Friday, January 22, 2016

Electric fence basics: Conductivity



An energizer sends a pulse (measured in joules) through the fence. When an animal touches the fence the pulse travels through them, to the soil and to the ground rod. The pulse travels from the ground rod to the energizer completing the circuit.

Conductivity is the measure of how easily an energizer's pulse flows through the electric fence. Better conductivity results in a more consistent pulse (no loss of strength) from the energizer to the end of the fence. 

The lower the conductivity, the higher the ohms. More ohms = higher resistance to the flow of the energizer's pulse.

Low conductivity means more resistance to the pulse (measured in ohms).
  • Low ohms = low resistance
  • High ohms = high resistance
How does this information apply to an electric fence?
The pulse is made up of a group of electrons that travels through the fence circuit. Over distance (throughout the circuit), the pulse loses electrons—similar to erosion—from the resistance. More resistance = more electron loss. The fewer available electrons at the point of contact/end of fence, the weaker the felt pulse.

The better the conductivity, the fewer electrons lost, better possibility for a deterring shock.

Dry/rocky/sandy soils tend to lack moisture, which results in poor conductivity. The best way to try and overcome this is to use wide-impedance energizers, increase the total feet energizer grounding (ground rods) or use pos/neg fence.

Build fences with low ohm conductors. This includes the majority of our white or green netting, black and white conductors and MaxiShock. This will aid in lowering the overall resistance of the fence.