How do Attach Electric Fence to Wood Post?
When setting up an electric fence, the first step is to choose the type of wire you will use. Different types of wire can be used for different fencing needs, and some are more suitable than others. To figure out the appropriate wire type, consider your fencing needs and what critters you want to contain.
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When deciding on the type of wire, it is important to make sure you have enough wire to cover your entire perimeter. Ideally, you should plan to have as much distance between each line of wire as possible, and to use multiple lines of wire for longer runs.
If you are using standard hot wire, it comes on a large spool, usually weighing around 50 pounds (depending on the size and gauge of the wire). To start, mark off the ground where you will be putting in your posts.
Next, dig a hole that will be deep enough to accommodate your posts and the desired height of your fence. You can either pound the post into the ground or use a post-hole digger to get the desired depth.
Once the post is in place, it is time to begin fastening the wire. There are a variety of options for attaching the wire to the post, including staples and clips.
Stapling is a popular option, but you can also use galvanized u-nails or a Davos fencing clip. Stapling is a great choice for high-tensile wire, because it helps prevent the fence from twisting and tearing over time.
Alternatively, you can use insulator tubes to keep the wires from touching wood. These are inexpensive and easy to install, and can be inserted around the post without cutting the fence wires.
Another option is to use plastic insulators that can be clipped onto the post instead of drilled into it. These insulators are an easy way to secure your wires to your fence, and they are available in a wide range of sizes.
The insulator should be placed slightly below the vertical surface so it straddles the grain of the post. You can drive the insulator into the post with a hammer but do so at a slight angle to increase its holding power.
When you have the insulator attached, it is important to pull the wire taut at the anchor end of the fence. There are a variety of tensioners for this job, including ratchet-style, come-along, and turnbuckle types.
Once you have pulled the wire taut, recheck your voltage and make corrections if necessary. The voltage should be at least 2000 volts at the point of attachment.
Checking the voltage is vital for safety, as it ensures that the fence is properly insulated. If the fence is not insulated properly, it can short out and the animals can be shocked or electrocuted.
It is best to bury the energizer and grounds before attempting to attach the power source so that you can avoid accidentally tripping the energizer and causing an electrical shock. Additionally, you should recheck the voltage regularly to make any changes to your fence as needed.
