How to install an electric fence?

Here's a guide to installing and maintaining an efficient, long-lasting electric fence.

1. Installation

- Install the energizer
Place it under cover, in a building, in a watertight shelter or in a special enclosure. Connect to mains (230V), battery (12V) or solar panel, depending on model. Connect it to the fence wire and the ground connection.

- Install ground spikes
Use 1 to 5 galvanized pickets 1-2 m long, depending on power and length (see article "How to choose your fence energizer?"). Drive them into the ground, ideally on damp ground, 2-3 m apart. Connect them to each other and to the energizer with ground wire.

- Install fence posts and insulators
Place fence posts (wood, metal, plastic) every 8-10 m. On uneven ground, tighten the spacing. Attach insulators suited to the type of wire (wire, tape, cord).

- Tension the conductors
Tension wires, ribbons or cords correctly. For large animals: at least 2 to 3 heights of wire. Avoid vegetation touching the wires.

- Provide accessories
Install gate handles for passageways, and install a lightning arrester if the area is exposed to oranges.

2. Maintenance

- Regular checks (every 2 to 4 weeks)
Check voltage with a fence tester (minimum recommended depending on your animals). Inspect insulators and posts, and replace any that are broken. Check tension and retighten wires if necessary.

- Vegetation maintenance
Keep the grass under the fence to prevent it from touching the wires (especially in spring/summer). If you have a lot of vegetation, you'll need a more powerful energizer.

- Earth spike maintenance
Check connections and clean oxidized terminals. Water the rods in dry periods if the soil is too dry.

- Battery maintenance (if applicable)
Recharge and maintain the 12V battery regularly. Check the condition of the solar panel (clean the panel and check the regulator).

Also on this subject: How to choose your fence energizer?