Gallagher Power Fence User manual

Manual
Power Fence Systems
Power Fence Systems
TM

PUBLISHED BY
Gallagher Group Limited
181 Kahikatea Drive, Private Bag 3026Hamilton,
New Zealand
www.gallagherams.com
Copyright© Gallagher Group Limited 20
All rights reserved. Patents pending.
Gallagher Power Fence Systems User Manual
3E1164 - Edition 1- February 201
DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, neither Gallagher Group Limtted nor any employee of the
company shall be liable on any ground whatsover to any party in
respect of decisions or actions they may make as a result of using
this information.
In accordance with the Gallagher policy of continuing development,
design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Developed and manufactured by Gallagher Group Limited, and ISO
9001 2000 Certified Supplier.

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................5
1. Reasons for Using Power Fencing .................................................................6
2. How does Power Fencing Work?..................................................................6
3. Where to Start .............................................................................................7
3.1 Permanent Power Fence: ......................................................................7
3.2 Portable Power Fence: .........................................................................8
4. Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM ..........................................................9
4.1 Planning the fence layout .....................................................................9
4.2 Selecting the correct energizer...........................................................13
4.3 Installing the Energizer.......................................................................18
4.4 Fence Construction............................................................................23
5. Installing a Portable Power FenceTM..................................................................35
5.1 Planning the fence layout ...................................................................35
5.2 Selecting the correct Energizer...........................................................36
5.3 Fence Construction............................................................................39
6. Fault Finding ............................................................................................. 40
6.1 Fence tools and testers...................................................................... 40
6.2 Troubleshooting................................................................................ 40
6.3 Induction.......................................................................................... 40
6.4 Repairs ............................................................................................. 40
7. Stock Control.......................................................................................................42
7.1 Training stock to respect Power FencingTM ..........................................42
7.2 Training dogs to work around Power FencesTM ...................................42
7.3 Feral (wildlife) Fencing ........................................................................42
7.4 Equine Fencing...................................................................................42
8. Safety Requirements and Regulations..............................................................43
8.1 Warning signs ....................................................................................43
8.2 Radio interference..............................................................................43
8.3 Telephone interference ......................................................................43
9. Glossary...............................................................................................................48
9.1 Electrical Terms ................................................................................. 48
9.2 Power Fencing Terms .........................................................................49

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
INTRODUCTION
The earlier generations of Gallaghers were farmers. And it was a typical farmer’s approach
to solving farm problems that helped us lead the world into the electric fencing age. From
the 1930’s 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 FenceTM 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 FenceTM 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 you’re not prepared to do it properly, be
prepared to accept less than optimum performance.
Thank you for choosing Gallagher - I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with your decision for years
to come.
W.M. Gallagher KNZM, MBE. Hon D
Chairman and Chief Executive
Gallagher Group Ltd

5
Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Reasons for Using Power Fencing
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 (see Figure 4.7(b)).
A power fence is a psychological barrier
so doesn’t 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.
Figure 2.1

6
Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Where to Start
A
H
B
G
C
I
DEF
J
K
L
3. WHERE TO START
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 that’s 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 and solar/battery.
3.1 Permanent Power Fence:
Here’s what you’ll 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)
Refer to “4. Installing a Permanent Power
Fence” for information on how to install a
permanent power fence.
Figure 3.1(a) - Permanent Cattle Fence
AEF
J
K
L
D
C
B
G
H
I
Figure 3.1(b) - Permanent Cattle Fence with Earth Return Wire
A Energizer
B Earth stake
C Strain insulator
D Post insulator
E Wire tightener
F Warning sign
G Green
H Red
I Cut out switch
J Joint clamps
K Strain post
L Line post

