Management of large areas such as national parks & conservancies & farms requires consideration of numerous security options to keep your area & asset safe & secure. One should definitely consider installing an electric fence, as this offers the first level of defense by providing perimeter security monitored & managed real-time security. Just in the ominous fear of the shock, an electric fence does deter an intruder. You can maximize your perimeter electric fence by having it linked to your security management system and team, which can be linked to an armed response team. Tampering with the electric fence wires is designed to set off an alarm & inform you of a potential threat to your security.
The heart of an electric fence system is the energizer (power unit). The electric fence energizer is a necessity you cannot apply AC power to an electric fence. The electric fence energizer (charger) converts mains or battery power (240 volts AC or 12 volts DC) into a high voltage pulse (non-lethal shock). This box is filled with capacitors that store the charge. It also controls its movement down the wires, every +-1 second. Energizers are low energy consumers & you can power the system from mains 240 volt AC or from Solar.
If you are using a battery as your main power source, keep in mind that there are different qualities of batteries available. The entry-level battery needs to be replaced every 2-3 years, mid-level every 6 -8 years & high end every 12 – 16 years. You will need a system to charge the battery. Also, keep in mind as the battery loses charge, so does your electric fence, the higher the battery voltage the higher the Energizer output pulse. It is a lot more convenient to run your energizer off mains if it is available & reliable.
For an electric shock to be delivered, the current must complete a full circuit, as in the diagram for the electric fence. When a grounded person touches the live wires of the fence, or touches the earth & live wire, the electric fence circuit is complete. Electricity flows through the body & back through the ground to the earth or down the earth wire, to return to the terminal of the energizer. At this point, a person receives a shock from an electric fence & hopefully has experienced enough discomfort to lose heart in trying to go through your fence.
Electric Fence Schematic
Discharge of current from the live terminal of an energizer is +- 9000 volts. Not all this current actually ends up on the fence. This is known as voltage leaking. Electric fence manufacturers state there are numerous scenarios that will determine how many volts actually end up running through the wires.
These include:
- The condition of the wiring & connections.
- The type & quality of fencing wire you are using.
- How well the live wire is insulated.
- An effective earth system.
- Vegetation touching the wires.
- Live wires touching grounded objects.
An electric fence will only work if the energizer & earth wire is effectively earthed. Instarect Service Technicians have seen unearthed electrical fence installations by inexperienced installers, much to the customer’s horror!
So make an electric fence part of your security system. For a professional installation of your electric fence, call Instarect today on 0721 975 179.
