Elelctric fence question

Minelson · #1 05/10/11, 11:58 AM

This is probably a dumb question but I'm unable to find a clear answer via google so I'm hoping someone here can help.
I'm installing one strand of equibraid electric in the pasture. My question is, does it have to make a complete "circle" in order to work? Reason being, there is already a good non-electric fence up on one side that I would like to just stop the electric at that point. Will that work?

Bearfootfarm · #2 05/10/11, 12:27 PM

Yes it will work

There is no need to run a "circle"

rambler · #3 05/10/11, 03:23 PM

Works fine.

The 'circle' you need to be concerned about with electric fence is from the fencer to the hot wire, to the critter, to the earth, back through the earth to where the ground rod is, and up the ground rod and wire back into the fencer.

A good ground rod is often key to the whole operation, as electricity flows unevenly and with some difficulty through the earth to get back to collect on the ground rod.

--->Paul

Minelson · #4 05/10/11, 03:44 PM

Thank you! I went back out and cut it and attached to the end post. Plugged it in and nothing exploded or anything. I'll wait until dusk to check it (so I can see the little lights on the tester thing-a-ma-jig)
I hate electrical stuff...I just don't get it and have had a hard time with electric fencing for the past 5 years. SO thanks again!

rambler · #5 05/10/11, 04:56 PM

Think of it as a water system. Your fencer is the pump.

It puts out a stream of very strong pressure, but very low volume, of water jet - the wire.

The water falls to the ground, and needs to find it's way over the ground back to your pump. This is kinda messy & haphazard. What the electricity does as well.

The pump uses a suction pipe to pull the water up from a hole in the ground where all the water runs to. Like the ground rod on the fencer.

Not a perfect image, but sorta what has to happen.

--->Paul

Silvercreek Farmer · #6 05/13/11, 08:18 PM

Although you don't need it for the fence to work, you might want to run a strand along the existing fence to keep your animals from rubbing on it. It will last much longer, less repairs ect...

Windswept Hill · #7 05/13/11, 10:17 PM

My fence dealer said NOT to make a circle (or whatever shape your pasture is).

You can have a straight fence as long as you want.

If you are going around a pasture you need to terminate it somewhere as I was told. Make it like a straight fence bent around your field.

Apply power at one end, don't join the ends electrically.