lectrified perimeter fencing is one of the most secure methods of fencing as far as property safety goes. However, it can be perilous, too, especially when installed inappropriately. Even the smallest mistake can put you and property at high risk.
Don’t wait to learn the hard way. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when installing electric fences:
1. Not enough grounding
For electric fencing, earthing or grounding is critical. Grounding rods act as antennas that get electrons and complete the circuit to the energiser. If there isn’t enough grounding, then the circuit will not be complete. Thus, there won’t be a successful shock to deter intruders from accessing your property.
Installing more galvanised rods a few metres apart that are attached with suitable ground clamps should allow for a successful complete circuit through the ground.
2. Placing line posts too close together
Electric fence line posts typically hold wires up and maintain proper spacing between strands. Therefore, an abundance of posts around your property doesn’t help much. The electric wires should have free travel from one post to the next.
If possible, use a high-tensile wire that acts like a bouncy spring conductor, so you don’t have to stack several line posts together. It will save you money and time spent on installation.
3. Wires too slack or too tight
Most electric fence owners don’t always seem to understand the concept of using the right tension on their wires. Installing electrical wires too tight will likely lead to them breaking should anything lean on them. Whereas, installing them too loose and they will sag and leave gaping holes that trespassers can use to access your property.
A slight sag in the electric wires is quite acceptable. This makes the wires springy and bouncy enough not to break when pressure is applied to them.
4. Bottom wire contacts wet vegetation
Wet vegetation like grass, trees, and other outdoor planters can absorb a significant amount of energy from your fence charger and rack up your energy bill.
You can, however, combat this by attaching the lower fence wires separately to the live terminal, not the energiser. Then install a different switch for these lower wires so you can turn them off when vegetation gets taller.
Bottom line
Electric fencing is effective at keeping trespassers out of your property grounds. However, even the simplest mistake during installation can be hazardous to both you and your property. Make sure that you get all the details right and avoid injury by hiring experts to install your electric fence. Contact us today for a quote.
