Electric Fence Circuit Diagram DIY: A Comprehensive Guide
An electric fence is an essential tool for farmers, property owners, and livestock keepers. It serves to secure properties, manage livestock, and deter intruders by emitting a mild but effective electric shock when touched. Understanding how to build your own electric fence can save money and offer greater control over the system's design. This article will walk you through the essential components and steps for creating your own electric fence circuit diagram DIY, as well as provide practical tips on installation and maintenance.
Understanding the Basics of an Electric Fence
An electric fence works by delivering short pulses of high-voltage electricity along a wire that is connected to a power source, typically an electric fence energizer (also called a charger). These pulses travel along the fence wire, and if an animal or human touches the fence, they complete the circuit, causing a shock. The shock is non-lethal but powerful enough to deter animals from attempting to cross or damage the fence.
The key components of an electric fence are:
- Fence Energizer (Charger): The heart of the system, this device converts mains electricity into the high-voltage pulses that travel along the fence.
- Grounding System: An important part of the circuit, it completes the electrical loop. The ground rod is placed in the earth to provide a return path for the current.
- Fence Wires: Conductive wires strung around the property or area to be secured. These wires carry the electrical pulse.
- Insulators: These are used to keep the fence wire from touching any conductive surfaces (e.g., fence posts), ensuring that the electric current only travels along the wire.
- Warning Signs: Posted along the fence to alert anyone approaching that it is electrified.
Building Your Electric Fence Circuit Diagram
Before starting the construction of your electric fence, it is essential to understand how the components work together. A basic circuit diagram for an electric fence can be broken down into the following steps:
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Power Supply: The energizer needs to be connected to a power supply, which could either be mains electricity, solar power, or a battery-powered system. For DIY projects, a battery-powered energizer is often the most practical solution, as it offers mobility and flexibility.
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Connecting the Energizer to the Fence Wire: The energizer has two main outputs:
- High-voltage output: This wire delivers the electrical pulses to the fence.
- Ground wire: This wire connects the energizer to a ground rod, completing the electrical circuit.
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Fence Wire Configuration: The fence wire is typically installed on insulated fence posts or structures to prevent accidental grounding. The wire should be strung in a configuration that suits your needs. For example, if you’re securing livestock, a multi-strand wire might be used to provide more contact points. The fence wire should be checked for any breaks or weak spots in the wiring that could prevent the electric pulse from traveling.
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Grounding the System: Proper grounding is essential for the system’s function. To ground the system, a grounding rod is installed into the earth at a location near the energizer. The ground rod is then connected to the energizer's ground terminal using a ground wire. The grounding system is what completes the circuit when an animal or person touches the fence.
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Warning Signs: For safety and compliance, it’s important to place warning signs at regular intervals along the fence. These signs should inform anyone in the area that the fence is electrified and could pose a shock hazard.
Components and Materials Needed for DIY Electric Fence
For your DIY electric fence, you will need the following materials and tools:
- Electric Fence Energizer (choose a suitable model based on your needs: mains, solar, or battery-powered)
- Fence Wire (preferably galvanised steel or high-quality wire with good conductivity)
- Insulators (to keep the wire from touching fence posts or other conductive surfaces)
- Ground Rod (copper or galvanized steel is typically used for good conductivity)
- Ground Wire (used to connect the energizer to the ground rod)
- Warning Signs
- Fence Posts (wood, metal, or plastic depending on your location and preferences)
- Clamps or Connectors (to securely attach the wires to posts or the energizer)
- Tools (pliers, wire cutters, hammer, ground rod driver)
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the Electric Fence
1. Plan Your Fence Layout:
- First, measure the area you wish to enclose or secure with the electric fence.
- Identify the locations where you will install the fence posts. Ensure that the posts are spaced evenly to hold the fence wire securely in place.
2. Install the Grounding System:
- Drive a ground rod into the earth near the energizer. Ensure that the rod is at least 6 feet long and deeply embedded into the ground.
- Attach the ground wire to the rod and then connect the other end to the ground terminal of the energizer.
3. Set Up the Energizer:
- Install the energizer at a location that is close to the ground rod and fence line. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
- Connect the high-voltage output wire from the energizer to the first fence post.
4. Install the Fence Wire:
- String the fence wire between the posts, making sure that it’s taut and well-supported. Use the insulators to hold the wire in place and prevent contact with the posts or any conductive material.
- If using multiple wires, you can stagger the placement of each strand, with the lowest wire positioned about 6-8 inches from the ground and the highest wire positioned at a suitable height for the type of livestock you wish to contain.
5. Final Connections:
- Once the wire is installed and the energizer is connected, check the circuit for continuity. Make sure all the connections are secure, and there are no breaks in the wire.
- Plug in or activate the energizer to ensure it’s emitting electrical pulses. Use a voltage tester to check the voltage along the fence wire.
6. Safety Checks and Adjustments:
- Ensure that the fence is properly grounded and that the energizer is working at full capacity.
