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Electric fence school

• Alternative uses
• Shock principles
• Fence planning
• Fence layout
• Wire configurations
• Wire types
• Post types
• Insulator types
• Uninsulated fences
• Electric fence accessories
• Grounding tips
• Shock requirements
• Low vs. hi-impedance
• About AC chargers
• About DC/solar chargers
• Radio freq. interference
• Electric fence safety
• Storage and cold weather
• Troubleshooting tips

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Electric fence school

About DC (battery) and solar-powered fence chargers

Here are some things to consider when choosing an electric fence controller.

 Output types: 6-volt, 12-volt, and solar-powered

Battery-powered fence chargers generally have a weaker output (shock) than AC-powered fence chargers. A very high shock output will drain a battery too quickly.

6-volt battery powered

Some battery-powered fence chargers are powered by 6-volt alkaline lantern batteries. A typical fence charger will use two of these per fence charger season, and will power up to four miles of well-insulated (and grass-free) single-wire fence.

12-volt battery powered

Other battery-powered fence chargers are powered by 12-volt deep cycle (automotive) batteries, which can be recharged. A battery will last between 21 and 90 days before it needs recharging; the higher the shock, the shorter the life.

A typical 12-volt battery powered fence charger would have to use up its battery in about 18 to 25 days to create a shock equal to a typical medium-priced, AC-powered fence charger. In other words, those people who want 'the big shock' from a battery-powered fence charger must be prepared to charge the battery regularly.

Solar powered

Some fence charger models have a solar panel that powers the fence charger and recharges a battery during daylight hours. During the night, the battery provides the power. These fence chargers, which come in 6 or 12-volt models, usually have an internal gel cell battery.

A 6-volt solar-powered fence charger with a battery that is in good condition, should be able to power a fence in total darkness for one week. A 12-volt model should be able to power a fence in total darkness for two weeks.

Solar fence chargers are ideal for remote locations where there is no access to AC power and charging a battery is inconvenient.

 Battery saving features

Some battery-powered fence chargers have switches that allow the farmer to reduce the shock after the animals are trained to respect the fence (usually one to three days).

Some fence chargers increase the time between pulses, but leave the pulses at the same output. Beware of this feature if the pulses are farther apart than about two seconds on the low setting. Pulses farther apart than two seconds may allow animals to escape. To compare, a typical AC-powered fence charger's pulses are about 0.9 to 1.2 seconds apart).

 Effects of heat on battery life

Something often overlooked is the effect of heat on a battery. If a typical 4-year-old automotive battery's temperature remains at 33°C (92°F), it will self-discharge from capacity in as little as 14 days without anything connected to it.

Try to keep the battery in cool grass or a shaded enclosure to lengthen its life.

 Outdoor mounting

Battery-powered fence chargers are usually made to be mounted outdoors. Most people hang them from a nail on a fence post.

Some fence chargers have internal batteries, others have external batteries. Deep cycle automotive batteries emit fumes that can quickly degrade electronic circuits and are usually external.