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Where to Start
3.2 Portable Power Fence:
Here’s what you’ll need:
• Electric fence energizer
• Battery
• Earth (ground) system
• Reels
• Polytapes, wires or braids
• Portable fencing posts
• Connector leads
• Insul-grips
Refer to “5. Installing a Portable Power Fence” for information on how to install a portable
power fence.
F
G
ABCDE
H
I
A Reel
B Polywire/Turbo Wire
C Treadin Post
D Insul-grip
E Pigtail post
F Energizer
G Earth stake
H Red
I Green
Figure 3.2 - Portable Fence
Sheep fence Cattle fence

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
4. INSTALLING A PERMANENT POWER FENCETM
4.1 Planning the fence layout
Draw a plan of the fence system you
would eventually like to have. This will help
you identify the length of new electric
fence, the length of existing fence to be
electrified (using offsets) and the length of
leadout from your energizer to the electric
fence. On the plan show the power supply,
the direction the power flows, gateways
and cutout switches and electrification
of remote areas. Allow for two or more
sections to be electrified by a separate
energizer in the future. You might also
need a training paddock for livestock.
If your electric fence system is several
kilometres (miles) from the mains power
supply, see “Electrifying Remote Areas”
under section 4.4.1 Install the Leadout for
more information.
Figure 4.1 shows an ideal layout on a flat
rectangular farm. Use the same principle
on all properties whatever the shape or
size. It is the number of paddocks that is
important not the size. Plan the number of
paddocks to allow for controlled grazing,
easy conservation of hay/silage and long
rotations in times of slow pasture growth.
Make a lane, race or roadway down the
centre or side of the area to be subdivided
or fenced. This allows stock to be checked
and moved easily. If necessary, water
pipes can be laid down the lane. Paddocks
should be as close to square as possible
for even grazing. Long narrow paddocks
create footpaths with overgrazing at the
front and undergrazing at the back.
Avoid having electric wires running parallel
with telephone and power lines (refer to
“8. Safety requirements and regulations”).
Figure 4.1 - Ideal fence layout
Cut-out switch
Energizer

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
HANDY HINT
Rough, stony or steep areas:
With power fencing it is easier and less
expensive to “zig zag” around rather than
go straight over rough, stony or steep
areas. These rough areas require more
posts and tie-downs, and possibly more
maintenance in the future.
If possible level the area first and re-grass
the area because animals standing on grass
get a greater shock than when standing on
bare soil. Re-grassing also prevents erosion
and weed growth.
Stock will respect all fences if most of your
farm fences are electrified. This means
internal subdividing fences can then have
fewer wires so you can build more fencing
at a lower cost per metre (yard). Power
fencing also makes fencing dams, rivers,
trees and erosion prone areas easier.
Cut Out Switches (G6076/G6087):
These isolate different sections of the
fence when looking for faults. Place them
at gateways or junctions where either
single or multiple fence lines can be turned
off.
If you farm sheep intensively, you may
want as many as 100 paddocks. This
means the sheep can be moved daily onto
a fresh paddock using a three month
rotation during slow or zero growth
periods. When there are lambs and ewes
during spring, two or more flocks can be
grazed on a faster rotation.
On dairy farms 30–50 paddocks are usually
enough. Cattle are easy to strip graze with
only one wire when longer rotations are
necessary during slow growth periods.
HANDY HINT
HANDY HINT

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Wire and post spacings
The figures are guidelines only for flat country conditions.
symbol indicates a live, pulse-carrying wire
symbol indicates an earth (ground) wire
750mm (30")
All Live
450mm (18")
450mm (18")
450mm (18")
450mm (18")
All Live Earth Return Wire
All Live Earth Return Wire
250mm (10")
700mm (28")
250mm (10")
250mm (10")
700mm (28")
250mm (10")
All Live Earth Return Wire
900mm
(36")
1200mm
(48")
Post spacing 20 - 30 m (60 - 90 ft)
300mm (12")
300mm (12")
900mm
(36") 300mm (12")
300mm (12")
300mm (12")
Post spacing 20 - 30 m (60 - 90 ft)
Dairy Cows / Beef Cattle
Horses
300mm (12")
Post spacing 20 - 25 m (60 - 75 ft)
Post spacing 20 - 25 m (60 - 75 ft)
Dairy Cows / Beef Cattle
Dairy Cows / Beef Cattle
Figure 4.2a

