How an Electric Fence Works

An electric fence energizer converts mains or battery power into a high voltage pulse. The energizer releases this pulse on to an insulated fence line about once every second. The pulse itself is only around 150 microseconds long.

This pulse is commonly referred to as the "shock" and is felt by any animal which touches an electrified fence. When the animal makes contact with the fence the circuit is complete. It is at this point the animal receives a shock. The diagram below shows how the current flows from the energizer down the fenceline and through the animal. The current then flows through the earth back to the ground system and completes the circuit. It is the shock which deters the animal from putting pressure on the fence line.

An electric fence is a psychological barrier rather than a physical one so the animal must be educated to respect the fence. The pain that an animal feels is short lived and does not physically harm the animal, unlike barbed wire which can cause severe cuts and long lasting pain whilst also damaging the hide.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS FOR CHOOSING ELECTRIC FENCING:

LOW COST - electric fences require less materials and labor than conventional fences.
EASILY CONSTRUCTED - with fewer and lighter materials.
LONGER LIFE - due to reduced physical pressure.
UNIVERSAL APPLICATION - will contain all types of animals while discouraging predators and trespassers.
IMPROVES EXISTING FENCES - by including 1 or 2 electrified wires in your conventional fence or by adding offsets. This will extend the fence life.
SIMPLICITY AND FLEXIBILITY - a quick and easy way to effectively subdivide a paddock for intensive grazing, improving pasture management and production.
LOW MAINTENANCE - due to reduced stock pressure.
LESS DAMAGE TO STOCK - the shock from an electric fence causes no physical damage to stock and if they are forced through electric fences by wild animals or bush fires there is reduced likelihood of injury.