach the ground rod, the pulse must go around the rocks, which reduces available energy at the end of its path. In these instances, a Positive/Negative Fence (video) is recommended. Additional ground rods may also be used in order to increase the receptivity of the fence system.
 
 
FREE SHIPPING ON QUALIFIED ORDERS OVER $100!
 
 
 
Tools for your electric fence
 
Energizer Support Box
 
Energizer Support Box — $39
 
Use this handy support box for easy movement of your energizer, battery and solar panel.
 
Energizer Kits
 
Energizer Kits — $117.80
 
A fence energizer kit includes all the parts and pieces that folks new to electric fence normally need to make the fence operational.
 
Electric Netting Kits
 
Electric Netting Kits from $373.44
 
Each starter kit contains an energizer, a roll of netting, support posts and a fence tester—everything that’s needed to keep your animals in and predators out!
 
 
5-Light Wireless Fence Tester
 
5-Light Wireless Fence Tester — $15
 
Wireless tester indicates the approximate voltage on your electric fence.
 
PowerLinks
 
PowerLinks — $4.50
 
For instant in-the-field connections and an easy way to gain entry to a electric fence without turning off the energizer.
 
Solar Panels
 
Solar Panels — $53
 
Turn your current battery system into a solar battery system with the addition of a solar panel. Eliminates the need to switch out energizer batteries.
 
 
 
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October 12-13 — Homesteaders of America Conference, Front Royal, VA
 
 
 
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