Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
only need to use one wire. You could also use extra-tall posts on both sides of a gate and
run the wire across the top of the gate opening. In such a case, the wire should be at least
8 feet high. A single electric fence wire can also be placed diagonally across the corners of
fenced areas to keep horses from congregating there and chewing on wooden corner posts.
Short Circuit
A short circuit can significantly weaken the shock of an electric fence or ground it out and
make it totally “dead.” A short occurs when the electric fence wire touches a stationary ob-
ject, most frequently a metal post or steel fence wire, and the electricity is carried to the
ground. Weeds and grass can also ground out an electric fence, especially when they are
wet. If the wire comes close to a grounding object without touching it, the electricity can
arc and spark across the gap. Arcing can also occur between the ends of a broken metal
wire strand in polymer wire or ribbon. This arcing can melt and weaken the plastic, causing
it to break, and can even cause a fire if highly combustible material is close by.
Continuous electric gateways
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