In this post, I’ll walk you through the various aspects of an electric fence charger to help you make an informed buying decision.
Moreover, I’ll be throwing light on the important parameters that you need to consider while buying an electric fence charger.
Lastly, I would be responding to queries related to the electric fence chargers review in order to help you clear your doubts before you make a purchase.
In short, I’ve put all the information in one place that a newbie or a first-time buyer will need before making a purchase.
Does it sound good?
In the last couple of years, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of electric fences.
Nowadays, the use of an electric fence is not restricted to deterring animals from entering a particular area.
Electric fences are becoming popular among humans as well.
They are extensively used to enhance the security of sensitive areas such as military installations.
If you’re an old-school guy and still using barbed wire fencing, then the time has come to switch to an electric fence.
Some of the benefits of using an electric fence over barbed wire fencing are that the former cost less and takes less installation time.
In the context of agricultural fencing, they are a great fit.
If you’re a farmer from a region where the drought is very frequent, then definitely you should buy an electric fence because it will help you to manage the grazing area effectively as it can be uninstalled as well as re-installed quickly.
To cut a long story short, let’s discuss some of the best electric fence chargers that were made it to our list.
I often call the electric fence charger the heart of the electric fence.
The truth is that even though you bought a high-quality electric fence but failed to get a good charger for your fence, then you may have to face some problems related to the performance of the fence.
I hope now you’re clear about how important the electric fence charger is.
Trust me, without a good charger an electric fence is useless.
So, you may be wondering what do I mean when I say a good charger, right?
Don’t worry, by the end of this post, you’ll not ONLY be able to make an informed buying decision but also, you’ll be able to guide others to make a smart buying decision.
An electric fence charger is also called by the name energizer and fencer.
When it comes to buying an energizer, follow the thumb rule, Bigger is Better.
What I mean is try to purchase a fencer that has a bit more capacity than your usual requirements.
As we all know that the brush and the wet grass are the main culprits and consume a portion of power, so some extra power will help you to ensure that voltage is flowing through the wire without any disruption or hurdle.
Most of the time, my clients have shown high interest in knowing the correct voltage that one needs to pass through the wire during the summer as well as winter.
Well, if you’re a first-time buyer, then there is a high probability that you may not be aware of the fact that voltage passed during the summer through the fence wire varies significantly as compared to winter.
If you’re installing an electric fence in the vicinity of a building, then flow a simple trick- install the fence at a place where rodents can’t damage the fence wire.
So, without any further ado, let’s have a quick look at all the electric fencer chargers that made it to our list.
Best Electric Fence Charger Review
| Product | Joule Rating | Power Source | Distance |
| Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar | 1.4 | 6V Solar/Battery | 25 Miles |
| Parmak Super Energizer 5 | 6.3+ | 110v-120v AC | 50 Miles |
| Zareba Electric Fence Charger | 1 | 115-volt | 25 Miles |
| Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 Electric Fence Charger | 3.1+ | 12v Solar/Battery | 30 Miles |
| Patriot PE2 Electric Fence Energizer | 0.10 | 110 volt A/C | 2 Miles |
| Gallagher M300 Fencer | 3.0 | 110 volt | 50 Miles |
From the title of this post itself, you would’ve understood that we’re gonna discuss some of the finest electric fencers available on the market.
It’s really good to keep in mind the type of animals for whom you’re planning to do the buying.
All the products that are made to our list were made for a reason, so I would like to suggest you shouldn’t skip any one of the products in the review section if you’re seriously looking for the best fit.
Well, for me “best product” is a relative term, and I rather emphasize the best fit.
Parmak DF-SP-LI Electric Fence Charger | Best Electric Fence Charger For Bears
Parmak DF-SP-LI is an electric fence charger designed to target small to medium size pastures.
The charger comes with a solar panel which can be set either towards the front or the back.
As a result, you’ve lots of flexibility in the placement.
The metal case is durable and to keep it in good condition, all you need to do is to paint it every two years.
So, you don’t have to worry at all about the maintenance cost.
Trust me, it’s a one-time investment with little to zero maintenance cost.
Moreover, the battery has a good overall lifespan and works fine even in the winter season.
However, as a precaution, I would suggest you should remove the batteries from the electric fence that you’re NOT using in the winter season, and place the batteries in a warm location.
Most of us love to compare things, isn’t it?
