Electric Fence Chargers

High-tensile, smooth wire, electric fencing is the fastest and most affordable fence available if you are protecting large areas of cattle land. Electric fencing technology has drastically improved over the past decade, not least improved are the electric fence chargers now available.

Any fence charger should be low-impedance, preferably come from a supplier you know and trust, include a warranty and have replaceable components for low cost maintenance.

You should also buy one that puts out lots of power. During a wet summer you can get lots of plant growth which touch the wires. That's when you will need extra power to shock through the heavy, wet vegetation.

Its a good idea to either try and pick up a second hand spare for those times yours is undergoing repairs. This can be quite often and should be expected. Electric fence chargers are particularly susceptible to lighting attacks although a few manufacturers now offer protection against lightning damage in their warranties.

Some manufacturers such as Patriot (see video below) are turning to solar chargers which use the power of the Sun to charge the fence. Developed in New Zealand for the huge sheep ranches, these could be ideal for the southern States.

For an American made fence charger you won't go far wrong with Fence Master. They have several available, all come with a 5 year guarantee and kick out some serious power. They offer a 2 day trial so you can test it out and if not happy just send it back for a refund.

There prices start at around $130 and goup to a reasonable $325 for their most powerful unit.

The only thing that lets Fence Master down is that the warranty only seems to cover normal use damage and not storm damage.

The above are designed to keep in large livestock such as cattle, sheep and deer. Smaller units are available for the garden which are designed to keep pets out of mischief.

These can protect your pond, flower beds or vegetable patches from the neighborhood cats and dogs. They are very easy to install and are cheap to run.

A popular model is the Fido Shock retailing at under $50. The Fido Shock fence system installs easily by enclosing the area you wish to protect with a single strand of non-insulated wire which is fixed to several short posts around the area.

Simply drive a grounding rod into the Earth, connect the fence wire and grounding rod to the electric fence charger, plug it in, and your area is protected from pets and other animals.

The system works gives out a memorable yet safe electric shock to any pet or animal coming into contact with the boundary wire.