How to Put Electricity to Fence Lines

Choose a fence controller that is adequate for your needs. Different controllers have varying ranges, and the one you choose depends on the size of your acreage, whether or not there will be much brush or grass against the electric wire and whether you have access to electricity or need a battery or solar powered unit.

Install the fence controller as per the instructions contained with it, including the grounding system. Grounding usually consists of three or more 6-foot steel rods driven into the ground to a depth of at least 5 feet. These are then connected with wire and ground clamps to one another and to the ground on the controller. Proper grounding ensures your fence works safely and effectively.

Install the electric wire on the existing fence. For large animals, a single "hot" wire run along the top of a fence is adequate. For animals that graze beneath the fence, you may choose to run a wire at or below the bottom fence wire or board so the animal must touch it in order to reach the grass beneath the fence. Small animals and young animals often require a strand run at their nose height to deter contact with the fence. Use commercially available insulators and install them on each post at your desired height and spacing. Run the wire through these. Use corner insulators for any corner posts.

Use jumpers and clamps to take the current from the fence controller to the fence wire. To electrify multiple wires, use jumpers to take the current from the hot wire to the next wire. Jumper wires are usually insulated everywhere but on the ends so current does not stray should they contact a conductive material between wires.

Use a fence tester to check your voltage frequently.