Continuing with the same array of thought, quite a few times, I’ve been asked to compare plastic Zareba fence chargers and Parmak in the context of flexibility and weather resistance.
Nothing wrong with it, as a buyer you’ll definitely want to settle for the best electric fence charger available on the market, right?
To be brutally honest, I’ll vouch for Parmak when it comes to features such as flexibility and weather-resistant, and the credit goes to the idiosyncratic design that allows Parmak to place the panel facing either direction.
On top of it, the customer care service of Parmak is definitely something to brag about.
Some of my clients do have to face situations wherein the switch buttons or something similar wasn’t operational and they asked the company to replace it at the earliest as it was under the guarantee period.
The Parmak electric fence charger has a solar panel attached to its top.
Since it uses free solar energy, you don’t have to change the batteries very often, and if you’re wondering what will the outcome be if the weather is cold and cloudy, then let me tell you, this battery can perform extremely against all odds continuously for around 20 days in an ambiance equivalent to complete darkness.
However, you can expect an undisrupted service continuously for 20 days or so ONLY IF the battery is fully charged.
Being water-resistant, it is capable of shocking through the weeds and brushes for livestock control.
So, is this the best electric fence charger for your deer and bears?
Pros
- Easy to operate ON/OFF switch
- Capable of managing 25 miles long fence
- Great user experience: Readable voltage strength meter
- The performance display innate meter
- Water-resistant
- Newbies friendly as they can view nets quality: well, minor or poor
- Affordable and flexible
- 1.4 joules Solar/Battery
- Made in the USA
- Best electric fence charge for bears
Cons
- If you’re a first-time user, then you may face some challenges while grounding it
- The power that it supplies may not be strong enough for bears
- The product has a shorter lifespan as compared to some of the high-end electric fence chargers
(Check the current price on Amazon)
Parmak Super Energizer 5 | Best Electric Fence Charger For Livestock
Unlike the aforementioned product, Parmak Super Energizer 5 is exclusively meant to deal with large pastures.
You can see a large built-in DIGITAL performance meter on the front side of the super Energizer 5 which helps in keeping yourself updated about the condition of the fence.
Moreover, the digital meter will show you the voltage of the fence.
The kilovolt readout will definitely tell you if there is any problem with your fence such as weeds, etc.
On top of it, this low-impedance charger comes with advanced built-in computer-controlled circuitry which makes it one of the best electric fence chargers for livestock available on the market.
The good thing about the Parmak is that you can use it for both single as well as multi-wired fences.
They are definitely easy to install and can help you to control both predators and livestock.
The installation process is newbie-friendly, and you can install the product without the need for professional help even though you’re expediting the installation for the first time.
The new color-coded fence makes the thing simple for all.
Just remember, red goes to the fence and black to the ground.
The thing that REALLY grabbed my attention is the built-in lightning arresters that help you to protect the fuse.
Definitely, one of the best electric fence chargers for goats and sheep.
Though this electric fence charger has a long lifespan still I wouldn’t deny the fact that you may have to replace the fuse quite a few times.
A word of caution: It generates enough power to keep the predators out.
However, it is highly recommended to stay away from the fence else you may experience a strong jolt.
Pros
- Comes with an easy-to-read digital meter
- Generate sufficient power (6.3 joules) to control predators and livestock
- Capable of covering 50 miles
- Comprises of built-in lightning arresters
- 8, 000 volts of holding power
- Low impedance
- Newbies-friendly color-coded fence and ground terminals
- Best electric fence charger for livestock
Cons
- Not suitable for GFCI circuit
- Shorter power cord
- It is NOT waterproof
(Check the current price on Amazon)
Zareba Electric Fence Charger | Best Electric Fence Charger For Horses
A couple of days back one of my clients asked for my recommendation.
Well, my client was a bit skeptical about the electric fence charger.
Since he had a lot of weeds around his electric fence charger, so he wasn’t able to make a buying decision.
If you also have similar doubts, then let me tell you Zareba is a brand that you can trust and go ahead with.
Zareba low-impedance electric fence charger can be used to power all types of fences including poly wire and poly tape in heavy weed conditions.
The product has been quite effective in controlling different types of animals such as goats, cattle, horses, pigs, etc.
Even big animals like horses can be controlled because the charger comes with a high-voltage shock.
Moreover, to enhance the user experience. it comes with digital timing.
