Testing an electric fence sounds tricky, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know the basics. As your friendly farming neighbor, let me walk you through everything you need to test your electric fence and keep those animals secure. Trust me, it will only take a few handy tools and a dash of country know-how and you’ll have happy cows in no time!
Why Testing Matters for Your Hot Wire Barrier
Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, let’s go over why it’s so crucial to test an electric fence regularly. I know you worked hard to put up that pricey perimeter, so keeping it zapping is important.
As you know, electric fences aren’t like your average wooden or wire fences. They don’t actually physically contain animals with sturdy materials. Instead, they use pulses of electricity to shock and deter livestock, horses, or intruders from getting too close.
It’s the power of that zap that makes hot wire fences work. So if your fence loses juice, your animals could easily bust through or escape. Failing fences also open up your property to unwanted visitors like coyotes or bears.
By testing fence voltage regularly, you can catch issues right away and prevent potential disasters. Let me tell you, chasing down a herd of escaping heifers is not my idea of fun on a Friday night!
Gearing Up: Electric Fence Testing Tool Essentials
Alright, before wrangling your voltmeter, let me give you a quick 101 on electric fence parts so you know what we’re dealing with.
The main pieces are:
- Charger: The brains behind the zaps! It converts power into short electric pulses
- Wires: Carry the current along the perimeter
- Insulators: Prevent shorts where wires meet posts
- Posts: Support the wires
- Grounding: Safely directs current into the soil
When hooked up properly, these parts form a complete electric circuit that packs a heck of a punch.
Now let’s talk about what you need to start testing this bad boy fence:
Electric Fence Voltmeter
This handy electric fence testing device is the gold standard for getting voltage readings. It’s a must-have if you plan on maintaining fence power yourself.
Voltmeters designed specifically for electric fences measure the high voltages surging through those wires, unlike your average multimeter. They give you an accurate fence voltage reading so you can verify everything is working correctly.
Most models have a digital display and metal probe for touching the wires. They range from $30 to $50 bucks, but trust me, that’s cheaper than tracking down Old Bessie when she scoots under the fence!
Non-Contact Voltmeter
Maybe you aren’t quite ready to fork out cash for a voltmeter yet. No worries! A non-contact voltage tester is a budget-friendly way to check if your fence has any charge at all.
These handy tools look like chunky pens and detect electric fields near wires. When voltage is present, they’ll light up and scream bloody murder.
Just get within arm’s length of your fence and see if she starts hollering! No need to physically touch the fence.
Of course these gizmos won’t actually measure volts, but knowing your fence is dead or alive is useful intel. And you can snag one for around $20 at the home improvement shop.
When to Test Your Zapping Barrier
Alright, now that you’ve got your tools picked out, you’re probably wondering when you should be testing.
After Initial Installation
Anytime you or an electrician sets up new fencing, be sure to test that sucker right away. Confirm everything is hooked up correctly and you’re getting adequate voltage from end to end. Nothing like finding gaps in your boundary after the horses already galloped halfway to the next county!
Regular Maintenance
To keep your fence firing on all cylinders, test the voltage at least once per month. I like to check mine every 2 weeks or so when I do my other farm chores.
It only takes a few minutes, so no excuses about being too busy! Set a reminder on your phone if you have to. Catching issues early pays off.
Signs of Trouble
Keep an eye out for any livestock escapes, new holes dug under your fence, or other unusual breaches. Predators like coyotes getting into your coop or petting zoo? Test that fence ASAP in case it’s failing!
Don’t ignore those clues. Your fence could have major issues if critters are getting through.
After Storms
Bad weather can do a number on your electric fence, especially if trees fall on the wires. Heavy snow or wind storms may damage parts of your fence perimeter. And lightning strikes or flooding can also decrease voltage.
So after major weather events, get out there and do a thorough fence inspection and test. Look for downed trees, debris on the fence, and large puddles. Check voltage levels across all areas to pinpoint any weak links.
How to Test Electric Fence Voltage
Now for the fun part: it’s time to start testing voltage! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
With a Voltmeter
Grab your brand new electric fence voltmeter and let’s check how much zap your fence is packing:
- Head to the spot on your fence farthest from the charger box. That end won’t get as much juice, so it’s our baseline.
- Identify and expose your fence’s ground wire or ground rod. If you aren’t sure, just poke your voltmeter probe a few inches into the dirt.
- Keep the metal probe tip touching the ground continuously. This completes the circuit.
- Next, hold the metal prong at the other end of the voltmeter against one of your hot wires for 10-15 seconds.
- Check the digital volt display! Compare to your fence manual to see if the voltage falls within the ideal range, usually 3000-7000 volts.
- Repeat on each hot wire, testing multiple areas as you walk the fence line towards the charger.
Look for consistent voltage down the entire perimeter. Any weak sections need troubleshooting!
With a Non-Contact Voltmeter
If you went the cheapy route with a non-contact voltage tester, here’s the drill:
- Turn on the device and watch for the blinking light at the tip to activate.