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Post spacing 15 m (50 ft)
All Live Earth Return Wire
Post spacing 6 m (20 ft)
All Live Earth Return Wire
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
150mm (6")
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
150mm (6")
All Live Earth Return Wire
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
200mm (8")
150mm (6")
250mm (10")
150mm (6")
200mm (8")
150mm (6")
All Live Earth Return Wire
750mm
(30")
950mm
(38")
1.5m
(59")
Post spacing 15 - 30m (45 - 90 ft)
420mm
(16 ½")
125mm (5")
90mm (3 ½")
90mm (3 ½")
115mm (4 ½")
125mm (5")
90mm (3 ½")
90mm (3 ½")
115mm (4 ½")
250mm (10”)
250mm (10”)
250mm (10”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
Pigs (wild)
Sheep / Goats
Rabbits
Deer (for crop protection)
Post spacing 8 - 10 m (25 - 30 ft)
250mm (10”)
250mm (10”)
250mm (10”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
150mm (6”)
Figure 4.2b

12
Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
4.2 Selecting the correct
energizer
The energizer is the heart of the fencing
system so select carefully. Gallagher
energizers guarantee a high-energy pulse
that will effectively control animals even
over long distances. They are identified by
their stored energy (measured in joules)
e.g. M1200 has approx. 12 stored joules,
MBX2500 has approx. 25 stored joules.
When choosing an energizer, compare the
stored energy figure. Stored energy is the
most accurate measure of an energizer’s
capability because it is constant and not
affected by external conditions like poor
earthing.
Electric fence systems tend to grow, so
purchase an energizer that will power the
final fencing system. There is a range of
Gallagher energizers (also called units,
controllers, chargers or fencers) for all
situations.
Mains powered energizers are the best
choice where you have reliable mains
power. Mains/battery powered energizers
like Gallagher SmartPower MBX energizers
combine the advantages of mains power
with a battery backup. They are a practical
choice for providing guaranteed animal
control and a must in regions where mains
power is unreliable.
Solar powered battery energizers are the
logical choice for remote areas where
there is no mains power. A solar panel
charges a deep cycle battery by converting
light directly into electricity. The battery
stores this electricity to operate the battery
powered energizer. This enables the
energizer to operate at night or during
periods of low sunlight. The brightness,
the amount of light and the size of the
solar panel all determine how much
electricity is produced.
Note: Solar systems require individual
designs for different locations. Contact
your Gallagher dealer for advice.
Portable battery powered energizers
are generally operated by a 12 volt
rechargeable battery or a 9 volt disposable
dry cell battery.
The B11 battery powered strip grazer is
designed for single reel systems and can
be operated by 6 “D” size batteries or a 12
volt rechargeable battery.
Stored energy versus output energy?
Stored energy: Power from either a mains
power source or a battery enters the energizer
and is stored in capacitors as stored energy.
The higher the stored energy figure the more
powerful the energizer.
Output energy: A timing circuit in the
energizer sends the energy down the fence
line approximately once a second through a
transformer as output energy. Output energy
can vary depending on fence conditions and
national standards.
Batteries: Where a rechargeable battery is
used to power the energizer, the battery will
need to be recharged as necessary depending
on the size of the energizer, battery capacity
and amount of use. So choose a battery that
withstands regular charge and discharge
cycles without damage – such as a marine or
deep cycle type. We do not recommend using
automotive batteries because they are designed
to supply very high current for only a short time.
ENERGIZER FACTS