Of course, the charger is weather-resistant.
It has a light indicator that will tell you whether the charger is working properly or NOT.
For me, the design of the charger is something to boast about.
If lightning has struck your fence, then you don’t need to worry at all because the two years warranty will take care of all the damages caused by the lightning.
Here I would like to bring to your notice that the charger is capable of powering 25 miles of fencing only in ideal condition.
Well, you may be inquisitive about my definition of the ideal condition, right?
The ideal condition means the use of steel wires in the electric fence with no weeds touching the fence.
You don’t need to learn any expertise to know whether this electric fence charger is working fine or NOT.
The manufacturer has introduced a “FENCE OK” light which will tell you about the fence status.
If the light is ON then it means the fence is up and running and vice-versa.
So, using this feature you can spot-check whether the power is flowing through your fence or not.
Definitely, a unique feature to boast about.
When it comes to the installation of the electric fence charger, people have lots of doubts and queries.
Let’s face it, failing to install the charger correctly can directly impact its performance adversely.
To deal with all the atrocities revolving around the installation process, the manufacturer has introduced the EAC25M-Z features.
Even though you’re a first-time buyer, you can exploit this feature to connect the fence line to the red terminal.
Don’t forget to connect the grounding line to the green knob.
Once you’ve done all the connections properly, you’re good to go.
Pros
- A two years warranty which also includes damage caused by the lightning
- Performs really well even in the extremely wet conditions
- Low impedance
- Capable of managing a 25-mile fence in ideal condition (steel wire and no weeds)
- Can support all types of electric fences
- AC-powered charger
- High-voltage shocks
- Digital timing
- Best electric fence charger for horses
- Good and steady pulsing
- Affordable
Cons
- Can’t be used on a net laying on the ground
- Refrain from plugging it into a GFI outlet
(Check the current price on Amazon)
Parmak Magnum Solar Electric Fence Charger | Best Electric Fence Charger For Cattle
Similar to the previous one, Parmak Magnum Solar Electric Fence Charger is also aimed at large pastures.
The good thing about this electric fence charger is that you don’t have to worry about changing the batteries.
Just by seeing the product, you’ll find a solar panel attached to the top of the charger which will power the fence in the daytime.
Since the charger comes with a built-in sealed 12-volt rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about the power supply for the night.
The panel charges the battery in the daytime, and the accumulated power is used efficiently in the nighttime.
Whatever the weather condition, this charger is bound to perform effectively.
Needless to say, it is water-resistant.
The Parmak Magnum is capable of managing an electric fence of up to 30 miles with a highly effective shock.
So, you don’t have to worry about your livestock, this electric charger is more than capable to handle it effectively.
The unique thing about the batteries used in this electric charger is that they can perform extremely well for up to two weeks without the need for charging.
So, even in cloudy conditions, this electric fence charger will deliver for up to two weeks.
In layman’s terms, the maintenance cost is almost next to negligible.
On top of it, this idiosyncratic electric fence charger will not let you down even though your fence is covered with a heavy weed burden.
Even though you’re highly inquisitive about using this electric fence charge once you brought it home, I would suggest you should leave it in the sun for a few days so that the battery becomes fully charged and gets ready to deliver to its full potential.
Furthermore, it also comes with a performance meter to help you know the current condition of the fence.
In order to deliver the high performance for which the brand is known, a state-of-the-art solar panel is used.
On the downside, the batteries used in the charger is lead-acid, and at times, they may lose their performance at freezing temperature.
Pros
- You’ll not have to worry about changing the batteries frequently
- Charge up to 30 miles
- Comes with a built-in performance meter
- Low impedance
- Water-resistant
- UL listed
- State-of-the-art solar panel
- Best electric fence charger for cattle
Cons
- The battery performance may degrade significantly at freezing temperature
(Check current price on Amazon)
Patriot PE2 Electric Fence Energizer | Best Electric Fence Charger For Goats
Well, if you’re struggling to find a way to contain small animals and pets inside a fence, then Patriot PE2 electric fence energizer could be of great help.
The company has manufactured this charger keeping in mind small and mid-size fences which are used to cover a small area.
Since the charger is used for containing small animals, so you can’t expect it to give a very high shock.
For example, you can use it to contain the chickens inside the fence as well as protect them from predators.
It goes without saying that this electric fence charger is great for first-time buyers.
