electric fence battery question

[jamband]

I was wondering what size 12v battery you all use and how often you need to charge it? ALso do you cover it? I heard its better if they sit off the ground a little?

Thanks

 

[patandchickens]

You will want to use a deep-cycle marine type battery if you want to be recharging it. How big is up to you, it doesn't affect the fence charge per se it just affects how long the battery lasts before it requires recharging. Can't really predict how long a given battery will last for you before needing recharging, because it depends so much on what your fence size/resistance/load is.

It needs to be covered to prevent premature deterioration of the plastics in sunlight, the charger itself often needs to be covered too for the same reason (but there are a few exceptions -- check mfr instructions with your particular charger). Most people would either mount the charger on a post or building, or stick it on top of a cinderblock. You can either build it a little tiny-doghouse-sized hut, or in the case of many chargers you can just upend a big bucket over it, secured against wind.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[jamband]

thanks pat, sorry i should have clarified. I have one 164 ft section of 48 inch poultry netting, getting a 1 joule charger. I will be moving the fence weekly. I like the bucket idea for the charger, think a battery would get too hot in a bucket?

 

[Ahab]

You can also go to a boating-supplies store (or the boating section of Walmart) and buy a waterproof plastic battery box for around $20.

 

[flnatv]

I use solar... rarely have to worry about it.
I also have horses and the marine battery only lasts about 3 weeks... then I would have to have the electric down for recharge or buy a new which is expensive.

I love my solar fencing!!!!!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I will be moving the fence weekly.

A decent deep cycle battery is going to weigh 50-75 lbs.

I'd put the battery and the charger AND the FENCE charger on a small enclosed wagon so it can all be moved as a unit​

 

[jamband]

Quote:
My problem with solar is the initial cost but more so is I have low sun in winter and would be worried. Also have heard several people say solar didnt work quite as well for them with the poultry netting.

 

[jamband]

Quote:
A decent deep cycle battery is going to weigh 50-75 lbs.

I'd put the battery and the charger AND the FENCE charger on a small enclosed wagon so it can all be moved as a unit

good idea. most moves will be quite short but that will be nice for the bigger moves.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Also have heard several people say solar didnt work quite as well for them with the poultry netting.

That depends more on the charger and battery.

The "solar" part of the system simply keeps the battery charged.

Many "solar" chargers are pretty weak (Joules) and nettng has a lot of resistance to the current​