Ultimate guide: 4 best practices to maintain an electric fence

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Electric fencing is perhaps the most effective fencing system to use to protect your business premises in the absence of security personnel. Besides being a relatively safe fencing solution, electrified perimeter fencing is also inexpensive and relatively easy to set up.

A properly functioning electric security fencing system can protect your office from burglars and other forms of vandalism. But no matter the kind of electric fencing that you use, proper maintenance is critical to ensuring that it functions properly.

These four simple steps should help you keep a well-maintained electric fence:

1. Periodic volt checks

Doing regular checks on different points and lines with a voltage tester should enable you to know which locations have a reasonable charge and which ones don’t. Check whether each wire is functioning properly and investigate any positions that aren’t.

Some parts of the fence may be shorted out somehow, maybe from a broken wire or insulator. You may also need to install additional grounding rods to strengthen voltage throughout the fence.

2. Clear surrounding vegetation

Excess vegetation growing near electric fencing can also cause big problems. Most vegetation, usually full of water and moisture, can cause a short when it comes into contact with the fence. This ultimately robs your fence of power and wastes security.

The best practice is to trim and clear all vegetation around your fence. But it’s probably best to use a strong enough charger to keep your fence powered through vegetation.

3. Winter periods

Winter can be a challenging time for electric fence owners. First off, the ground becomes weaker and may prevent your fence from running properly.

Snow can also get packed down near and over lower fence wires and act as a layer of insulation, causing a loss of conductivity.

Another issue with electric fences in winter is the sagging of lines, which often results from the weight of snow or ice on the wires.

4. Solar panels

If you use solar panels to supply your electric fences with electricity, it’s critical to ensure that they always receive enough sunlight. Keep the panel free of dirt, dust, and snow, and have it always tilted toward the sun for maximum sunlight exposure.

Wrapping up

Maintaining electric perimeter fencing shouldn’t be a hassle, especially if you know what you’re doing. You only need to have the right tools and know-how to get your fence always in top condition.

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