Electric fences are beneficial on sites where security is vital, such as dangerous construction sites, military bases and warehouses containing valuable goods. Prospective intruders can’t even touch them without receiving an electric shock, making them even harder to breach than other types of security fencing. Furthermore, they make fantastic deterrents because of the pain they can inflict. However, there are many misconceptions associated with these fences, which may make you reluctant to install them at your site or premises.

Fencing is very simple with just a few basic rules to pay attention to.

·         Do place ground rods (Earth Rods or Earth Stakes - they are all the same thing) in permanently damp ground. About 95 percent of all electric fence problems are due to poor grounding. Effective Earthing link.

·         Do use an energiser that is EU approved. EU approved energisers are certified safe for both horses and for people.

·         Do check woven horse tape fencing regularly — wind flutter can break the wire conductors making the electric fence ineffective. Large diameter, braided electric rope is visible, strong, and durable, and suitable for use as a permanent perimeter fence. Lasts longer than, and cheaper than Tape. Effect of Wind on an Electric Fence Tape

·         Do install an earth return fencing system in dry climates or very sandy soil is in your area.

·         Do make sure your fence is touching nothing but plastic

·         Do check your fence  voltage regularly with a voltmeter. Ensure the voltage is between 5,000 and 9,000 volts.

·         Don’t plan your fence line to run through places where your horses habitually roll.

·         Don't simply tie the tape or rope at a join - either use dedicated joiners or bare some of the metal filaments and twist those together.

·         Don't over-tension the tape or wire, the plastic WILL stretch but the fragile filaments will not, they will break. No need to be able to play a guitar solo on the wires.

·         Don't buy energisers that are not certified, anything can happen and it has.

·         Don't wrap the end of the fence around a tree - yes it has happened.

·         Don't use tube insulators, spiders love them and the chemical reaction between the spiders threads, water and the metal filaments is corrosive.