All You Need To Know About Electric Fence To Find The Right Fit For YouIf you are exploring good fencing alternatives that will give you money for your investments, then you need to be very methodical in your selection process. There are so many fencing materials in the market today that offer different benefits. As long as there are diverse needs and preferences for fencing there are materials to meet that need and preference. Electric fence is one of the most popular types of fences in the market today. The come with a lot of benefits to their user. But how does one choose the right fence for them? What are the options out there for you to choose from? These and many more questions regarding these types of fences will be covered in depth in this article. It dissects what you need to know so that you can get value for the money and investment that you put into the selection of a particular fence type. Types Of Electric Fences In The MarketIf you are interested in enclosing your property or keeping livestock and are contemplating about installing an electric fence, there are a few things you need to familiarize yourself with. First of all, it is vital you familiarize yourself with various types of fences in the market today. You need to know what is out there in order to make an informed purchase. By knowing the specs of the various products in the market, you are poised to select the best product that will address every need you might have regarding this particular fencing material. Below is an exploration of the various type of electric fence in the market today.RopeThis fence type is ideal for the consumer who is looking for a strong fence for their property. It basically consists of a fence that has intricately woven fibers around a filament. This filament conducts current. The fiber housing provided extra tenacity making it very strong and durable. The fiber material is tough and durable which translates in enhanced longevity because it is sturdy enough to take on the elements. In fact, this type of fence is reputed to last as long as the warranty lasts.TwineThis fencing design is ideal for the individual looking for convenience and a do-it-yourself type of project. It is light and very easy to put together. It consists of a filament that conducts the current. However, it is just exposed and doesn’t offer the added protection of a woven housing that bolsters its strength. In terms of cost, it very affordable compared to the rope version mentioned above.TapeIf you are looking for an electric fence design that will offer high visibility, then this design will be the ideal fit for you. It features stainless steel conductors as opposed to copper that is use the previous two designs highlighted above. However, what it makes up for in visibility, it loses in strength and durability. It doesn’t hold up well in testing weather conditions like high winds. |
WireThis is the most common design in the market. It has a conducting filament woven into a wire, which is itself a conductor. This basically means that when current travels into it, the fence will do its job very well.When you want to use a wire to create a good electric fence, you need to seriously consider the strength of the wire. To this end, you need to choose a material that is strong and durable- it holds up well in very terrible weather and will last for a time. Normally, using a variety of wire materials in tandem will ensure that the fence does its allocated job. The Following Is A Dissection Of The Different Types Of Wires Used In Electric FenceHigh-Tensile WireThis is a relatively thick wire, mostly 12.5 and above. In terms of conductivity, it is very good. This bold combination of strength and good conductivity make it the ideal fence type for people looking for robustness and increased protection for their property. However, this type of wire makes it tough to handle without the right tools. You will need an expert to come and install the corner and bracing to get the best out it. They should also install fence posts in a way that will exploit the strengths of this fence effectively.Galvanized WireThis is a relatively light wire compared to the high-tensile strength wire highlighted above. It is malleable and can be manipulated very easily around fence posts. In terms of fencing posts, you can use different fencing posts as opposed to the high-tensile wire fence mentioned above. However, this wire is not ideal for kraaling cattle because it breaks very easily when subjected to immense pressure.PolywireThis type of wire material is relatively ineffective in terms of conducting current when compared to all the fence types highlighted above. However, it makes up for this in its ease of installation. It comes in reels and spools that are rolled during its installation. It is ideal for many posts as long as they are insulated. This makes it very ideal for temporary fencing and containing domesticated livestock. It comes in wide polytape that is created ideally for containing horses.Polywire NettingIt is a slight variant of the polywire mentioned above. It comes in huge rolls and is ideal for containing many types of livestock like goats and sheep.Other Equipment For Electric FenceEnergizersWhile there are various means you can use to power your electric fence, energizers are the most popular and most recommended. They can be powered by solar panels or mains. They are used because they convert the currents from electricity sources into pulses that travel the length of the fence.People are leaning more towards solar-powered energizers because they offer a back-up option should the lights go out. The current