When it comes to setting up an electric fence, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the tension of the wire. The question of how tight the electric fence wire should be isn’t one to be taken lightly, as it plays a significant role in the effectiveness and longevity of your fence. To strike the perfect balance, it’s recommended to tension high-tensile wire to approximately 200-250 pounds. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid applying excessive tension, as it can lead to wire damage and even lift fence posts out of the ground, particularly in low spots. To achieve the desired tension, you can utilize a ratchet in-line strainer or tightener, ensuring a secure and resilient electric fence that will effectively serve it’s purpose.
Does Electric Fence Wire Have to Be Tight?
When it comes to electric fence wire, there’s a common misconception that it needs to be tightly strained, akin to a guitar string ready for a solo performance. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, electric fences don’t require such excessive tension.
Fortunately, you don’t need any fancy tools or machinery to accomplish this task. In most cases, a simple manual pull is sufficient to remove any slack from the wire. By doing so, you’ll ensure that the fence remains effective and reliable in keeping livestock contained.
It’s important to note that overtightening electric fence wire can actually have negative consequences. Excessive tension can cause the wire to become brittle and prone to breakage, rendering the fence ineffective. Moreover, it may put undue stress on the fence posts, leading to stability issues over time.
The goal is to eliminate sagging between fence posts by applying just enough tension to get the job done. Opt for manual pulling or use inline-strainers to achieve the desired level of tension, ensuring that your electric fence remains effective and reliable.
Instead, it’s crucial to maintain a proper insulation barrier between the electric fence wire and any conductive material. This ensures that the fence voltage remains at an optimal level, effectively deterring animals and preventing damage to the fence.
Can Electric Fence Wire Touch Wood?
Electric fence wire should never come into direct contact with wood or any other conductive material. This is because when the wire touches these materials, the voltage in the fence will be significantly reduced. The purpose of an electric fence is to deliver a sharp, but safe, electric shock to deter animals from crossing it. When the wire is in contact with conductive materials, the electricity can easily pass through them, resulting in a weakened shock that may not be effective in deterring animals.
Furthermore, animals and poultry may take advantage of non-electrified string fences and chew or peck on them, creating holes or gaps that allow them to escape. By ensuring that the electric fence wire isn’t in contact with wood or other conductive materials, you can maintain the integrity of the fence and prevent animals from causing damage.
It’s also important to consider the condition of the soil when installing an electric fence. Fences that rely on the soil to carry the electric pulse to the ground rods may not work as effectively when the soil is dry. Dry soil acts as a poor conductor of electricity, making it difficult for the pulse to travel through the ground and complete the circuit. In such cases, it may be necessary to use additional grounding options or consider alternative solutions to ensure the fence remains effective, even in dry conditions.
By doing so, you can deter animals from crossing the fence and prevent them from causing damage or escaping.
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Conclusion
By carefully managing wire tension, you can create a secure boundary that effectively contains livestock and safeguards your property.