Keeping any animals enclosed in a fence can be a challenge, even if you’re using an electric fence. Although electric fences tend to make it more difficult for animals to escape, there are several problems that can arise with an electric fence.
Inefficient GroundingIn order to ensure that the electric fence is properly shocking, there needs to be a complete circuit. To make sure this is accomplished, install three galvanized ground rods at least five feet deep and 10 feet apart. It is important to stick with the same type of metal, preferably stainless steel. Using copper here and there with other types of metal will result in electrolysis which will cause corrosion.
Properly Sized Fence ChargerIf it doesn’t give enough volts during an electric shock, it will not do an efficient job at keeping your animals within the fence. Based on the size of the fence and the size of the animals that you are trying to keep inside the enclosure, you need to make sure the voltage is the appropriate size for both. If it is not, there is a good chance your animals will break out of the fence.
Poor ConnectionsAnother common problem with an electrical fence is a power leakage. Depending on how big your electric fence is, it can be very time consuming and difficult to locate the bad connection. However, using a voltmeter will make it much easier to find where the poor connection is. A voltmeter measures electric volts and is used by holding it along the fence. When you come to a location on the fence where voltmeter records the voltage being lower, you have found the power leak.
