Electric Fence Earthing (Grounding)

Earthing/Grounding of electric fence systems.

Every electric fence relies on being insulated from the ground for it’s effectiveness.

The fence energiser sends a high voltage electric pulse onto the fence but that pulse does not go anywhere unless something ‘shorts’ it to the ground (or earth).  That is why plastic insulators or posts are used, to ensure that the fence is insulated from the ground.

When an animal touches the fence it shorts the fence, providing a route for the pulse to the ground and so receives a ‘shock’

So for an electric fence to work properly it is essential that the ground (earth) terminal on the energiser is connected to a suitable grounding rod.  Grounding rods are usually made from steel and are coated with either copper or zinc.  In the UK ground conditions are nearly always sufficiently damp as to only require a 0.5m grounding rod.  Sometimes if there is little soil and the ground is stony then it may be necessary to use a 1m grounding rod particularly in dry ground conditions. Alternatively keeping the ground damp around the grounding rod can often solve the problem.

It is also essential that the ‘energiser to grounding rod lead’ makes a good connection to both the energiser ground terminal and the grounding rod.  This is best achieved by using either a nut and screw or a clamp on the grounding rod.  Remember that these connections will become corroded following wet weather and must be checked regularly; the use of grease on these connections can help reduce corrosion.

Remember - A poor earth is one of the most common reasons why electric fences become ineffective.
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