- Post warning signs along the perimeter of the fence to alert people that the fence is electrified.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even a DIY electric fence can encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
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Weak or No Shock:
- Check for grounding issues. A poor ground connection can prevent the electric pulse from completing the circuit.
- Inspect the wires for breaks or damage.
- Test the energizer using a voltage tester to ensure it is emitting the correct voltage.
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Electric Fence Not Powering On:
- Ensure that the energizer is properly connected to a power source (battery, solar, or mains).
- Check the fuse in the energizer, as it may need to be replaced.
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Interference or Poor Conductivity:
- Ensure the fence wire is of good quality and properly strung. Also, check that the wire is not touching any conductive objects that could interfere with the current.
Conclusion
Building a DIY electric fence can be a rewarding project that offers both security and convenience for your property. By following the proper wiring diagram and using the right materials, you can ensure that your electric fence operates safely and effectively. Whether you’re installing it for livestock control, property security, or as a deterrent against intruders, a well-built electric fence provides peace of mind and reliable protection. Always take safety precautions and, if unsure, consult with a professional electrician or technician for more complex installations.
A Homemade Electric Fence Charger - Do-It-Yourself
This homemade electric fence charger was created when wandering livestock caused crop losses, includes recommendation in relation to the circuit board charger, a detailed diagram and materials list and instructions. This homemade electric fence charger was created following footloose livestock caused crop losses resulting in this livestock supervision idea. (See the detailed electric fence diagrams in the image gallery.)Whether you're growing vegetables or raising critters (and especially if you're action both), you know the importance of keeping hungry livestock in their place. Of course, pointed wire will usually help as an lively warning reproving to all but the most certain animals. For those few headstrong beasties, though, this homemade electric fence charger might be just the ticket . . . and it requires less sturdy, and consequently in view of that often less expensive, posts than would a barbed wire enclosure.
However, if you were to come by a fence charger at your local farm supply house, that piece of equipment would probably set you put up to together with $25 and $35. You'll be glad to know, then, that it's realizable reachable to make this component in relation to your own-using readily available, and some easily salvageable, electronic parts and the information given here-for as little as $10 or $15.
The charger we put together is powered by a 12-volt automotive battery, and can adopt an attention-getting 25,000 volts of electricity to the fence strands following every one second. Built vis-а-vis a adequate car ignition coil, the device hasn't ample plenty amperage to seriously manipulate or to kill an animal, but its "bite" will utterly encourage to reinforce the concept that territorial boundaries attain exist!
Essentially, the salvaged coil does much the same job as it did knocked out the hood of a car, but a easy to use relay replaces the breaker points. considering that device's contacts are closed, current flows through the coil, which has the capability to deposit energy. Then, following the contacts come entry (thus breaking the circuit), the pent-up aptitude has no place to go, and the magnetic auditorium collapses . . . inducing current in the coil's secondary winding. Because there are many more turns in this latter wrap than there are in the primary winding, the voltage is amplified considerably and subsequently next passed directly to the conductive fence wire.
The relay is energized for unaided an instant - actually just about 15/1,000 of a second previously the current flow is controlled by a single basic integrated circuit. Housing 32 individually aligned transistors, this 79d electronic marvel generates a pulse (with a little assist support from a couple of timing circuits) entirely second or so, activating the relay. A flexible resistor can be used to acclimatize the rate of pulse.
For the sake of your parts-shopping convenience, our materials list includes enjoyable Radio Shack components and catalog numbers. The items can all be purchased from your local retail outlet for virtually $11, later than the exception of the ignition coil and the printed circuit board.
The coil—which must be from a all right automotive ignition system rather than the newer transistorized versions—should be easy to scrounge, or perhaps get hold of for a pittance at a wrecking yard.
The circuit board can be obtained in several ways, as well. If you have some experience following electronic do-it-yourself projects, you may aspire to make up your own from the full-size pattern shown below. (Even if you have absolutely no such experience, you could still aspire your hand at boardmaking, using a printed circuit kit affable from Radio Shack.)
Another option is to gain a ready-made, predrilled board manufactured specifically for this project by Danocinths, Inc. (see the materials list for ordering information).
The perch stop of the job is easy: comprehensibly total the parts into their respective holes, following the layout guide. (Remember, it is essential that you observe the management and polarity of the components.) taking into account the pieces are in place, use rosin-core solder and a small pencil iron to fix stick them to the board. aspire to avoid producing an excessive growth of the conductive melt or allowing it to bridge two next paths.
Next, cut five 12 inch lengths of 18- or 20 gauge insulated wire and fix stick them through the board's quintet of in-line holes . . . which benefit to the ground, power, earth, and two coil terminals (it doesn't matter, at this point, which wire goes where). later set the circuit board aside and begin assembling a protective enclosure for the electrical components.
Though any non-conductive material will do for this job, we chose to make a available shed . . . using a 46 inch length of 1 by 5, a 7-1/2 inch by 14 inch piece of 3/4 inch plywood, an 18 inch scrap of 1 inch corner molding, and a hunk of plexiglass measuring 9 inches by 15 inches. (A piece of Masonite hardboard could be substituted for this last part, but by yourself if it's sufficiently waterproofed first.)