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
For a permanent power fence system
choose from a mains powered energizer,
a mains/battery powered energizer or a
permanent solar powered energizer.
Energizer selection is determined either
by acreage to be fenced or the length of
fence.
Both are estimates because the distance
of fence can vary between two farms of
the same area because of the number of
paddocks, terrain or conditions. For dry
country conditions, energizers have proven
to work effectively over greater distances.
Energizers that display information should
be installed where the information is easy
to read.
Battery energizers, including solar, are best
placed in the centre of the fence line and
protected from animals.
Keep them off the ground to protect the
electronic components from insects and
moisture.
Figure 4.3
* A combination of Energizers may be required.
** Gallagher recommends 2.5 mm high tensile galvanised wire.
All Gallagher energizers carry a 2 year warranty and have a 30 day trial period.
Energizer Selection Chart - by Farm Size
Size of Property Energizer Type Beef/Dairy/Horses Bulls/Sheep/Goats/
Pigs/Deer
0-4ha. (0-10 acres) PowerPlus Mains
FenceMaster
PowerPlus Solar
M150/M300
M100
B80
M600
B180
0-10ha. (0-25 acres) SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MBX1500
M300
B180
MBX1500
M600
B280
0-20ha. (0-50 acres) SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MBX1500
M600
B280
MBX1500
M1200
B700
0-40ha.
(0-100 acres)
SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MBX1500
M1200
B700
MBX1500
M1800
2 x B700 or 1 x B1600
0-60ha.
(0-150 acres)
SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MBX1500
M1800
2 x B700
MBX2500
MR2500
B1600
0-100ha.
(0-250 acres)
SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MBX2500
MR2500
B1600
2 x MBX2500
MR5000
2 x B1600
0-160+ha.
(0-400+ acres) *
SmartPower
PowerPlus Mains
PowerPlus Solar
MX7500
MR6000
MR5000
2 x B1600
MX7500
MR6000
2 x MR5000
3 x B1600
Number of internal fence wires++ 1 to 3 3 to 5
HANDY HINT
HANDY HINT

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Energizer Selection Chart - by Fence Distance (km)
Energizer Stored
Energy
(Joules)
Maximum Distance of Fence - (km)
Gallagher Recommendations
(multi-wire fence)
High
Vegetation
Average
Vegetation
No / Low
Vegetation
Mains
SmartPower MX7500 75 24 40 160
SmartPower MBX2500 25 12 20 80
SmartPower MBX1500 15 8 15 60
PowerPlus MR6000 60 21 35 140
PowerPlus MR5000 50 20 30 120
PowerPlus MR2500 25 12 20 80
PowerPlus M1800 18 8 16 65
PowerPlus M1200 12 7 12 48
PowerPlus M600 6 4 9 35
PowerPlus M300 3 1.5 6 25
PowerPlus M150 1.5 • 3 13
FenceMaster 1 • 2 8
HobbyMaster 0.2 • • 2
Battery
PowerPlus B1600 16 8 15 60
PowerPlus B700 7 5 10 40
PowerBox B300 2.6 2 6 30
PowerPlus B280 2.8 2 8 35
PowerBox B200 1.45 1 4 20
PowerBox B180 1.7 1 6 25
PowerBox B100 0.8 0.75 2.5 12
PowerPlus B80 0.8 0.75 4 12
PowerPlus B40 0.38 0.5 1.5 6
PowerPlus B20 0.2 • 1 1.5
PowerPlus B11 0.11 • • 1
Solar
Solar S50 0.5 1.2 2.0 8.0
Solar S20 0.2 • 1.2 3.0
Solar S17 0.15 • 1.0 1.5
• Not recommended. Insufficient power for this application.
All Gallagher energizers carry a 2 year warranty and have a 30 day trial period
Figure 4.4

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Solar Powered Energizers
Solar panels convert light directly into
electricity. The battery stores this electricity
and operates the battery powered
Energizer. This allows the Energizer to
operate at night or during periods of low
sunlight.
The brightness, the number of hours
of light and the size of the solar panel
all determine how much electricity is
produced.
Contact your local Gallagher supplier for
more information regarding solar options
suitable for your area.
Solar
Panel
Energizer
Mounting
bracket
Figure 4.5 - Solar powered energizers

