MB1.5, MB3.0, MB4.5
7
JVA AgriRange Energizers
5. OPERATION
5.1 Electric Fences
electric fence energizers work by discharging a short, safe, high voltage pulse onto the fence
wires. The animal will not be harmed by a pulse, but it will remember to avoid contact with the
energized fence in future.
The high voltage is discharged from the red, positive fence terminal of the energizer and this is
connected to the fence wire or electric fence tape to make them live or ‘hot’ wires. Live wires must
be insulated from earth or any conductive material touching the ground, e.g. fence posts).
The green Terminal connector on the energizer is the earth (or ground) terminal. electric fences
need earthing to complete the circuit: When an animal touches the live wire of the fence, a current
will flow from the live wire, through the animal, back through the ground or the earth return wires
to the earth stake and back up to the energizer earth terminal thereby completing the circuit. (See
Fig 1 below)
on touching the earth terminal on the energizer or the earth stakes in the ground, no shock should
be felt. If a shock is felt on either of the above, it is an indication that the earthing is insufficient. To
overcome this problem, extra earth stakes need to be added to the system. The better the quality
of the earthing system, the more effective and efficient the electric fence system will be.
The more earth stakes in the ground and the higher the moisture content in the soil, the better
the system will function. The higher powered (higher joule rating) the energizer and the longer the
fence, the more earthing is required.
in very dry conditions and sandy soils, it is recommended that a dedicated earth wire be added
to the fence line. This in turn should be connected to the energizer earth and the ground/earth
stakes. (See Fig 2)
For best results locate the energizer as centrally as possible in a fencing layout.
The fence and the earth voltages can be measured using an electric fence digital voltmeter, or a
digital electric fence directional fault finder, such as the JVA Electric Fence Digital Directional Fault
Finder.
5.2 Benefits of Electric Fences
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An electric fence offers a psychological barrier as well as a physical barrier.
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The risk of injury to livestock is lower than with barbed wire fences.
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electric fences cost less to install and maintain than conventional fencing. Users enjoy low
maintenance costs because their stock stays off the fence.
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Their use is versatile:
– they can be permanent or portable systems
– they can be arranged in variety of designs to suit needs
– they are quick and easy to erect
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They improve pasture and grazing control
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They can improve existing fence life as a result of less physical pressure on the fence
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They are easy to set up compared with traditional fences.