generated is stored in a battery for later. When you want to install electric fence on your property, you need to take into account a good energizer. There are different types and models, therefore you need to do thorough research first before you buy one. You need to take into account the environment in which the energizer will function. If you are stomped on choosing a good one, don’t worry. A good fence contractor will point you in the right direction. Voltage MetersInvesting in a good voltage meter will pay dividends in the long run. This device will help you keep an eye on the voltage in the fence. This way you can know whether or not the fence is performing optimally or not. If there are discrepancies in the readings, this could indicate poor design that needs to be corrected.Critical Steps To Choosing An Electric FenceJust as was mentioned earlier, there are very many fencing materials to choose from. However, one requires to be very systematic in how they go about choosing an installing a fence on their property. Below are the essential steps that one must take so that they can get the right fence.Do Thorough Research And Take Into Account The EnvironmentIn order to get the fence that will cater to the immense demands of security and economy, one must take their time to research on the fence types in the market. Tempting as it might be to have the selection process over and done with as quickly as possible, taking your time to research on the models out there will be hugely beneficial later in your search. It is beneficial in that you are not blindsided by any weakness a brand or model might have because you have seen them and compensated for them accordingly.By simply exploring the types, you can compare and contrast the models and their customer reviews for a greater understanding of what to expect from these fences. These reviews can paint a picture of how the fences hold up to the different environmental conditions they are exposed to. This way you can make an informed decision about which fence will be right fit for your environment. Have A Budget Informed By The Property Size And Price Of The Fencing MaterialHaving a clear understanding of the size of the property will help in determining the quantity of fencing material needed. You can get this information from maps in your local housing authority.In terms of pricing, you can get quotes from different websites. Once these key pieces of information are known to you, then a budget can be drawn up and work can begin on the selection process. Determining The Cost Of Electric FenceIn this regard, the internet and your local hardware stores should help you get this information about the electric fence on offer.The Benefits Of Electric FenceAs was briefly mentioned above, electric fence have surged in popularity in recent times. Nothing quite beats the sophistication of having a sort of ‘force field’ around your property to keep you and yours safe. With so many types and brands in the market, the benefits they offer cut across the board. This sections highlights the benefits of having this fence on your property over other fence types in the market.Ease Of InstallationWhen you walk into a hardware store or order your fence online, the very fact of many choices to select from will overwhelm you. One thing you will notice with electric fence is that there is not so much equipment to work with apart from a roll of the fencing material, several energizers and a voltmeter. Other fencing materials have a lot of things one has to put together. This makes them very cumbersome and tiring to work with. Plus, you have to make plans in advance in order to effectively put the fence together. In short, you have to work a whole lot harder when you have other fencing materials to work with as compared to electric fence.When you embark on installing this particular fence, you will notice that in addition to the limited materials, these materials are light and easy to handle. This means transport and working cost is ultimately lowered. Work is easier because in order to have a successful install, you don’t have to work yourself to the bone to plan it. It is just easy. Lower CostAs was highlighted above, there is not a lot of material to work with. Just good and strategically placed fence posts will do the job sufficiently. Since it is lightweight, transport costs are lower than those seen in moving other fencing materials. Overall, the cost of the project will be significantly lower than those seen in other fencing projects.Very VersatileElectric fences can be used virtually anywhere and with any type of fence. As long as you can make room for adjustments, you can use this type of fence can be used in conjunction with other fence materials in order to bolster the security of your property. Before you can use this fence this way, you need to be familiar with the safety codes and guidelines first. This way you can keep people and livestock safe.Enhanced SafetyAs long as the individual or animal comes into contact with the fence, the zap will be enough to deter them. There is no risk of entanglement that could lead to fatal electrocution.Effective Deterrent And TrainerAs long as the animal or individual come into contact with the fence, the pulse they experience will deter them to stay away from the fence. With people, once is enough. However, with animals it will take time but eventually, they are conditioned to avoid it. This makes it a good trainer for them to stay in bounds.Easy MaintenanceElectric fence, once installed require very limited maintenance aside from the routine checking of the battery and current in the