You have probably seen a large fenced-off area while walking in the forest where cattle graze peacefully. The fence is obviously used to protect and control the animals. It mainly has a practical function, as it prevents the animals from leaving the pasture on their own. On the one hand, they have to stay on the limited pasture and are thus protected from unwanted intruders. On the other hand, a pasture fence offers good protection from wild animals, which can also cause damage. There are practically various pasture fences made from different materials, including those made of wood, metal or plastic. The electric fence has recently become very effective. We will describe in more detail below how it works, what advantages it has and what legal regulations apply to pasture fences. If the topic interests you, then stay tuned. Surely everyone can learn a little more about this effective pasture fence from this article.
With an electric fence you also maximize the security of your garden and protect the area from intruders.
How does an electric fence work?
As we have already mentioned, an electric fence is used to enclose or exclude animals. An electric fence is based on the principle of deterrence through electrical impulses. A current of 12 volts flows through the wire of the fence, generating impulses of up to 15,000 volts of very short duration, from 0.1 to 0.3 milliseconds. This current is harmless to humans and animals, but it is deterrent and unpleasant. But what does it achieve? In short, it works like this: when an animal touches the fence, it receives a powerful electric shock. Its effect is psychological. The animal sees the fence as a barrier and is likely to avoid it in the future. For this reason, the livestock stays in the confined and fenced area and is well protected from wild animals and other intruders.
Farm animals, such as horses, must be well protected!
What elements does an electric fence consist of?
An electric fence basically consists of 4 components:
- A Electric fence device generates pulses regularly at intervals of 1 to 2 seconds, but these pulses are of short duration;
- The Conductor material form strands, ribbons or ropes and conduct the current.
- Necessary are Pasture fence posts, Insulators or gate handles for fastening the conductor material.
- When contact is made with the fence, the Grounding the current back to the electric fence device and thus the circuit is completed.
What should be considered when installing a pasture fence?
When installing any electric fence, the first thing to think about is good earthing, as this is extremely important. After contact with the fence, the current flows through the animal into the ground, then back to the device via the earth rods of the earthing system. If the current flows through long grass, it should then be caught again by the earthing system. This creates a closed circuit. Only if the earthing is inadequate could the circuit not work properly. This then raises concerns that the fence is unreliable.
Installing the electric fence is not complicated.
Why should you choose an electric fence?
To make it easier for you to decide on an electric fence, you need to know its advantages over a non-electric fence. We list the most important advantages of the electric fence for you:
- High security in the garden or in the fenced area: the animals cannot get in or out because the electric fence stops them. It serves not only as a physical barrier, but also as a psychological one.
- Easy installation and high flexibility: The electric fences can be set up and dismantled quickly and easily. They can also be moved, rebuilt or extended.
- The control is simple, It is possible either directly on the device or with fence testers.
A sign must be placed visibly so that everyone passing by knows that this is an electric fence!
Legal provisions applicable to pasture fences
In Germany, there are legal regulations that apply to electric fences, but they differ from country to country. It is better to find out about them in your local authority before installing an electric fence. In general, the following applies:
- The pasture fences must be safe and reliable. There must be enough electric current flowing through the fence to deter the animals.
- The entire installation must be checked and maintained regularly (at prescribed intervals). This minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries to animals and people.
- The minimum height of pasture fences for animals kept for meat and milk production is 1.20 m. This means that the animals cannot jump over the fence or slip through it.
- An electric fence sign is a must because it warns passersby that the fence is electrified. The sign must be clearly visible and recognizable.
Hopefully the information presented here about electric fences will be useful to you. Are you still unsure about buying and installing an electric fence?
