Your electric fence will only be as effective as its charger. When it comes to selecting a charger for your fence, you will want to be sure to choose the charger that is best for your specific needs. There are some important factors to consider when choosing a charger for your fence.
If you want your electric fence to be effective, you must have a good electric fence charger. That is why you need to be sure with what you are doing when choosing an electric charger for your fence. This article looks at some of the factors you must consider when choosing a charger for your fence.
If you’re still a bit iffy on how to install your electric fencing and charger, I don’t get into the installation much, but feel free to check out this video: (source: http://www.horsecity.com/articles/featured-products/16954-choosing-the-best-charger-for-your-electric-fence)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPQ5rsUiVaA?rel=0]
Type of Power
You must first choose the best power supply option available in your area. Fence chargers may be designed to use plug-in units for 110V, 220V, solar or battery powered chargers.
Plug-in chargers (AC) are the best since they guarantee and will offer your fence a steady power supply. These are the most cost effective methods of powering your electric fence. The fences can be powered with a 110 V charger but you have an option of choosing the 220V charger if the fence to be powered is large.
When using a plug-in charger, it is important that you access an active electrical outlet. This will depend on how the fence is located in relation to the burn. One important thing you must remember is that your fence will not function during that time when the electric supply has been discontinued. It will only resume after the power has been restored. This is why you must invest in generators that can come in handy during outages. Here’s a great explanation into how this will fit into your overall fencing plan.
A battery powered charger (DC) is one of the options you may choose when you have a fence that allows for accessibility to an electric outlet. Such battery charger may be slightly expensive and may need to be replaced after 3 to 4 years.
Solar powered charger is another suitable option but it requires one or more batteries for it to be efficient. The solar charger must be located in an area that receives enough sunlight. These chargers may not be of use in winter seasons especially if your area receives heavy snores. Similarly, if your skies are frequently overcast, the charger may have to rely on battery power. It is advisable to purchase The Gallagher S17 which is the most popular charge sold alongside the electric fencing.
Resistance of Fencing Type
Different types of electrical fencing have different levels of resistance. This affects the required amount of power that your charger must supply. Ply rope, poly wire, and poly tape have a low resistance which implies that they require less power and thus a low impedance charger may be suitable. If you are making use of steel wire, you may require a higher resistance since steel has a higher resistance than aluminum and thus, the steel wire fence may require a stronger charger as compared a charger that may be required for an aluminum wire. Keep in mind that the length of fencing is different depending on the number of lines/rails you are using and some HTP rails have multiple high tensile wires meaning your resistance is doubled
Total Length of the fence
If the total length of the fence is high, you must select a charger that is strong enough to power the total length of the fence. It is easier to calculate the total fence length, all you need to do is to measure the perimeter of the fence and multiply it by the strands included in your fence. You also must calculate the joule size that your charger must have. To be able to do this, all you need to do is to divide the total length of the fence line and divide it by 3. The resulting number you get is the minimum output joule that the charger must produce to power your fence.
Types of Animals
Your needs for an electric fence may also determine the fence charger you need to purchase. The needs may be different and may vary from raising horses, goats or cattle. Larger animals require a stronger shock and will thus, require a stronger charger. In addition, if you need your fence to contain stallions, or if you are breeding operation, you may need a stronger current than what may be required for horses.
Future Plans
If you have plans of expanding your pasture fencing needs in the future, it is recommended that you purchase a powerful charger to save you from the need of buying another one when the size of your fence increases in future.
Consequently, it is advisable that you take your time when choosing a right charger for your fence. The charger should make your fence function properly to keep, contain and protect all animals.
