Electric Fencing – What’s Needed

The energizer

The ENERGIZER is the heart of any electric fence system, it converts a power source ( mains or battery ), into a high voltage, low amp, pulse shock, on to an electric fence ( wire, tape or rope ). This shock is very safe to both horses and humans, as long as the system, is erected correctly. All Gallagher energizers comply with all the British and European Standards.

Only use one energizer to an electric fence circuit, and try to locate it at the centre of your fence run ( power is reduced at the end of a long run, its much better to create shorter runs, or complete a circuit )

Mains energizers cost, on average less than £6 per year to run, battery powered energizers do, of course, cost a bit more.

The earthing system

EARTHING your energizer is essential. The ground which your horse is standing on must be a similar voltage to the energizer. A poor earth will not provide sufficient voltage, the more powerful the energizer, the larger the earth system must be, using larger and more stakes. For small portable energizers, a 0.5 mtr. long stake should be adequate, for a larger 12 volt powered unit a, 1 mtr. will be required. Mains units need much better earth systems usually two or three stakes, 2 or 3 mtrs long, spaced 3 mtrs apart and linked together with suitable cable. Dry conditions can also affect the efficiency of the earth, the deeper you get your earth stakes, the better.

Only use galvanised earth stakes, copper and metal corrosion will soon cause problems.

Never connect the energiser earth to metal buildings, metal water pipes or mains electric earths. They must also be located at least 20 metres away from domestic Electric Supply Earth Stakes