Start by sour the wooden parts to the sizes indicated in the diagram approaching the following page. Note that the two wall pieces and the corner moldings-will have to be mitered to 45 degrees. after that stockpile the box, using No. 7 by 1-1/4 inch flathead wood screws where indicated and making certain positive that the heads are countersunk and the joints protected in the same way as putty or silicone sealant.
Now, drill two 1/4 inch holes (they'll accommodate the two battery terminals) through the right and left walls, and bore four more 1/4 inch openings through the back wall: one each for the high demonstration lead, the coil mount, and the earth terminal, help a given hole, near the roof peak, to inherit you to hang the unit. You can also, at this time, coat all the wooden parts later a protective water-repellent sealer such as polyurethane.
With that done, go more or less to trim the plexiglass slant cover to size and prepare to install it to the front of the box past No. 4 by 3/8 inch roundhead wood screws. To make the assembly job easier, you'll probably deficiency dearth to cut the cover in half, horizontally, just about 7 inches below its peak . . . and later mount the circuit board to the lower section of plexiglass gone four No. 2 by 1-1/4 inch roundhead machine screws, nuts, and 1 inch spacers. Then, while you're at it, install the toggle switch. (Before screwing either cover in place, though, be clear to govern the proper wires to 1/4 inch-bolt negative battery and earth terminals, hook up the coil and mount it when different 1/4 inch fastener-making clear its high stir pro isn't routed near the pining electronic components as it passes through the put up to of the box-and wire the switch into the positive battery lead, at a narrowing to the front the terminal, as shown in the illustration.)
All that's left, then, is to mount the corner molding to the slant of the roof peak (over the plexiglass cover), using No. 7 by 1/2 inch flathead wood screws . . . waterproof these enduring surviving sections . . . and install the. battery cables and some claw terminal clips at the ends of the exterior wires.
This homemade fence charger is, of course, hooked occurring in the same pretension as are the store-bought ones. We conveniently hung the box in relation to a convenient fencepost, placed a 12-volt auto battery-raised off the arena -beneath it, and drove a 4-foot bare steel rod into the earth near the site. (If you prefer to manufacture unusual enclosure to protect the battery from the weather, as shown in relation to the cover of this issue, make Definite you provide aerate holes to enter upon any combustible gases to escape.)
The certain and negative leads go to their respective terminals going on for the battery, the terminal labeled "earth" should be related to the buried steel rod once a piece of (preferably insulated) wire, and the high voltage pro gets clipped directly to the bare fence strand.
Keep in mind, though, that the "hot" fence wire will reach complete its job without help and no-one else if it's [1] insulated from both the fenceposts and the sports ground like gratifying ceramic or plastic knobs (of course, you could aspiration homemade protectors such as bottle necks or PVC pipe sections), and [2] placed at an occupy peak summit for the animals you're frustrating a pain to train.
Remember, too, that you can control manage several strands of fence wire at alternating levels if they're suitably tied together by a connecting conductive wire. This understanding will agree you to grant both adult and pubertal beasts from passing through your chosen borders.
Given tight associates links and a healthy battery, your fence charger ought to affect for several months without a "boost" . . . and the unit itself should last for quite a while to the fore any component ration gives up.
Additionally, since the pulse rate is adjustable, you can stretch the device's committed energy a bit by starting it off at a gruff rate, then, after a few days (by which epoch most of your critters will have intellectual their lessons), barbed it assist by turning beside the modifiable resistor.
If you're keen in tinkering and don't mind saving a few bucks in the bargain, reach complete believe to be building this little hotbox . . . we're to your liking to bet that your garden (or your neighbors!) will thank you for it.
I need a simplistic point for making my own electric deer fence my small vineyard has a lineal footage of 260 footage. I am too far from a AC resource at the main residence, so my parts inventory is:About 3000 ft of electric fence line wire; a 12 volt auto battery; an auto coil; a steel grounding bar; and a "back up" battery.Are these items ample plenty for an electric deer fence?George
Normally fence chargers are rated by how many joules activity they deliver. accomplish you have any idea what output can be expected from this unit (or how to calculate it)?
It was a 12vdc relay past a current rating of 10amp 120vac/28vdc. They don't sell it in the stores anymore. Online they attain sell the NTE R73-5D10-12 which I believe to be same thesame to the 275-216 in size and specs.
yeah, that would in fact in point of fact assist support me too. I'm in uk and i haven't seen radio shack (or tandy trs as i seem to remember they are called here) for years. Also, is it me, or is the annotated picture of the circuit board a teeny bit hard to make out? I'm planning to use stripboard or breadboard to make mine to grant costs down. is there any reason this would be a bad idea? thanks!
Hi I am looking for the Specs roughly speaking the Relay used for the electric fence charger I have looked approaching Radio Shack for the part number but it does not exist.
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