electric fence charger

retire2$ · #1 06/25/07, 09:31 PM

Do you have your high tensile electric fence charger on a GFI? What are the pros and cons for having the charger on a CFI?

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

comfortablynumb · #2 06/25/07, 10:20 PM

mine is on a ratty taped up 100 foot extension cord.

it has been for about.... 20 yrs?

not in a GFI.

I would think it would trip off real easy on a gfi.

rambler · #3 06/25/07, 11:30 PM

It is likely a regulation to have it so these days........

I would not like that. GFI would trip pretty easy I think.

With a fuse in them, and changing the output to high volt, low amp, I can't see a good reason for it - but I'm just a simple dirt farmer.

--->Paul

arabian knight · #4 06/26/07, 06:42 AM

I have had mine now for over 10 years on a GFI circuit and have only had it trip just a few times in all that time and now the past few years non at all because I am not running as many water tank heaters at a time~! But a GFI should not be tripping just for the heck of it~!!
If all things are correct with the correct size of wire for the circuit it should better not be tripping. And YES many of my water tank heaters and fans and all sort of things ARE on extension cords as well, but NO TRIPPING the GFI because of that~
With having horses and water tank heaters in the water tanks I would not run anything BUT GFI Protection~~!!!!!

agmantoo · #5 06/26/07, 01:53 PM

I have done lots to attempt to ward off the effects of lightning and a GFI was one attempt that failed. I use a surge protector and have had the best luck. I am unaware of any benefit from having a GFI on the charger since the charger pulses and a person of animal can get off the line. I would never buy a continuos on type charger however.

retire2$ · #6 06/26/07, 02:58 PM

Thanks for your responses.

My charger recepticle is at the end of the GFI circuit in my barn. It has started tripping more often as I have just added more fence (well within the 30 mile limit of the charger). I called the manufacturer and they recommend not having the charger on the GFI. Said the charger was already grounded and said it would trip the GFI breaker.

FreeRanger · #7 06/26/07, 04:34 PM

Your GFI is tripping more often because you do not have a good ground one of the two circuits. Make sure you have a very good ground for the charger, which means you may need more than one ground rod. Then take a closer look at the grounding for your electrical panel and the wires going to the recepticle. This means tightening the lugs in the electrical panel, check for corrosion at the points changing from one wire to another etc....

One thing you can do to test my concerns is to use a meter to test for voltage between the ground post on the charger and the ground on the 120volt side. There should be no voltage.