What Would Cause an Electric Fence Charge to Not Work?

Electric Fence Components

• An electric fence is essentially one large electrical circuit. The fence charger powers the fence wiring, which extends between multiple posts and encircles a property. A grounding wire extends from the charger to many underground grounding rods. A properly connected electrical circuit will have a strong, complete circle for current flow between the charger, wiring, and ground.

Charger Failure

• Lightning is a typical occurrence that causes charger failure. Long stretches of fencing across a property provide a lot of space for lightning strikes. The lightning can strike any portion of the fence, resulting in an electrical power surge toward the fence charger. The charger can blow a simple fuse or receive more damage, such as a burned printed circuit board, depending on the lightning's electrical strength.

Prevention

• Several devices are available in the market for fence-charger lightning protection. A diverter or arrestor assembly can force the lightning's electrical current down into the ground, preventing the current surge from entering the fence charger. Another option is a lightning choke. This assembly attaches to the fencing, located near the charger. As the name suggests, the choke blocks and scatters the lightning current before damage occurs to the charger. A basic AC surge protector can help protect the charger as well. However, a simple way of protecting a charger from damage is disconnecting it from the direct power source before a storm arrives.

Grounding Considerations

• Properly grounding electrical fencing provides a strong, shocking output from the fence charger and attached wiring. However, poor grounding results in weaker shocking power, causing some owners to believe that the fence charger is not working correctly. Numerous long grounding rods must be properly spaced under the individual fence line, generating a pathway for electrical current flow. Once the current has a pathway, the electrical shocks will resume at full power.

Other Charger Influences

• Wet vegetation, such as tall, moist grass, touching the fence wiring will pull power from the charger, possibly reducing its power output when an animal touches the fencing. Consult with an electrical fence supplier to determine the best fence-charger size that adequately protects a specific property area, even with wet grass reducing the charger's output.