Applications Electric fence conductors Fence Posts Electric netting
The materials used for temporary electric fencing differ from those for permanent electric fencing.
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS
These are plastic twines known as polywires, woven plastic tapes, plastic ropes or stranded metal conductors Unlike solid wires, they are very flexible and so easily handled on small reels.
Polywires, tapes and ropes include a number of fine metal conducting wires which may be of stainless steel, tinned copper or aluminium; sometimes a mixture of these.
Stainless steel wires have a much higher electrical resistance than those of copper or aluminium, but have the advantage of resisting corrosion in all environments.
The number and diameter of the wires in each strand varies widely in conductors for different uses, so the electrical resistance also varies widely.
It is therefore necessary to ensure that the conductor is adequate for the length of fence to be erected; the makers' guidance should be followed.
Tapes and ropes have the advantage that they are much more visible to the stock being controlled.
Very high power energisers can cause breakage of these fine metal wires by arcing due to short circuits to vegetation etc.
Generally speaking there is no advantage in using an energiser of more than five joule stored energy.
Stranded steel wire can be used for longer lengths of temporary and semi-permanent electric fencing without experiencing significant voltage loss.
Provided that the wire is galvanised to BS 443 standard, then a life of at least 10 years can be expected.
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FENCE POSTS
These are usually plastic posts having a steel ground insertion spike.
They have a number of features for supporting the conductors at various heights.
Special posts are also available which can support one or more reels at the end of the run of fencing, so that the conductor can be tensioned.
For single strand fences, light steel posts are available with an insulated feature at the top for supporting the conductor.
Steel posts are also available to which plastic insulators can be quickly fitted at chosen heights.
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ELECTRIC NETTING
Electric netting is constructed of polywires and plastic twines.
It is usually supplied in fixed lengths of 50 or 25 metres with support posts already installed.
It is particularly quick to erect and dismantle, provided the makers' instructions are followed.
If the length of netting is greater than is needed for a particular run, the netting should not be cut; instead the surplus net should be erected back along the line of net already erected.
Electric netting can provide better control of certain animals such as sheep, poultry and rabbits.
The lowest electrified strand is much closer to the ground than is the case with stranded fencing, so that extra care is needed to prevent leakage from vegetation growth; also the ground needs to be sufficiently flat.
Animals with horns run a greater risk of becoming entangled in netting
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APPLICATIONS
Temporary electric fencing has a wide range of uses, including:
Strip Grazing
Maximum use of pasture can be achieved by confining animals to small sections of a paddock or pasture.
This reduces the animal's choice of where it will feed thereby ensuring that all areas are evenly grazed (e.g. sunny and shaded areas, steep and gently sloped ground).
The result is an overall improvement in pasture quality.
Cattle and Horses
Usually a single strand dividing fence is moved daily.
For horses, the strand must be tape or rope to provide the required visibility.
The distance the fence is moved will depend upon animal type and age plus the quality of the pasture being grazed.
In some cases a back fence is erected temporarily to restrict animals from returning to grazed areas prior to full recovery of grass.
Sheep, Goats and Pigs
A portable fence with at least three strands, or electric netting, is erected.
The duration and size of grazing area will vary as with cattle relative to animal and pasture conditions.
As the grazing in one paddock or pasture is completed the stock will be moved onto other pastures which will in turn be temporarily subdivided or strip grazed in this manner.
It is particularly necessary to ensure proper electrification at all times, as these animals will soon get to know if electrification has failed or become inadequate.
Temporary Grazing
Stock can be grazed in areas not normally fenced, such as road fronts or crop paddocks.
Poultry
A multistrand system or electric poultry netting is used.
Since the lowest electrified strand can be as low as 700mm from the ground, greater care is needed to inhibit vegetation growth which would cause leakage.
Vermin
Electric fencing can be used to exclude rabbits.
A multi-strand system or electric rabbit netting is used.
As with poultry fences, the lowest electrified strand can be as low as 700mm above the ground, so care is needed to inhibit vegetation growth.
Electrification must be properly maintained at all times.
Predators
A multi-strand electric fence or netting is a powerful deterrent against predators such as foxes and dogs.
It needs to be at least 800mm high, and must be kept properly electrified at all times.
Temporary Yarding
Animals from sheep to horses can be held in a quickly constructed pen at any site.
Home and Garden Protection
Fences can easily be erected around trees, gardens or the backyard for protection from pet damage.
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