Definitely, one of the best electric fence chargers for home use.
The installation process is simple and easy, and even though you’re installing it for the first time, you’ll NOT face any problems.
Unlike the aforementioned fence chargers, this one is manufactured in New Zealand.
Lastly, if the charger is having some problem or is not operating effectively, then you’ve got an option wherein you can replace it within a year.
Pros
- Works well with a polytype of wire
- Waterproof
- User-friendly setup process
- Comes with an indicating lamp
- Best electric fence charger for small animals and pets
- Jolt is mild in nature, so the animals aren’t hurt badly
- Value for money product
- Visually appealing
- Compact and silent
Cons
- Not many colors to choose from
- Lacks ON/OFF switch
- Not suitable for big animals such as horses
(Check the current price on Amazon)
Zareba ESP10M-Z 10-Mile Electric Fence Fence Charger | Best Electric Fence Charger For Pigs
Even before we start diving deep into the Zareba ESP10M, let me tell you, this is a great charger to tackle small hair animals such as goats, pigs, etc.
If you’re looking for a charger that can contain big and long hairy animals, then I would suggest you should refrain from buying this charger.
The USP of this charger is that you can run it for almost 14 days without the need of charging it.
So, if you’re the one looking for an electric fence charger that can perform even in the absence of sunlight for several days, then I think your quest will definitely end here.
Definitely, a recommended product for cloudy conditions.
It can operate in cloudy conditions because of the built-in solar panel that can convert sunlight into energy.
Needless to say, like other electric fence chargers that were made to our list, Zareba ESP10M also comes with an indicator that flashes a light when the fence is operating adequately and energy is on in the fence.
Definitely, the installation of this charger is easier than you can even think of.
Be it T-posts, Y-posts, or even round wood posts, this electric fence charger is definitely good to go.
This charger is meant to deal with small fences of a 10-mile range and even the shock is not very strong because the energy output is as small as 0.15-joule.
Pros
- Newbies-friendly mounting installation
- Best electric fence charger for pigs
- Comes with an indicator light
- Easy-grip terminals
- Built-in solar panels
- Can operate for almost two weeks with full efficiency in the absence of sunlight
Cons
- Less output power (0.15-joules)
- 10-mile range
(Check current price on Amazon)
Gallagher G380504 M300 Fencer | Best Electric Fence Charger For Raccoons
Even before I dive deep into this product my only concern is that the product is manufactured in China.
So, if you’re like me and want an electric fence charger manufactured in the United States, then you can skip this section.
However, I don’t mean that Chinese products aren’t of good quality, just that, I don’t prefer them over USA products.
Definitely, the product is cost-effective like other Chinese products.
The thing that literally grabbed my attention was the coverage area (85 acres) that this charger claims.
In layman’s terms, 85 acres of coverage area mean you don’t have to bother at all about your livestock.
On top of it, the output that it delivers is definitely good for even dealing with large animals.
Whether it’s horses, goats, cattle, pigs, and so on, 3 joules of the output energy is definitely more than enough to contain them, isn’t it?
Gallagher M300 will definitely give a shock of a lifetime to your livestock (110V), and trust me, they will never ever dare to repeat the mistake.
It goes without saying that just by having a look at the charger, you’ll get all the information required in the context of fence status and condition because it comes with built-in status lights which are clear as well as bright, and visible from the distance.
Pros
- 50 miles capacity
- Unique design
- Powers up to 85 acres of multi-wire permanent fence
- Affordable
- Built-in status light
- Best electric fence charger for raccoons
Cons
- The plastic case is NOT waterproof
- Newbies or first-time users may face it as time-consuming and difficult to install it
- Not appropriate for a remote location as you need to plug in this electric fence charger
(Check current price on Amazon)
How Does an Electric Fence Charger Work?
If you want your electric fence to prevent livestock from moving out, then a current needs to flow through the electric fence which is ONLY POSSIBLE if the circuit will be complete.
On the contrary, if something is ONLY CONNECTED to one side of the circuit then the current will NOT flow through it.
In short, an electric fence uses the concept of a “complete circuit” to work properly.
Using a charger, the pulse of electricity is flown through the electric fence leading to its electrification.
Still, the circuit isn’t complete.
So, to complete the circuit, the electricity pulse of opposite polarity is flown through the ground using a ground rod.
