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11/17/07, 08:35 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Austin-ish, Texas
Posts: 5,000
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Question about hotwire charger installation
I have used a solar powered charger for the past couple of years, but needed to install hotwire in my new dog yard (border collie jumps out of every fence that isn't the front yard-- don't ask me why) that doesn't get enough sun in the winter to support the solar powered charger. So...I have installed a normal, plug in to electric source, charger. The problem I'm having is that the charger got rained on last night and started making a loud popping noise. When I looked at it, I could see a bright spark each time the power pulsed through the charger. Am I right in thinking that the entire box needs to be installed out of the weather? It LOOKS like it's weatherproof, but apparently it's not?!? BTW, it says "Hold 'Em" on the front, if that helps any.
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"Perhaps I'll have them string a clothesline from the hearse I am in, with my underwear waving in the breeze, as we drive to the cemetary. People worry about the dumbest things!"
by Wendy
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11/17/07, 08:39 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Eastern North Carolina
Posts: 34,215
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All fence chargers should be installed where they will stay dry
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11/17/07, 09:09 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 4,015
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I recall seeing someone post a pic of theirs that they used an old cooler mounted on teh fencepost and had the charger sitting inside it..nice and weatherproof.
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SuzyHomemaker
rtfmfarm.com
LaMancha & Nubian goats
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11/17/07, 09:10 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Austin-ish, Texas
Posts: 5,000
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I assume you mean all the electric kind, not the solar powered kind, right? If I installed my solar-powered charger where it would stay dry, it would not charge at all.
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"Perhaps I'll have them string a clothesline from the hearse I am in, with my underwear waving in the breeze, as we drive to the cemetary. People worry about the dumbest things!"
by Wendy
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11/17/07, 09:14 PM
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Zone 7
Posts: 10,559
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Dry the unit you have and it will probably be OK
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Agmantoo
If they can do it,
you know you can!
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11/17/07, 10:25 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Eastern North Carolina
Posts: 34,215
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by farmergirl
I assume you mean all the electric kind, not the solar powered kind, right? If I installed my solar-powered charger where it would stay dry, it would not charge at all.
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Yes I meant the plug in kind, although you COULD put a sheet of glass over a solar one to keep it dry also. Only the PVC needs to be exposed, and most solar chargers have a battery back up
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11/17/07, 10:46 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 129
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When I had a solar powered charger, I never had to cover it up. It gets solar powered through the top shield. You cover it up and the sun will never shine on it.
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11/18/07, 12:30 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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ok so the question is about an ac powered charger, correct? all of them will last longer and work better if protected from moisture. i've started to use the plastic tubs that 100 lbs of cattle protein comes in....screw the bottom of the tub hoz. to a post, and mount the charger inside the tub. drill holes in the tub for wires to inter and exit.
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11/18/07, 05:02 AM
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Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 7,154
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I always put my AC fence charger inside a building where there was an electrical outlet. One single wire will hook it to the fence wherever it is located. Take a hair dryer and dry out your charger.
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11/18/07, 05:39 AM
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north central Texas
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 300
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by farmergirl
I have used a solar powered charger for the past couple of years, but needed to install hotwire in my new dog yard (border collie jumps out of every fence that isn't the front yard-- don't ask me why) that doesn't get enough sun in the winter to support the solar powered charger. So...I have installed a normal, plug in to electric source, charger. The problem I'm having is that the charger got rained on last night and started making a loud popping noise. When I looked at it, I could see a bright spark each time the power pulsed through the charger. Am I right in thinking that the entire box needs to be installed out of the weather? It LOOKS like it's weatherproof, but apparently it's not?!? BTW, it says "Hold 'Em" on the front, if that helps any.
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I had to mount an AC powered charger out where there is no building. I just built a wooden open box with a roof over the charger. It has run that way for several years and haven't had any problem. One thing in Central Texas, any enclosure needs plenty of ventilation or it will melt the charger under our Texas Sun. All AC powered chargers that I have seen say in the instructions to mount in a building.
Bob
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11/18/07, 11:00 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: MN
Posts: 7,610
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by farmergirl
I assume you mean all the electric kind, not the solar powered kind, right? If I installed my solar-powered charger where it would stay dry, it would not charge at all.
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Well, you asked about the plug in one not surviving outside.....
Plug-in fence chargers I know of need to be kept indoors or covered with a housing that allows air to get in a bit, but not the elements. They are not weatherproof.
Solar types on the other hand are built to be outdoors in the elements.
--->Paul
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