\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Taking these steps can help you ensure that your electric fence is working correctly and safely. It is better you dont, as touching a live fence is dangerous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is more to note, however. This tool will measure voltage without actually touching any wires or terminals. To check if this is the problem, disconnect the primary power source and set your multimeter to the kilovolts (kV) range. Ensuring that the voltage is within an acceptable range and that there are no shorts or resistance issues will help protect your property and those who may come in contact with it. So, as long as your livestock respects the fence, you wont have to worry. I will go into more detail in the article below. To do this, touch both probes of your multimeter onto each wire simultaneously, again beginning at the fence controller and moving along each wire until you reach the end. An energizer in the electric fence converts mains or battery electricity into a high-voltage pulse that the fence can detect. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Most electric fences need at least three grounding rods for the energizer to reach its full potential. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If working on a larger electric fence, it is recommended to have a partner nearby who can assist in emergencies. The next step is to place your voltmeter leads in the appropriate positions. 30 likes, 0 comments - Electric fence, cctv cameras ,Gatemotor,door bell (@biggielectro) on Instagram: "Let's test our fence Wasiliana nasi kwa huduma bora za Electric fence Jilinde nyumbani kwako off . Keep the fence clean: Debris, vegetation, and dirt build-up can cause the electric fence to short or lose voltage. Yes, you can check an electric fence with a multimeter.To determine the current, Turn off the power source and disconnect the circuit. Keep your hand on the plastic or rubber section of the probe, not the metal tip. Finally, place the voltmeter on one of the fence wires so that it makes solid contact with the metal measurement slot. Check the multimeter reading and compare . Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions and avoid contact with metal parts while taking readings with your multimeter. (1,2). Any voltage between 5,000 and 9,000 volts is suitable, but (when dealing with animals and cattle) the best voltage will depend on your cattles species and temperament. In the next section, we will discuss how to check the resistance levels of your fence for optimal performance. So re-check your energizer and replace it with one that is appropriate to your needs. The average reading falls at 8000 volts. It is also important to check for any signs of wear or damage to ensure the electric fence is functioning properly. Making an Electric Fence Tester Homemade: 8 Easy Steps Step 1: Check Transmitter Step 2: Check for Broken Wires Step 3: Search for a Blade of Grass Step 4: Hold Blade of Grass Against Fence Wire Step 5: Move the Blade Closer If Needed Step 6: Hold the Grass at the Sweet Spot Step 7: Consider Pulses Step 8: Run Down the Fence document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Homegearly.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The metallic rod will help examine the voltage between each electrified line and the soil under the fence. Step 5: Move Blade Closer If Needed. If your readings are below 1000 ohms, its an indication of a short circuit or a weak battery, which requires immediate attention. Have a qualified repair person inspect the fence. You may have an electric fence on your property either to keep animals from running away or for protection. Some residential use fences may have a low voltage level. If the meter is on, that means the fence has no charge. They are also useful for keeping pets in your yard without the need to leash them at all times. According to, Zareba Systems To safely contain most beef cattle, you need a fence charger that delivers a minimum of 2,000 3,000 volts on the fence line. Just walk along the fence and, every 100ft (30m) or so, quickly repeat the test again. As previously mentioned, utilizing an electric fence wire is critical for a variety of reasons. It may bring pain to animals and even humans, but it does not physically injurybecause it just causes shock or the pulse. For the best results, hold the compass near each wire for 10-30 seconds. Ensure the metal measurement slot makes a solid connection to the wire. However, ensuring the proper working of an electric fence is crucial to maintain its functionality and safety. This pulse of volt is released to the steel wires held up by the fencing posts at least once a second and carries enough punch to deter animals from it. Resistance can be checked by measuring the resistance between two points on a wirethe value should be close to zero if there are no breaks in it. For example, set it to MAX or above 10,000 volts to avoid blowing the meter fuse. How Does an Electric Fence Work? There are, in fact, other types of meters that could be used to test the fence. But, lets not forget the importance of regular electric fence testing.