The ground rods are mostly made of metals for the efficient flow of current.
Now, we’ve electricity of opposite polarity flowing through the electric fence as well as the ground.
So, if a plant, animal, or even touches both the ground as well as the fence at the same time, the circuit will get completed resulting in a shock.
What actually happens is that the electricity will flow from the fence to the victim (humans, animals), and from the victim to the ground.
From the ground, the electricity will flow back to the other terminal of the fence charger.
Pulse Fence Charger & Capacitor Charger
Though both types of charger serve the same purpose their working style is different.
Once you’re well aware of their working style you can opt for the one that suits your requirement.
Pulse Fence Charger
As the name suggests, pulse fence chargers are the ones that send voltage spikes to the electric fence at an interval of 1 or 2 seconds.
We need a power source which is generally a 120-volt line and supplies the power to the step-up transformer whose work is to increase the voltage.
Now the AC flows through an electric coil to generate a magnetic field which will further generate an electric current in the second coil.
The higher the number of turns in the second coil the more will be the voltage.
For example, if the second coil has more numbers of turns than the primary one, then the voltage will also be more in the latter one.
A timer is used to send a pulse through the electric fence at regular intervals.
Similarly, a timer is used to send a pulse through the ground rod at equal intervals.
So, now the voltage pulse is flowing through both the electric fence as well as the ground rod.
To complete a loop, something needs to touch both of them at one time resulting in an electric shock.
Capacitor Charger
Unlike the Pulse Fence Charger, Capacitor Charger stores a small amount of electricity.
The major difference between the pulse and capacitor charger is that the electricity may vary in the pulse charger but it will always remain constant in a capacitor charger.
As compared to the pulse charger, a capacitor charger is safer and more reliable because of its capability the electricity provided by the capacitor to the electric fence is always constant.
The working style of the capacitor charger is also different.
Initially, a small amount of voltage runs into the electric fence, and when someone touches the ground and the fence together, the circuits get completed, and voltage triggers an electronic switch, which discharges the capacitor into the fence.
How to Install an Electric Fence at Home?
Installing an electric fence can be a tricky affair if you’ve not done your homework correctly.
Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced one, keep in mind, you need to do some preparation before you start the installation process.
- First and foremost, you need to do the measurement of the space where you want to install the electric fence.
- Once you’re done with the measurement, figure out how much electric wire and metal stakes you’ll need.
- Before moving to the next step, I highly recommend you should consult an expert if you’re installing the fence for the first time.
- Now make a list of materials that you’ll need for the installation process such as Electric Fence Wire, Electric Power Box, Metal Stakes, Grounding Post, Plastic Hooks, 8 Round Plastic Rings, 8 pieces of wire, Sledge Hammer, Pile Driver, Wire Cutter, etc.
- Once you’ve got the metal stake handy, all you need to do is to install it carefully. Layout the metal stakes at a distance of 3 to 5 feet. Then, drive the metal stake into the ground using a hammer.
- In the next step, you need to wind the wires around the around post. Then, thread the wires between two prongs of the plastic hook and repeat the process for all the posts.
Electric Box Installation Procedure
- The electric box has a knob titled “ground”, you need to connect it with the grounding post.
- Similarly, connect the knob titled “fence” to the electric fence using different sets of wire.
- Before you plug in, the electric box makes sure that the weeds and tall grasses aren’t touching the electric wire.
- Once you’ll plug in the electric box, you’ll hear a clicking sound that will confirm that the box is sending electricity to the electric fence.
- Congratulation, you’ve successfully installed an electric fence.
How Can I Choose the Best Electric Charger For My NEED?
Needless to say, the first question that will come to your mind would be, “Which fence charger do I need?”, right?
Nothing wrong with it, the same question came to my mind when for the first time I was trying my hand on an electric fence charger.
However, you don’t have to worry at all, I’ve done all the hard work for you.
I’m assuming that you’ve gone through the section, “How does an electric fence work?” because then only it will be easy for you to figure out the fence charger that will sync well with your requirements.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the commonly used terminology.
Charger Terminology
- Low-impedance: Definitely, a good electric fence charger possesses this quality. A low-impedance fence energizer means it provides less resistance to the flow of current through the wire. As a result, the power that will flow through the wire will be more and the heat formation will be less. Low impedance is an important parameter and can influence your buying decision in case you’re looking for an energizer that can tackle the highly-dense weeds and long grasses.
