Electric fence

An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter animals or people from crossing a boundary. The voltage of the shock may have effects ranging from discomfort to death. Electric fences are designed to create an electrical circuit when touched by a person or animal. A component called a power energizer converts power into a brief high voltage pulse. One terminal of the power energizer releases an electrical pulse along a connected bare wire about once per second. Another terminal is connected to a metal rod implanted in the earth, called a ground or earth rod. A person or animal touching both the wire and the earth during a pulse will complete an electrical circuit and will conduct the pulse, causing a painful electric shock. The effects of the shock depend upon the voltage, the energy of the pulse, the degree of contact between the receiver and the fence and ground, and the route of the current through the body; it can range from barely noticeable to uncomfortable, painful or even lethal.

Electric fences are used to enhance the security of sensitive areas, such as military installations, prisons, and other security sensitive places; they are also used in agriculture to contain livestock in a field.

History

The concept of the electric fence was first patented by William Gallagher in New Zealand in 1938. The development of the electric fence significantly impacted agricultural practices by allowing for better control of livestock. Gallagher's design was based on the principle that the shock would provide a psychological barrier rather than a physical one, thus requiring less material and labor than traditional fencing.

Types

There are several types of electric fences. These include permanent electric fences, which are used to enclose a field or pasture and are constructed using heavy-duty materials for long-term use. Portable electric fences are lightweight and can be quickly assembled and disassembled for temporary grazing areas or to manage livestock movement. Wildlife electric fences are specifically designed to keep wild animals out of gardens, orchards, or other areas where they might cause damage.

Components

The main components of an electric fence include:

• Energizer: Converts power into high voltage pulses.
• Conductive wires: Carry the electric pulses along the fence.
• Insulators: Prevent the electricity from being grounded before reaching the target.
• Grounding system: Completes the electrical circuit when the fence is touched.
• Fence posts: Support the wires and keep them at the correct height.

Installation and Safety

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for the effectiveness and safety of electric fences. It is important to ensure that the fence does not become a hazard to small children, pets, or wildlife, which might not understand the fence and suffer repeated shocks. Regular checks are necessary to ensure the fence is functioning correctly and that vegetation or other materials are not causing shorts across the circuit.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of electric fences is subject to legal restrictions, which vary by location. These laws often relate to the height of the fence, the maximum allowed voltage, and signage requirements to warn of the fence's presence. Ethical considerations also play a role, particularly in the use of electric fences for controlling human movement in settings such as prisons or border control.

Electric fence Resources
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