Electric Fence Warning Sign

Electric Fencing Terms Made Simple 

If you’re new to electric fencing, you’ve probably come across a lot of technical terms — volts, amps, ohms, joules — and wondered what on earth they actually mean! Don’t worry — we’ve put together this quick and easy guide to the most common electric fencing terms so you can feel confident setting up or maintaining your system.

Power Types

  • A.C. (Alternating Current): The type of electricity that comes from the mains – it changes direction many times per second.

  • D.C. (Direct Current): Electricity that flows in one direction only, like from a battery or solar unit.

Electrical Basics

  • Current (Amps): The flow of electricity through a wire or fence. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe.

  • Voltage (Volts): The pressure that pushes the electric current along the wire. Higher voltage = stronger “push.”

  • Resistance (Ohms): Anything that slows down electricity, like poor connections or vegetation touching the fence.

  • Impedance: A mix of resistance and reactance — modern energisers are low-impedance to keep power consistent, even if grass touches the line.

  • Watt: A measure of power — volts × amps. It shows how much electrical energy is being used.

  • Joule: The amount of energy in each pulse from the energiser — the “kick” your fence delivers!  One Joule is one Watt for one second. Joules are the most important measure of the power of the energiser. Stored joules - the energy held inside the energiser, Output joules - the energy delivered to the fence.  Higher output joules allow voltage to travel farther and push through challenges like undergrown or poor conductors.

Fence Function & Flow

  • Circuit: A complete path that electricity travels through — from the energiser, along the fence, through the animal, and back via the earth stake.

  • Live Wire: The charged wire that carries electricity around the fence.

  • Earth Stake: A metal rod driven into the ground to return current to the energiser — essential for the system to work properly.

  • Pulse: Electric fences don’t carry constant current — instead, they send short, regular bursts (pulses) of electricity, usually about once per second.

  • Leakage: When electricity escapes from the fence — caused by faults, wet insulators, or grass touching the wire.

  • Short: A strong, direct leakage — when the live wire touches the earth or metal, draining power.

Other Useful Terms

  • Conductor: The material that carries the electric current — usually metal wire, tape, or rope.

  • Insulator: Keeps electricity on the fence wire and off posts or other objects — made from plastic or porcelain.

  • Induction: When electricity creates a faint charge in nearby wires or metal objects — it’s why you keep electric and non-electric wires slightly apart.

  • Electrolysis: A slow chemical reaction that can happen where electricity and metal meet water — it’s why good, clean connections matter!

In Short...

Understanding these basic terms makes troubleshooting and maintaining your electric fence a breeze. Whether you’re protecting poultry, ponies, or pastures, knowing how your fence works helps keep your animals safe and your power strong.

Need help choosing the right energiser or checking your earth system?


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