- Solid State: If you want to control short-haired livestock such as small animals, pets, etc, they also perform extremely well against weeds as well. The solid-state electric fence charger delivers a medium range of current and also, the interval at which it delivers current is a medium one.
- Continuous Output: Well, if you’re looking for an electric fence charger for dairy stalls and smaller paddocks, then definitely continuous output chargers are the better options. Unlike the previous one which has the pulsing charger, the continuous output charger has an unbroken, stable charge on the hot wires.
Types of Fence Chargers
Well, we’re gonna discuss different types of chargers to help you make an informed buying decision.
Having a sound knowledge of different types of fence chargers will definitely help you in narrowing down the options.
So, let’s begin…
Plug-in (AC) Powered
As the name suggests, the Plug-in charger is one that is powered directly by a connection to the powerhouse (electric grid) that you’ve.
Either you can plug the AC charger into the wall or you can use an extension cable for the same.
Moreover, if your fence is in a remote place then I would suggest you should seal the path to add an additional layer of protection to the extension cable that you’re using for connection.
I personally prefer to use an extension cable to power the charger.
To know more about the best sealers, check out our article on the best paver sealers.
It will reduce your work by half if NOT more.
DC (BATTERY) Powered
If you’re finding it difficult to use an AC charger for your electric fence, then definitely you need to try a DC POWERED electric fence.
It gives you the feasibility to operate the electric fence anywhere.
The fence is powered by the battery, so a problem like finding a long cable, sealing the path of the cable, etc will be solved.
On top of it, you can operate the DC-powered fences at a remote location without any hassle.
But, it would be WRONG to say that once you’ve installed the DC-powered fence, you’re done.
In short, you can install and forget.
Here, the power source is a battery that needs to be charged on a timely basis.
So, what you can do is, buy a couple of batteries, so that you can swap them when one needs to be put on charge.
In this way, you’ll protect your livestock from predators throughout the year.
On the flip side, batteries don’t come with an electric fence charger.
Some of them can be recharged while others need to be replaced.
I know you’ll be inquisitive about how many times the battery needs to be charged, right?
Well, it depends.
So, what does grounding REALLY mean?
In layman’s language, grounding means the number of times the circuit is getting completed.
We’ve already discussed that a circuit can be completed whenever the livestock touches the fence or a weed limb is touching both the fence and the ground.
So, as a newbie, you may not be aware of the fact that if you’re planning to install an electric fence in a highly-dense weeds area, then definitely the battery needs to be charged on a regular basis because some of the weeds limbs will definitely touch both the ground and the fence.
You’ll NOT deny the fact if I’ll say that every process has a learning curve.
So, it will take a while for the livestock to understand that they don’t have to touch the electric fence.
They will learn it the hard way if they aren’t trained previously for the same.
However, a couple of weeks is more than enough to train pets, cattle, etc.
Nonetheless, once the learning phase is passed, you’ll find your batteries to be drained slowly.
So, I would suggest, you should buy a couple of batteries for your livestock learning phase.
Nevertheless, always keep on checking your electric fence for its performance with the help of a voltmeter.
Moreover, if you’re NOT CONVINCED with the benefits of a powered charger, then definitely, stay with us, we’ve got the best offering yet to be discussed.
Solar Powered
Solar-powered electric fence chargers’ are the ones that I always vouch for.
Did you know that the solar-powered charger gets its power from the battery ONLY?
I know you may be wondering then how is it different from the DC chargers, right?
Well, it’s almost similar to the DC charger in most of the cases.
However, unlike the DC charger, here you don’t need to swap the discharged batteries with the charged ones.
The charging part is taken care of by the solar panels attached to the electric fence charger.
The solar-powered chargers are great in the sense you need to worry about charging until the sunlight is available in abundance.
We’ve already discussed solar panel-powered electric fence chargers which can keep working for almost two weeks without the need for sunlight.
The solar-powered energizers are easy to use, portable, lightweight, and durable.
Most solar-powered energizers use acid batteries which are known to last for 1,000 days of charging.
What SIZE and POWER of CHARGER do I NEED?
It is really important to figure out what you REALLY need. Failing to do so may lead to the wrong purchase.
If you’re a newbie, then you’ll totally rely on the numbers given on an energizer.
Believing that the product is good, and I too follow the same.