- Slowly wave the voltmeter alongside your fence about 12 inches away from the wires.
- Listen for any angry beeping or wait for the solid light that means “juice detected!”
- Scan the entire run of your fence line this way, listening and watching for voltage.
You should consistently set off the tester anywhere zapping power runs through the fence. But if some areas don’t trigger any reaction, your fence could be kaput in that section. Time to break out the tools, partner!
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Alright, you’ve finished waving your high-tech beeping wand at the fence perimeter. Now what?
First off, congrats on troubleshooting your hot wire barrier! Let’s go over what your test results signify.
Everything Checks Out
Hooray! If your voltmeter showed adequate voltage along the entire fence that matches the recommended specs, you can rest easy. Your fence has enough zap to keep predators out and livestock safely contained.
Similarly, consistent beeping from your non-contact tester suggests things are working properly. Just continue normal fence maintenance and retest monthly.
Voltage Drops or Dies Out
Uh oh, getting low or no voltage readings? Or maybe your non-contact tester went silent halfway down the back pasture fence. Time to put on your problem-solving cowboy hat!
Causes could include:
- Faulty or loose grounding
- Overgrown weeds/brush touching wires
- Storm damage like downed trees
- Chewed up wires from curious cows
- Broken insulators shorting the system
- General wear and tear
Low voltage tells you the fence zap is draining out prematurely before completing the loop back to the charger.
No voltage means the circuit has totally shorted out in that area. The electricity heartbeat has gone still, leavingosite weak spots for escapees!
In both cases, it’s imperative you wrangle that fence and get it working properly again ASAP with repairs.
Is It Safe to Test an Electric Fence with a Multimeter Before Removing a Chain Link Fence?
Yes, it is safe to test an electric fence with a multimeter before removing a chain link fence. By checking the voltage and current, you can ensure the electric fence is properly functioning and avoid any potential dangers while removing a chain link fence.
Restoring Order: Repairing Your Zapped Barrier
Alright partner, testing revealed chinks in your electric fence perimeter. Let’s talk about potential fixes to shore up those weaknesses.
If you spotted issues in certain areas, focus troubleshooting there first. No need to take apart the whole darn fence if three posts are problematic! Work methodically to pinpoint faults.
And remember: an electric fence isn’t your average static barrier. The wrong repairs can literally shock or electrocute you, so call in backup if you feel unsure. Safety first!
Simple Solutions
For straightforward issues like overgrown weeds, stray branches touching wires, storm debris, or minor erosion exposing ground rods, just some elbow grease should do the trick.
Clear away at least 12 inches between fence wires and any vegetation or objects. Remove debris resting on the fence. Fill in eroded ground around ground rods and tamp it down tightly. Retest voltage afterwards.
Grounding Rescue
Since faulty grounding can completely drain a fence, check it first if dealing with low voltage.
Make sure ground rods:
- Are driven at least four feet into the earth
- Are the proper copper or galvanized metal
- Have tight, direct connections to the ground wire
- Are placed per your fence instructions, usually 30-60 feet apart
Hunt the Short
If your fence voltage is kaput in certain spans, a short could be to blame. Start scanning wires and posts carefully in the dead zone for:
- Loose or damaged wire connections
- Cracked or broken insulators
- Points where wires are touching each other or the posts
Any fault that allows electricity to leak off its intended path can short out that section of fence. Replace damaged parts immediately.
Still stumped on the issue after repairs? Call in a professional fencing company to troubleshoot further with specialized tools. Trust me, it’s worth the money not to have Ol’ Bessie making another great escape!
Staying Safe Around Electric Fences
Before wrapping up our chat, let me remind you to keep safety front of mind whenever you work on or near electric fences. I know their zap can take you by surprise if you aren’t careful!
General Tips
Please please please take these warnings seriously, friend:
- Never ever touch an electric fence wire. I mean it! The shock could make you clench up and be unable to let go.
- The voltage pulsing through those wires can fatally electrocute humans and animals. No poking your nose where it doesn’t belong!
- Never let kiddos or pets wander near hot wire fences. They could get seriously injured.
- Avoid even getting zapped accidentally by keeping 12 inches between you and the fence perimeter. Wear rubber boots and gloves just in case.
- Never pee on an electric fence. Just trust me here!
Pro Signage
Mark those fences clearly as a dangerous electric barrier so no one is surprised. Use warning signs placed every 300 feet or less.
Most counties or parishes also require signs on electric fences by law. Check your local ordinances for specifics.
Power Down Before Repairs
Lastly, unplug the charger from power when conducting repairs on your electric fence. Just because the section is shorted out where you’re working doesn’t mean it’s safe! Residual current or connections further down could still pose a risk.
And there you have it – a country crash course on keeping your farm perimeter secured with electric fencing safety tips included free of charge. Let me know if any parts of the process give you trouble! I’ve wrangled my fair share of stubborn hot wire fences over the years. This cowgirl is always ready to help neighbors in need. Now get out there and test those volts!