Can Invisible Fencing Be Used if You Have Sprinkler Systems?

Waterproofing

• Usually, the waterproof barrier of your fence line is compromised only when you attempt to fix a break in the line without the proper fittings. If installed correctly, the line should remain fully waterproof. If you do find yourself with a break to repair, use a repair kit, which can typically be ordered for minimal cost and sometimes comes free with the fence when you purchase it. The kit should contain the proper wire for splicing, waterproof gel capsules, plastic wire nuts and an RF choke. These kits also come with full instructions on how to repair the break adequately. In order for the repair to be waterproof, there must be no exposed wire; places where the insulation is stripped away should be covered with the capsules, while ends should be capped or connected with wire nuts.

The Controller

• The controller portion of your invisible fence should never be exposed to your sprinkler system, as water can cause irreversible damage. For this reason, the controller should always be located indoors, away from any potential moisture. If water does contact the controller and it ceases to power the fence line, it will likely need to be replaced.

Yard Quality

• In the event that your sprinkler system causes boggy, undrained areas of standing water along the fence line and the fence ceases to function properly, the problem may be a breach in the waterproofing somewhere along the fence line. Since most invisible fences can be installed along lakeshores and underwater, even poor drainage should not cause a problem when using your sprinkler system.

Testing for a Break

• You can test for breaks by looking for freshly dug areas along the line, in case someone accidentally nicked it with an edger or aerator, or you can purchase an RF choke or use the one in your repair kit. Disconnect the wire leads from the fence to the controller and connect the choke in their place on the controller. Turn the controller to high. Connect the wire leads to each leg of the choke so that the uninsulated wire is in contact with the choke on both ends. Tune an AM transistor radio to between 6 and 600, and walk the fence line. Where the line is working, you should hear a low throb on the radio. Some brands of fence will not work with this method and should be tested with commercially available testers.