However, you need to understand that what the charger manufacturing companies promise is for the IDEAL SITUATION.
From an ideal situation, I mean no weeds around the fence line, well-insulated, enough moisture in the ground, etc.
Unfortunately, no fence is ideal, and how much effort you put you can never reach perfection.
Even worst, the transfer of electricity from ground rods uses the ground as a medium to traverse which in itself isn’t ideal, right?
So, what’s the solution?
Well, you can use certain parameters and numbers to get an effective charger.
Let me tell you, how you can do that?
First and foremost, you need to understand the difference between the joule and the volt.
V=R/I (resistance/ampere)
Volt is an S.I. unit of electromotive force.
It can be defined as the potential difference that would carry one ampere of current against one-ohm resistance.
On the other hand, a joule is an S.I. unit of energy.
It can be defined as the work done by one Newton when the point of application moves one meter in the direction of the force.
So, how to use these parameters SMARTLY?
Let’s start with joule.
Since it is a unit of energy, it can help you to compare to an energizer and let you know which one out of the two is more powerful.
On the other hand, volt will help you to know the benchmark above which can be dangerous for livestock.
Especially for any kind of animal control, the maximum volts that you need is 7, 000.
Hope I made my point.
Miles is another important parameter that you need to consider seriously.
It talks about an electric fence charger’s capacity to successfully handle a fence of a particular length.
For example, if an energizer says 10 miles, then it means it will be able to maintain a particular current and potential difference at a maximum of 10 miles, exceeding the length of a fence may drastically reduce the performance.
You’ll also find energizer mentioning acres, but I personally don’t believe it to be as important as the previous ones.
The reason being acre is a vague term, indeed.
For example, the distance of fencing around the land of one acre can vary up to 50 percent, and in some cases even more.
Nonetheless, for narrowing down the options, you may consider it as a primary filter.
Electric Fence Charger | Narrowing Down on Options
It goes without saying that the electric fence charger is the heart of the electric fence.
Moreover, the performance of the electric fence to a large extent depends upon the energizer being used to supply joules to it.
Even though you’ve got the best of the electric fence installed perfectly, if the charger is NOT of good quality, then all the money spent on your high-quality fence will go in vain.
Correct me, if I’m WRONG.
A high-quality and highly effective charger will not only keep the livestock inside the fence but also, protect them from predators.
Considering the below points SERIOUSLY can help you to find a great charger, indeed.
First and foremost, refer to this energizer chart to get a clear idea about the joules that you’ll be needing to contain your cattle.
For example, animals that are aggressive or have more hair will definitely need higher joules.
If you’ve got a future plan of expanding your fence area, then definitely you need a strong and powerful electric fence charger.
Though the length of the fence that a charger can effectively manage is given in the specification column.
However, the length that the charger has mentioned is for IDEAL CONDITION which means no weeds around, perfect underground leveling, and so on…
The medium that you use for powering your charger also plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the electric fence.
For example, if your fence is in a remote location, then you should opt for a solar-powered electric charger rather than AC power.
As highlighted earlier also, the benefits of using a solar charger are that you don’t have to swap batteries very often. In the presence of sunlight, the solar panel will charge your electric charger batteries.
Another important parameter that I would like to bring to your notice is the type of net line.
As a first-time buyer, you may not be aware of the fact that poly wire, tape, or even rope create more electric resistance as compared to steel wire.
Even aluminum wire has more resistance as compared to steel wire.
However, if you’re using poly rope then I would highly recommend you should use a fence controller.
When it comes to the number of wires between the two posts, then the thumb rule is, the more the number of wires the higher will be the demand for energy.
On top of it, whenever you’re adding more wires you’ll need more power supply for successfully operating the fence.
When it comes to the consumption of energy, the biggest culprits are the shrubs, weeds, and small plants that are floating around the fence.
They literally suck a lot of energy, so you need to be very careful in dealing with them.
As per my knowledge and experience, the best solution would be to try a net controller that has low opposition.
Without any doubt, they are able to maintain immerse electricity on the fence despite a good percentage of it being drawn by the plants.
Let’s understand it with an example.
The more the number of times the circuit will get completed the faster the battery will discharge.
So, whenever a plant or a weed touches the electric fence, it leads to the completion of the circuit, and as a result, more charge is consumed.
So, if tall grasses and dense weeds are touching your electric fence all around, then be prepared to charge your battery on a frequent basis.
