Fencing

The energizer is the heart of your electric fencing system. When the correct unit is selected and installed properly it can ensure your animals stay where they are supposed to. It is important to select an energizer that is bigger than what you think you will need as an oversized energizer will not have to work as hard, meaning it will last longer and perform better than an energizer that is constantly working at capacity. Consider the following questions prior to selecting your energizer.

Question 1 – What animals are you keeping?

Animals such as sheep and goats tend to have thick coats and their wool and/or hair can help to insulate them from the shock of an electric fence. It may be pertinent to consider a larger energizer than you would for cattle or horses. The packaging should indicate the animals controlled to help with energizer selection.

Question 2 – What power source will you be using?

Energizers can be run from mains power (240V), battery or from a solar panel. Energizers that are run on mains power tend to be cheaper, more powerful and more reliable. Depending on the size of the energizer, battery run units can be powered by a D Cell or a car battery. Solar fence chargers rely on a solar panel charging a connected battery keeping it functioning non-stop without the need for changing batteries. Both solar and battery powered energizers provide a great solution for remote, temporary or rotational fencing.

Question 3 – What distance are you trying to cover?

The packaging on your energizer will tell you the distance or area rating of the unit. The distance rating is based on installation in optimum conditions. It is better to purchase a larger unit than you currently need to allow for expansion, and to compensate for power loss when the fence shorts out due to vegetation touching it. Any vegetation that touches the electric fence will act as a load on the system and absorb some energy, diluting the level of shock livestock can receive.