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Manual The trusted farming solution
Power Fence
™
Systems
Manual
12th EDITION Page 1
INTRODUCTION
The earlier generations of Gallaghers were farmers. And it was a typical farmers
approach to solving farm problems that helped us lead the world into the electric
fencing age. From the 1930s we developed, on our own family farm, animal
control systems to make farm work easier. Today we are known in over 100
countries.
Gallagher Power Fence
TM
Systems are recognised for decreasing costs and
increasing profits for farmers throughout the world. Our economical and practical
fencing provides increased efficiency in controlled grazing through subdivision.
Increased stocking rates and fodder conservation are the prime contributors to
better farm profits and farmers have reaped the benefits of upgrading non
electric fences, fencing out wild animals and protecting both stock and pasture.
This manual is designed to help you achieve the best possible results from your
Gallagher Power Fence
TM
System. It will help you design your fence system and give
suggestions for the fence materials, hardware, accessories, tools and testers you
will need. For maximum power with minimum maintenance it is important to
follow the principles of fence construction and energizer earthing closely. If youre
not prepared to do it properly, be prepared to accept less than optimum
performance.
Thank you for choosing Gallagher - Im sure youll be satisfied with your decision for
years to come.
W.M. Gallagher
CNZM. MBE.
Chairman and Chief Executive
Gallagher Group Ltd Page 2
1. REASONS FOR USING POWER FENCING ................................................. 3
2. HOW DOES POWER FENCING WORK?.................................................... 3
3. WHERE TO START ................................................................................... 5
3.1 Permanent Power Fence: ........................................................................... 5
3.2 Portable Power Fence: ............................................................................... 6
4 INSTALLING A PERMANENT POWER FENCE
TM ..........................................................................
7
4.1 Planning the fence layout .......................................................................... 7
4.2 Selecting the correct energizer ................................................................ 11
4.3 Installing the Energizer ............................................................................ 15
4.4 Fence Construction ................................................................................... 20
5. INSTALLING A PORTABLE POWER FENCE
TM .........................................................................
32
5.1 Planning the fence layout ........................................................................ 32
5.2 Selecting the correct Energizer ................................................................ 32
5.3 Fence Construction ................................................................................... 35
6. FAULT FINDING ..................................................................................... 36
6.1 Fence tools and testers ............................................................................ 36
6.2 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 36
6.3 Induction .................................................................................................... 36
7. STOCK CONTROL .................................................................................. 38
7.1 Training stock to respect Power Fencing
TM .................................................................................
38
7.2 Training dogs to work around Power Fences
TM ...................................................................
38
7.3 Feral (wildlife) Fencing ............................................................................. 38
7.4 Horse Fencing ........................................................................................... 38
8. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS ....................................... 39
8.1 Warning signs ........................................................................................... 40
8.2 Radio interference .................................................................................... 40
8.3 Telephone interference ........................................................................... 40
9. Glossary ................................................................................................. 45
9.1 Electrical Terms ........................................................................................ 45
9.2 Power Fencing Terms ............................................................................... 46
CONTENTS Page 3
1. REASONS FOR USING POWER FENCING
Animal Control
Keep domestic animals in.
Keep wild animals and vermin out.
Separate different groups of
animals.
Allow rationing of crops and
pastures.
Fence off eroding areas, trees, rivers
and roads.
The Benefits of Power Fencing
Affordable.
Easily constructed and maintained.
Light weight and easily transported.
Durable because of low physical
contact.
Easily modified.
Less animal hide and pelt damage.
Deterrent to trespassers and
predators.
Profitability
Increase milk and meat production
with fresh, short, highly palatable
pasture.
More subdivision ensures animal
manure is spread more evenly over
the whole grazing area.
2. HOW DOES POWER FENCING WORK?
A power fence is a psychological barrier
that keeps farm animals in and wild
animals and vermin out even over
long distances.
A pulsed electric current is sent along
the fence wire, about one pulse per
second, from an energizer which is
earthed. When the animal touches the
fence it completes the circuit between
the fence and the ground and receives
a short, sharp but safe shock. The shock
is sufficiently memorable that the
animal never forgets. If the ground is
very dry, the fence may require an
earth return wire (refer figures 4.9(a)
and 4.9(b)).
A power fence is a psychological barrier
so doesnt need great physical strength.
However, it must be well designed and
constructed to absorb some pressure
from animals, snow and wind. The
energizer must have enough power for
the length of fence and for the animals
being controlled.
Fig 2.1 Page 4
No Pressure
No Voltage
Small Pump
Small Pipe
Low pressure and volume, leaks, distance and friction
One Wire
Low voltage, vegetation leakage, distance and resistance
Low Power
Energizer
0.1 Joules
Low Pressure
Low Voltage
Large Pump
Small Pipe
High pressure, leaks, distance and friction
One Wire
High voltage, vegetation leakage, distance and resistance
High Power
Energizer
10 Joules
High Pressure
High Voltage
Large Pump
Large Pipe
High pressure and volume, leaks, distance but little friction
Several
Wires
High voltage and current, leakage and distance but little resistance
High Power
Energizer
10 Joules
Resistance
It is important to understand how the
resistance of different leadout wires
can affect the performance of your
electric fence.
Resistance (Ohms) measures a wires
ability to conduct electricity (current).
The lower the Ohms, the more current
it will conduct. It has the same effect as
the friction of a water pipe has on
water flow. Voltage in electricity is like
pressure in water. Electric current
(amps) is like water volume or flow.
Fig 2.2(a)
Fig 2.2(b)
Fig 2.2(c) Page 5
3. WHERE TO START
and solar/battery.
Unless you want a temporary or
removable fence, a permanent power
fence will be the best choice.
Permanent power fencing is economical
and easy to install and operate.
Portable power fencing is an effective
temporary barrier for short-term
animal control and rotational grazing.
Here are the basics for permanent and
portable fences.
The question we are asked the most is
where do I start? This manual is the
first step to choosing the fence thats
right for your needs and property. The
more you know before you start, the
easier and more economical your fence
installation will be.
There are two types of fence,
permanent and portable, and three
ways to power them: mains, battery
3.1 Permanent Power Fence:
Heres what youll need:
Electric fence energizer
Earth (ground) system
Leadout cable
The fence itself:
End strain insulators
Line post insulators
Joint clamps
Cut out switches
Electrified gates
Wire tighteners
Posts
2.5mm high tensile galvanised wire
Staples
Offset brackets (optional)
See 4. Installing a Permanent Power
Fence for information on how to
install a permanent power fence.
Fig 3.1(a) - Permanent Fence
D
C
E
F
A
A
B
C
D
E
F
Fig 3.1(b) - Permanent Fence with Earth Return Wire Page 6
3.2 Portable Power Fence:
Fig 3.2 - Portable Fence
Heres what youll need:
Electric fence energizer
Battery
Earth (ground) system
Reels
Polytapes, wires or braids
Portable fencing posts
Connector leads
Insul-grips
See 5. Installing a Portable Power
Fence for information on how to
install a portable power fence. Page 7
4 INSTALLING A PERMANENT POWER FENCE
TM
4.1 Planning the fence layout
Draw a plan of the fence system you
would