Electric fences can be used to contain a variety of livestock, and provide a more convenient and flexible solution for animal containment. The electric fence system you choose will largely depend on the animals you plan to house or exclude, which will also determine what electric fence supplies and components you need to do the job effectively. Electric fences come in a variety of options and a variety of components, allowing you to build a fence that meets all of your specific requirements. This guide will help you choose the most suitable components for your electric fence and make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand before you start installing your electric fence.

When choosing an electric fencing system, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want a temporary (portable or fixed), semi-permanent or permanent fence, or just reinforce the existing fence. Temporary electric fences are usually portable systems that are quick and easy to install and remove, for strip grazing, or to create temporary fences or paddocks that can last up to a year.

Semi-permanent and permanent fencing needs to be designed to withstand the wear and tear of livestock and the elements over a longer period of time.

What is the size of the area you want the fence to be?

The size of the fenced area will determine the length of the fence, which will affect the amount of material needed to complete the job.

What animal do you want to manage?

Electric fence requirements vary depending on the animals being managed. The type of animals you wish to manage will determine:

Required height of the fence?

How many shares are needed?

Whether to use multi-tape or wire conductors, or whether the mesh is a better choice?

Most electric fence supplies are suitable for all types of animals including livestock, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, exotic animals, and deer. If you want to manage small domestic animals, such as dogs or rabbits, protect fish, or exclude small wildlife, a prepackaged electric fence kit designed specifically for this purpose may be a better option.

The conductor of wire posts required for a fence will largely depend on whether it is a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent fence.

Plastic step-in posts specially designed to hold a variety of conductors provide a convenient solution for temporary portable electric fencing. Alternatively, thin metal rebar wire posts can be used to secure temporary fencing, as well as wooden or metal T-posts for corner posts. For semi-permanent or permanent fencing, T-posts with wooden corner posts provide a long-lasting solution, while for stronger permanent fencing, all-wood post fencing offers maximum strength and durability.

The number of wire posts will depend on the length of the fence and the desired post spacing - posts are usually 12-15 feet apart. Calculate the number of posts required: perimeter feet/post spacing = a number of posts required.

Electric fence posts are subject to greater tension and strain than wire posts and therefore need to be stronger. Wooden posts are recommended for electric fence posts, but T-posts can be used as corner posts for temporary electric fences. Determine how many electric fence posts you need - you'll need one at each corner of the fence and on either side of the gate opening.

The type of lead you choose will depend on the type of animal you wish to manage. The wire is steel, which is economical; aluminum, which is durable and has a lifetime warranty; or tape, which is very obvious and ideal for electric horse fences.

The number of strands needed on an electric fence of multi-strand wire depends on the type and size of animals you manage. You also need to consider the different age groups in the group (foals, calves, etc.) and take these into account.

Calculate the total amount of wire required: Circumference (feet) x number of strands required = total feet of wire required.

The type of electric fence insulator you need depends on the type of post and the type of wire you choose for your electric fence. The insulator you choose must be compatible with your terminal type and wire. To determine the number of insulators you need: Calculate the number of fence posts * the number of strands = the number of insulators needed. To determine the number of corner/post insulators you need: Calculate the number of corner/post insulators x the number of strands = the number of corner/post insulators required.

Choose between mains, battery, or solar-powered fence chargers depending on what best suits your application. Battery-powered electric fence chargers are ideal for temporary portable fences and shorter fences in remote areas without access to mains power. Solar electric fence chargers offer a maintenance-free alternative. Mains-powered electric fence chargers contain more power and are ideal for permanent electric fences when mains power is available. The strength of the charger you need will depend on the length of the fence, as well as vegetation/weed growth that may interfere with the flow of electricity on the fence.

Choose the type of door to use with your electric fence based on personal preference.

Electric spring gate - extends to 20'

Wire doors with the insulated door handle

Standard rigid metal farm gate with an insulated cable to carry current to the other side of the gate.

A basic one-wire grounding system can be used in most cases, but in very dry soils with poor electrical conductivity, a two-wire system with additional ground rods is recommended to ensure your electric fence is fully grounded and functioning properly.

The right electric fence supplies can allow you to have a better system with far less maintenance. For more information about electric fences, please contact us.

HPS Fence is a professional electric fence manufacturer, founded in 2003, that focuses on providing professional technology solutions for small electronic farms and home backyards. At present, we have provided electronic fence solutions for thousands of customers in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, etc. Since 2014, HPS Fence has successfully developed electronic fence energizers, electronic fence testers, chicken coop door openers, and other products. The product is constantly updated and iterative, with more functions and more choices.