Unlike traditional barbed wire fences which are very painful and damaging to animals that break the fence’s barbs, an electric fence causes only a brief, short lived pain which will discourage all but the most determined trespassers. These fences are therefore an effective way to contain livestock, deter predators and other unwanted intruders.

In addition, unlike barbed wire fencing which requires substantial maintenance and repair to keep it in working order, an electric fence is virtually maintenance free. This makes it a very cost effective method of keeping out animals whilst also discouraging predators and other undesirable trespassers.

Many farmers also use electric fencing to deter pigs, sheep and goats from entering pastures where they are not wanted. The pulsing of electricity from an electric fence creates an unpleasant cramping effect in the animal, so that it is not able to grip and hold on to the fence. This is a much safer alternative to the grabbing effect of standard mains electricity, which can cause fatal heart attacks in humans.

Despite the fact that most people are aware of the risks associated with touching an electric fence, this type of fencing has been responsible for less than one death per year worldwide. This is because, compared with standard mains electricity which produces up to 220 volts, an electric fence usually only delivers up to 500 volts. This is still enough to cause a strong, painful muscle cramp in the animal that will prevent it from reaching through the fence again in future.

The power supply for an electric fence is provided by a battery (see our article on the types of batteries available) that has been charged to a very high voltage using a capacitor. This capacitor is then discharged, in a similar way to how a defibrillator works. This enables the capacitor to deliver a very large shock to any part of an animal that touches it, which effectively stops them from touching it again.

It is possible to reduce the power needed by insulating sections of an electric fence malaysia with plastic insulators, or by creating an earthing system that uses alternate wires instead of a ground rod in the soil. However, if you choose to use an energizer with a built in voltage multiplier, we recommend that you always make sure it is switched off when not in use.

It is important to regularly check your electric fence to ensure that it is working properly. This should be done on a daily basis if possible, to look for insulators that are broken or loose, and to test the voltage of the hot wires. It is also a good idea to walk the fence on a regular basis to check for potential problems such as leaning steel posts that can short out the hot wires. If a problem is discovered it is important to fix it promptly to minimise the risk of damage or injury.