Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Wire-rail fencing is safe and attractive.
ELECTRIC FENCE
Electric fencing falls into a category all its own and requires some specific comments. It
can be used as a temporary or permanent fence and by itself or with other fencing. A tem-
porary electric fence is most suitable for use when camping or when grazing is limited to
a particular area within an already fenced pasture. Such fences are portable and easy to put
up and are usually battery-powered. Electric fences can train horses to not chew, lean over,
push, or rub on other types of fences. An electric fence system consists of wire, insulators,
posts, and a grounded power source.
Insulators
The traditional insulator used with steel wire is ceramic. With the advent of plastic electric
fence wire came plastic insulators. Insulators snap onto steel T-posts and are nailed or
screwed onto wooden posts. Fiberglass posts require no insulators—the wires pass through
holes in the posts. Generally, posts are set 8 to 15 feet apart.