Till now the parameters that we’ve discussed are the ones that we’re capable of changing depending upon our needs.
However, there are certain environmental factors that are NOT in our control, and so, can definitely influence our buying decision.
For example, the conductivity of the soil.
If you’re planning to install the fence in the dry soil which is a poor conductor of electricity then things can turn out to be a nightmare.
The biggest problem with the dry soil is that it can make it difficult for the energizer to push energy from the ground leading to shock when animals come in contact with the fence.
In short, a higher amount of energy would be needed to NOT only complete the circuit but also, generate an effective shock.
So, the question arises, how can one deal with such scenarios?
Well, to minimize the effect of dry soil, all you need to do is to use a ground wire.
You’ll find an extra center wire that runs along the fence.
In case, you’re having frequent trouble with the ground efficiency, then I would highly recommend you try a more powerful energizer to tackle the issue.
As discussed earlier also, undergrowth and weeds around the fence can be troublesome at times, and unfortunately, you don’t have many options available to get rid of them.
Definitely, it’s a common problem with almost all electric fencing.
The undergrowth of the weeds can interrupt the steady flow of electricity through the fence wires, and can even get in contact with the live wires at the base of your fence leading to a significant drain in your charger.
Dealing with the aforementioned problem is NOT as hard as it seems to be.
If you don’t have any time constraints, then I would suggest, you should spend some of your leisure time in cleaning the weeds and long grasses around your fence line.
On the other hand, you can even hire someone for this job.
Nonetheless, buying a very powerful charger can also help you to get rid of such problems.
Do whatever suits you BEST.
Whether you’re planning to use a charger for a single wire or multiple ones, it is always advisable to calculate the requirement of power in advance.
Well, you don’t have to do any complex mathematical calculations.
Once you’re done with the power calculation, it would be REALLY easy for you to narrow down on the options.
Things To Consider When It Comes To Installing Your First Electric Fence Charger
The good thing about most electric fence chargers is that they come with a handbook that has detailed installation instructions.
Some individual components also have their own handbooks to make installation easier for the newbies.
Even though you’re an expert at installing an electric fence, I would suggest, you’ve got a quick look at some of the points that I’ve mentioned below:
- It is really important to protect your energizer from extreme climatic conditions. Moreover, you need to pay special attention to your electric charger if the box of the charger isn’t waterproof. By simply placing an enclosure around the charger, you can safeguard it against humid conditions
- If you’re having an AC (plug-in) then you need to place it near a source of 110-Volt AC
- As a precautionary measure, I would suggest, you should close access to a ground rod system. It will help you to negate any complications as your ground rod will be isolated and separate from other systems and structures
Lastly, fix the charger case using screws or nails.
FAQs
In this section, I’ll be taking some of the frequently asked questions from my readers as well as clientele.
In case, you also have any doubts or queries related to the topic, feel free to ask me in the comment section.
How many volts should my electric fence have?
As per international regulations, the maximum output voltage shouldn’t be more than 10,000 volts.
However, the voltage of an electric fence should fall in the range of 2000 volts and 10,000 volts.
The voltage that you need to supply to your electric fence depends on two parameters: desired power of the shock, and distance on the fence that needs to shock up to.
Does an electric fence have to make a complete loop?
Well, the short answer is a BIG NO.
An electric fence doesn’t need to complete a loop to shock the livestock.
Well, the electric fence charger sends out current to the electric fence on a regular interval.
When an animal touches the fence, the current flows from the wire to the animal’s body, and then, back into the soil to the ground rod system.
Finally, from the ground rod system, it flows back to the electric fence charger, and thus, completes the circuit.
It’s A Wrap
I hope you would’ve thoroughly enjoyed every bit of information that we’ve shared in this post.
I’ve shared all my experience and professional expertise via this post.
So, which is your best electric fence charger?
Secondly, what is the budget you’re willing to spend for your best electric fence charger?
Lastly, how would you rate this piece of information?
Needless to say, electric fence chargers are great ways to contain your livestock as well as protect them from predators.
Trust me, there is NOTHING like the “Best Electric Fence Charger”.
It totally depends on one’s requirement as well as budget, that out of the aforementioned chargers which one will cater to their needs.
For me, all the electric fence chargers that were made to our list are good to go without any doubt or second thought.
Hope it helps!
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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