Installation Guide

How an electric fence system works

The electric fence system consists of an energiser, an earth connector, insulators and a conductor.

A current pulsates along one or more wires which are insulated from the ground and as soon as an animal comes into contact with the wire, the circuit is closed and the animal receives an unpleasant (but harmless) shock. As the circuit closes, the electric current flows through the animal, into the soil then via the earth stakes back to the energiser until the animal backs away.

It is very important to keep the fence wire or tape free of all vegetation otherwise the power impulse will leak in to the ground and the fence will be less effective. Plastic insulators are also used to prevent the power impulses leaking to earth. Note that it is not obligatory for a fence wire to complete a loop.

Energisers & Batteries

See our selection of energisers & batteries

Electric Tape, Conductors & Line Testers

1. Lead out Cable 40567

See our selection of tape, conductors & testers

Insulators & Accessories

1. Tape Insulator Clip 40535

2. Tape Connector 40559

3. In Line Wire Strainer 40558

4. Heavy Duty Poly Post 40910

5. Tape Insulator Clip 40535

6. Two Line Tape Connector 40563

7. Gate Handle Set with Spring 40543

8. Tape Gate Insulator 40546

9. Warning Sign 40555

10. End Strainer & Corner Insulator 40537

11.1M Earth Rod 40566

The importance of earthing & earth stakes

Nature shows us how to do it: a tree spreads its roots to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Earthing works just the same way; on contact by the animal, power flows through the animal’s body into the ground. There, earthing rods absorb the power (like the root the water) and lead back to the electric fence energiser where the circuit closes.

If the earthing is poor, power will trickle away into the soil and will not flow back into the electric fence. The circuit will not be complete and consequently the fence system will not function or its performance will be significantly impaired. When focusing on earth stakes, it is likely that additional stakes will be required as the energiser’s own earth stake is only for the shortest of runs. Large systems could require up to three earth rods spread 3m apart from each other.

It is also worth bearing in mind that during the summer months when soil dries out, its ability to conduct reduces and so earthing becomes even more important.


Earth Rod: For mains systems or larger battery installations	Earth Stake: For short runs and mounting battery energisers

How many wires and at what height?

These guides will help you when planning and installing your electric fence system. Each guide shows the different heights that are needed for each animal.