Choosing suitable electric fencing equipment means matching the energiser, power supply, fence materials and earthing system to your installation.
This guide explains the main options, what to check before buying and how regular testing helps keep your fence working effectively.
How Electric Fencing Works
An electric fence energiser sends short electrical pulses through the fence conductor.
In a conventional earth-return system, contact with the live conductor completes a circuit through the animal and ground back to the energiser’s earth system.
Effective operation depends on the complete installation. A powerful energiser cannot compensate for damaged conductors, poor connections or inadequate earthing.
Choosing an Electric Fence Energiser
Before choosing an energiser, consider:
- The animals you intend to contain or deter.
- The total length and number of live fence lines.
- Whether you are using wire, polywire, tape, rope or electric netting.
- Expected contact with grass and other vegetation.
- Soil conditions and the required earthing system.
- Availability of mains electricity.
- Whether the installation will move regularly.
- Any planned expansion.
Use the manufacturer’s recommendations for your fence type and conditions. Advertised maximum distances generally assume favourable conditions and should not be treated as a guarantee for every installation.
Browse Ellmor’s Electric Fencing Energisers & Accessories.
Mains-Powered Energisers
A mains-powered energiser can be a practical choice where a suitable electricity supply is available.
It avoids routine battery charging, although fence inspection and testing are still necessary. Plan the energiser location, protection and connection to the fence according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use the specified high-voltage lead-out cable where required. Ordinary household electrical cable is not a substitute.
Have any necessary mains electrical work completed by a suitably qualified electrician.
Battery-Powered Energisers
Battery-powered energisers are useful where mains electricity is unavailable or the fence needs to move.
Check the required battery voltage, type and capacity before ordering. Some units accept more than one supply arrangement, but this must be confirmed for the exact model.
Battery life varies with energiser consumption, battery condition, operating settings and temperature.
Establish a checking and charging routine. Use a charger suitable for the battery, and never attempt to recharge a non-rechargeable battery.
Solar-Powered & Solar-Assisted Systems
Solar equipment can help maintain a compatible rechargeable battery and reduce manual charging.
Some energisers have an integrated solar system; others use a separate compatible panel and charge controller.
Before buying, confirm:
- Compatibility with the energiser and battery.
- Panel output and charge-controller requirements.
- Mounting arrangements and exposure to sunlight.
- Expected seasonal demand.
- Provision for prolonged periods of limited sunlight.
Solar assistance does not remove the need to inspect the battery or test the fence.
Understanding Joules, Voltage & Fence Ratings
Energiser specifications commonly include voltage, stored energy and output energy.
Stored joules describe energy held within the energiser. Output joules describe energy delivered in its pulse. They are different measurements, so compare like with like.
Voltage also needs to be assessed under working conditions. A high headline voltage alone does not tell you how well an energiser will perform on your fence.
Look for the manufacturer’s recommendations for the intended conductor, vegetation load and installation size.
Wire, Polywire, Tape & Rope
Fence conductors differ in visibility, strength, resistance and suitability for particular animals and installations.
When comparing products, consider:
- The intended use.
- Electrical resistance and recommended working length.
- Visibility.
- Durability and weather exposure.
- Compatible posts, insulators and connectors.
- Whether the fence is temporary or permanent.
Use connectors designed for the conductor. Knots alone may provide unreliable electrical connections.
Electric Netting
Electric netting needs an energiser specifically suitable for the type and quantity of netting being used.
Its multiple conductors and proximity to vegetation can place a greater load on the system than a simple wire installation.
Follow the netting manufacturer’s erection instructions. Keep live strands clear of vegetation, other fencing and objects that could cause leakage to earth.
Check tension, posts and connections regularly. Inspect for sagging, damage and the risk of animals becoming entangled.
Do not assume an energiser’s maximum wire-distance rating also applies to netting.
Earthing Your Electric Fence
Earthing is a working part of the circuit and must be planned alongside the energiser and fence.
The required earth rods, spacing and location depend on the energiser, soil and installation. Dry or poorly conducting ground may require a different arrangement from moist soil.
Follow the energiser manufacturer’s instructions for installation and earth-system testing.
Use a dedicated fence earth system. Do not connect it to water pipes or the protective earth of a mains electrical installation. Observe the manufacturer’s separation requirements from other earth systems and underground services.
Posts, Insulators, Gates & Connections
Accessories need to suit the conductor and installation.
Check that insulators hold live conductors clear of posts and other surfaces. Replace cracked or damaged components.
Use compatible gate handles and gate equipment to provide safe access. Where lead-out cable passes beneath a gateway, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cable type and protection.
Keep connections secure and protected from avoidable damage. Loose or corroded connections can reduce performance.
Testing Your Electric Fence
A fence can look intact while performing poorly. Use a purpose-made electric fence tester suitable for the system.
Follow the equipment instructions when testing:
- The energiser output.
- The fence near the supply connection.
- More distant points.
- Connections between fence sections.
- The earth system.
Compare readings with the operating requirements for your installation. Record useful baseline readings when the fence is working correctly.
A simple indicator may confirm that pulses are present, while a suitable voltage tester provides more information. Do not test the fence by touching it.
Common Causes of Poor Performance
Vegetation touching live conductors
Grass, weeds and branches can allow energy to leak to earth. Inspect the fence route and manage vegetation appropriately.
A weak or unsuitable battery
Check battery condition and confirm that the supply matches the energiser specification. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging instructions.
Poor connections
Inspect joins, terminals and gate connections. Replace unsuitable or damaged connectors.
Damaged conductors or insulators
Look for broken strands, worn materials and places where the live conductor contacts posts or other objects.
Inadequate earthing
Follow the manufacturer’s earth-testing procedure rather than assuming that a fitted earth rod is sufficient.
An energiser unsuitable for the installation
Review the manufacturer’s guidance if the fence has been extended, additional live lines added or netting introduced.
Switch off and isolate the energiser before carrying out maintenance. Follow its instructions when disconnecting or testing components.
Installation & Safe Use
Install the system according to the energiser and fence manufacturers’ instructions.
Never connect a fence directly to mains electricity or power the same fence from two separate energisers. Do not electrify barbed or razor wire.
Plan access points and avoid arrangements that could trap people or animals. Follow the applicable requirements for warning signs, public access, overhead power lines and separation from other electrical installations.
Seek competent installation advice where the site or electrical arrangements are uncertain.
Electric Fencing Equipment Checklist
☐ Energiser suitable for the animals and fence type
☐ Fence length and number of live lines assessed
☐ Vegetation load and possible expansion considered
☐ Compatible mains, battery or solar supply selected
☐ Conductors, posts and insulators matched
☐ Dedicated earth system planned
☐ Suitable connectors and gate equipment included
☐ Correct lead-out cable selected where needed
☐ Purpose-made fence tester available
☐ Inspection and maintenance routine established
Electric Fencing Equipment from Ellmor
Ellmor supplies electric fence energisers and accessories, including mains, battery and solar options, together with conductors, insulators, gate equipment and testers.
For help choosing equipment, tell us what you need the fence to do, its approximate length, the conductor or netting being used and the available power supply.
Call 01630 685 257 or browse our Electric Fencing range.