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
A
BC
D
EF
SmartPowerTM
The SmartPower range introduces new
generation technology that makes power
fencing much simpler, more efficient
and more reliable for you. Gallagher
SmartPower is easy to work and live with.
SmartPower MX7500 (G37710)
MBX2500(G302)
MBX1500(G300)
• New generation technology.
• MX7500 75 Joules stored energy.
MBX2500 25 Joules stored energy.
MBX1500 15 Joules stored energy.
• Mains powered with battery backup or
battery only operation (MBX only).
• Four large easy-to-read digital displays
show stored energy, output voltage,
fence voltage, earth voltage.
• Remote controlled to switch the
energizer on/off from anywhere on the
fence line.
• Special features - battery backup
(excluding MX7500), alarms, lightning
protection.
• Auto-dialer compatible (MBX version
only) (see Figure 4.6)
• Maximum distance of multi-wire
permanent fence (no/low vegetation)
MX7500 160km (100 miles), MBX2500
80km (50 miles), MBX1500 60km (40
miles).
SmartPower MBX Alarm Kit (G5695)
• Includes Alarm Controller (G56900), Siren
(G56902) and Strobe (G56901).
• Includes security alarm features for
monitoring a fence return loop. Alarms
sound when the fence return loop is
broken or shorted out
(see Figure 4.6).
A Energizer
B Alarm Controller
C Siren
D Strobe Lamp
E Earth Stake
F Reference Earth
Return loop
Alarmed
section
Figure 4.6 - SmartPower alarm kit

17
Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
(reference earth) installed close to the
energizer with a separate wire or cable
connected back to the energizer earth
monitor terminal. This enables the
energizer to continuously monitor the
performance of the earth system.
Location of the earth system
The most effective place for the earth
system is in continuously damp, high
mineral soil.
• At least 10m (33ft) from an electrical or
telephone earth (the further away the
better)
• At least 10m (33ft) from metal pipes
carrying domestic or stock water
• At least 20m (66ft) from any dairy shed
pipework
• Not connected to, or touching steel or
iron clad buildings
• Protected from machinery and stock
damage
• Away from fertiliser, animal urine and
manure (corrosion)
If the earth system has to be some
distance from a high powered energizer
the connecting wire must be highly
conductive e.g. 250 m (820 ft) away use
1 x aluminium coated wire (G9290), 500
m 1640 ft) away use 2 x G9290 wires in
parallel.
4.3 Installing the Energizer
4.3.1 Install the earthing
(grounding) system
Why does the energizer need an earth
system?
The earth is half the circuit of your fencing
system. Electrons travel from the energizer,
along the fence wires and back through
the ground to the energizer to complete
the circuit. Like a radio antenna collects
sound waves, the earth system collects the
electrons. The earth must be as conductive
as possible for the fence to give the animal
an effective shock. A simple guide is one
earth stake for every five joules of stored
energy with a minimum of three earth
stakes e.g. M1200 (12 joules) - three stakes
, MR5000 (50 joules) - ten stakes. In
sandy or pumice soils more stakes will be
required.
Energizer Size Earth stakes
required
Up to 15 J 3 Stakes minimum
Up to 25 J 5 Stakes minimum
Up to 35 J 7 Stakes minimum
Figure 4.7 - Earth stakes required
It is important to follow the
recommendation above to get the
maximum benefit. The number of earth
stakes will vary depending on the power
of the energizer and the soil type: high
powered energizers need more stakes than
low powered energizers, dry soils need
more stakes than wet soils.
4-3-2-1 Rule for Earth stakes :
4 Metres between earth stakes
3 Earth stakes minimum required
2 Metres min. length of earth stake
1 Wire connecting all earth stakes
Note: Some modern energizers with earth
monitors, e.g. SmartPower energizers,
require a small independent earth stake
WARNING:
Use galvanised earth stakes. Rusty or
corroded stakes will not work.
Do not allow bare wires to touch an iron
clad building - use double insulated cable.
HANDY HINT

