Electric Fence Earthing: Getting It Right

An electric fence only shocks when current flows from the wire, through the animal, into the ground and back to the energiser's earth. If the earth is poor, the shock is weak, however good the energiser.

1. Earth stakes

• Use galvanised earth stakes, usually around 1.5 to 2 m long.
• Follow the energiser maker's guide for how many: bigger energisers need more stakes.
• Space them a few metres apart, joined with galvanised wire and proper clamps.

2. Where

In soil that stays damp if you can, away from building earths, water pipes and the house power earth. Keep them well away from other earth stakes.

3. Dry country

In very dry soil, an earth-return system (an earth wire run along the fence) can help.

4. Testing

With the fence shorted out at a distance using steel posts, check the earth stakes with a fence voltmeter. The maker's manual gives the acceptable reading.

5. Quick summary

• Enough stakes, deep enough, in damp soil.
• Keep away from other earths.
• Test it with a fence voltmeter.

General information only. Check the maker's instructions, and ask your council about approvals.

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