fence. As long as the battery is housed adequately and is dry, the fence is good to go without constant fuss as opposed to other fencing materials that require a strict maintenance regimen and routine scheduling.PortableBeing lightweight, this fencing material is easy to carry and one can modify or alter it on the fly should the need arise. Most fence types are rigid and very hard to modify.Durable And Long LastingHigh-tensile strength electric fences are an example of how tough and hardy the electric fence can be. Considerable effort by electric fences manufacturers goes into ensuring that the fences hold up relatively well in most conditions.The Impact Of Local Laws And RulesWhen you want to install electric fence on your property, you must be up to date with the law. You must know what the rules and regulations say about installing these types of faces. Any deviation from the said rules and regulations could result in wasted time and money in the way of litigation and fines. When you are put to task to explain, feigning ignorance or genuinely not knowing will not fly with the judge.Therefore, you must ensure that you check out your local authority office for the specifications about electric fence. Usually, in the case of electric fence, they will tell you the recommended voltage and height required for safety. As much as you might want to design the fence in a manner that you see fit, it is not enough to just take liberties. Use the law as a compass to make the fence as safe and as humane as possible. If there is limited information about the fence guidelines in your local authority office, a contractor should be a good resource to use. It is important that you choose a contractor that knows his stuff and has a good track record. They should tell you the standard of fencing that you need to stick to and the type of materials to buy. It cannot be reiterated enough that when you intend to install electric fence, you should strive to be as humane and as fervent about following the law as possible. Enhancing The Aesthetic AppealAs much as you might be keen on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of this particular fence, you must keep in mind that it is a functional fence. Form has little room here because it might compromise the security of the property you want to protect. However, as was highlighted earlier, this type of fence can be an addition to other fences but not an aesthetic one. The main fence could be aesthetic though and the electric fence could be just an extra security measure.Professional Installation V Do-It-Yourself InstallationIt has been highlighted severally that this type of fence could be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. Before one gets crazy with the toolbox, however, it is important to examine what is needed to pull off a good electric fence install. This fence type needs one to be especially carefully especially when dealing with mains electricity. The last thing you want is to burn down your house or cause an outage in your neighborhood because an installation went haywire. In essence, you need to be grounded in concepts about electricity. You need to know the basics and safety measures so that you can pull off a successful install. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it?If the concept of electricity seems alien to you and you might not understand it as much as you try, don’t worry. Hiring a good installer is not a cop out. You are just being prudent. Plus, it is safer to do it this way than risk electrocution or worse. When you want to hire a professional installers, you will want to stick to the basics. These are ensuring that the individual is licensed to practice and his license is up to date. Secondly, you need to ensure that they are experienced. Finally, inquire if they are insured or not. Focusing on these basics will ensure that you end up getting your money’s worth. Once you have found a good installer, get a quote from them for the work they will do on your property installing the fence. Bracing And Enhancing Electric Fence SecurityWhen you are looking to enhance the security of your fence, it is important to check the fence with the voltmeter from time to time. Readings you get from this endeavor will show you whether or not the fence is working at optimum efficiency. If not, there needs to be a check somewhere.In terms of security enhancements, there are a few options you can utilize to achieve this end. For example, you can use CCTV cameras and security lights. This might be a bit costly but as long as you are secure, the electric fence will be doing their job. You can also install anti-climbing guards on the fence to enhance its security. For security enhancement solutions, you will need to consult an expert to guide you how to do it well and effectively. When To Replace An Electric FenceAs time wears on, electric fence wears down as well. As much as you might want to leave these fences alone as soon as you install them, you might want to keep an eye on the important parts. For example, insulation and the battery. Should they wear out, get them replaced as soon as possible. If the battery has exhausted its lifespan, replace it as soon as possible. The key reason for this is to ensure that the electric fence is safe and they are doing the jobs they are supposed to in an optimal condition. Also, a less than perfect functioning battery could explode and this would render the fence virtually ineffective. Remember: if it is for security purposes, current must be running through it all times. Anytime it is not, then you are vulnerable and that is when terrible things happen. |