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
a) All live wire system
(for areas with good grounding systems)
The animal must touch the wire and
the earth to feel a shock
Live
Live
Live
Earth Clamp (G8760)
Earth Stake (G8790)
Red
Green
Figure 4.7(a)
Figure 4.7(b)
Live
Earth
Live
Earth Clamp (G8760)
Earth Stake (G8790)
Red
Green
The animal must touch both a live wire and the earth
wire to feel an affective shock
The top and bottom wires are electrified and
the middle is the earth wire
b) Earth wire return system
(for areas with poor grounding systems)
Earth (ground) wire return system
Dry soils have poor conductivity. For year-round dry, frozen or snow conditions an earth
wire return system should be used in conjunction with the earth system.

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Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Super Earth Kit
In dry, low mineral soils with poor
earthing, eg. sandy, pumice or volcanic ash
soils, use the Super Earth Kit (G8800).
Note: In drought conditions it may be
necessary to water the earthing system.
4 wire earth return system
10m +
Figure 4.8 - 4 wire earth return system
Main causes of a poor earth are:
• Rusty or corroded earth stakes
• Broken earth wire connecting the stakes
• Not enough earth stakes
• Stakes too close together or too short
• Poor connections at the stakes or in the
connecting wire
Test the earth (ground) system
This needs to be done once a short section
of fence has been built. It should be tested
at least once a year or at the height of any
dry period to ensure the earthing capacity
is sufficient for the joule rating of the
energizer.
Short the fence out at least 100m (330ft)
away from the earth system by using
several steel stakes between the live wires
and the ground. Reduce the fence voltage
at this point to 2000V (2kV) or less.
Using a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) (G5030
or G5035) measure the voltage between
the wire connecting through the earth
stakes to the energizer earth terminal and
an independent earth stake. This stake
should be a galvanised metal rod, minimum
200mm (8”) long, and placed one metre
(3ft) away from the earth rods or as far
away as your DVM cable will reach (see
Figure 4.9).
Note: If you are using a SmartPower
energizer the earth monitor/alarm will
indicate when the earth system requires
attention (see Figure 4.6).
There should be no reading on the DVM,
however up to 200V (0.2kV) is acceptable.
If the voltage is higher than this, switch off
the energizer, drive in more earth stakes at
the recommended spacings and connect
them to the existing earth system until the
voltage is down to the acceptable level.
1 m (3 ft)
100 m (300 ft)
kv
Digital Volt Meter
G5030
Figure 4.9

20
Gallagher 3E1164 Power Fence Systems User Manual
Installing a Permanent Power FenceTM
Testing an earth (ground) return wire
Install a standard length earth stake (2.0m) as
close as possible to the end of the fence. Install
a 500 ohm load (G50600) between a live wire
and the earth wire. Choose the location for the
earth stake in a damp area if possible. If you
cannot find a damp area, the earth test may be
unreliable. Using a DVM measure:
1 The voltage between the live wire and the
earth wire, (i.e. across the load just installed).
Figure 4.10(a)
2 The voltage between the live wire and the
independent earth stake, leaving the load in
place.
Earth Return Wire
Performance
If the second voltage reading
exceeds the first by more than
1000V (1kV) check the earth return
wire for loose connections. Finally
connect the independent earth
stake to the earth return wire as a
permanent connection. Extra earth
stakes can be installed at various
places around the fencing system
and connected to the earth return
wire to improve earth performance.
System Performance
If the first voltage reading is less
than 3kV, your fence system is
at risk of poor animal control.
Assuming that your earth wire
return checked out satisfactorily,
check that the fence live wire has
good connections. If connections
are good, it is possible that your
energizer is too small for your fence
system. Assess your total length
of fence or farm size against the
energizer selection charts (see
Figures 4.3, 4.4 and 5.2).
Note: Is your fence system one of
the 80% that surveys show do not
have an adequate earth system?
G503 or G509 G50600
G503 or G509 G50600
Figure 4.10(b)