Electric fence in Winter?

[RWise]

No.

We will disagree on this also, snow is not pure water, and because of that it will be conductive, BTDT!

 

[centrarchid]

Yes snow will short it out if it gets deep enuf.
What predator/s are you trying to keep out in the winter? Most of what I would use an electric fence for hibernates,,,cept dogs and cats.

No. It is not even worth effort to discuss. Not even taking time to address conductivity and role of salts. No.

 

[Howard E]

I leave my 4 strand wire fence up and on all winter, as a lot of bad guys around here don't take the winter off. Shorting out has never been a problem. I look forward to a little snow, as I get to follow tracks to see whats going on around the yard. The snow records all activity.......or lack thereof.

 

[True Patriot]

If you have it, use it. There's no reason not to. If snow becomes an issue, disconnect individual strands as necessary to prevent shorting. I can't think of any reason I would turn mine off. But I have gotten a massive 1/2 inch of snow in the last 5 years and almost nothing here hibernates. All the points discussed here are good, and everyone has their reason for doing it their way. If that's what works for you keep doing it.

 

[123RedBeard]

They make line switches ... just turn off the bottom wire.
https://am.gallagher.com/us/products/6752/cut-out-switches

... and yes, some types and depths of snow can also act as an insulator to some critters ... so they don't get to meet Mr Sparky!

 

[llombardo]

They make line switches ... just turn off the bottom wire.
https://am.gallagher.com/us/products/6752/cut-out-switches

... and yes, some types and depths of snow can also act as an insulator to some critters ... so they don't get to meet Mr Sparky!

So if there is a continuos wire ran around let's say 4 times, how does this work? Does it go and get clipped at the point where it's going to the next level? Can you do that on two bottom wires? Would it require two seperate cut off switches?

 

[Folly's place]

It's really not complicated, and there's good information at Premier1supplies.com, and by phone with them too.
Mary

 

[RWise]

No. It is not even worth effort to discuss. Not even taking time to address conductivity and role of salts. No.

Please call an electrician when you need electrical work, I dont want to read about you getting electrocuted.

BYW an electric fence charger is not going to kill you, though if you have a pacemaker, you should avoid getting shocked.
Also the voltage from a CRT is not going to kill, yes it is high voltage and it will burn you, but it is the wrong frequency to kill.

 

[123RedBeard]

So if there is a continuos wire ran around let's say 4 times, how does this work? Does it go and get clipped at the point where it's going to the next level? Can you do that on two bottom wires? Would it require two seperate cut off switches?

Yes, you could put the switch in where it transitions between elevations ... but, it also depends on which end of the wire is coming from the charger!

Just don't run a continuous wire ...

Look at the pictures, and see how each wire has a "jumper" ... https://am.gallagher.com/us/in-practice/electric-fencing-basics

And ... https://blog.kencove.com/10-most-co...oblems-part-1/comment-page-23/#comment-224036

Notice in the pictures that the main power (hot) comes in on top, then has jumpers that drop down? Just add the cutout switch to the jumper(s) going down ...

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes, you could put the switch in where it transitions between elevations ... but, it also depends on which end of the wire is coming from the charger!

Just don't run a continuous wire ...

Look at the pictures, and see how each wire has a "jumper" ... https://am.gallagher.com/us/in-practice/electric-fencing-basics

And ... https://blog.kencove.com/10-most-co...oblems-part-1/comment-page-23/#comment-224036

Notice in the pictures that the main power (hot) comes in on top, then has jumpers that drop down? Just add the cutout switch to the jumper(s) going down ...

Excellent articles but I did not see pulsing discussed. Pulsing is a huge safety factor. The energizers do not continuously send current down the line, they send about 50 pulses a minute. If there were a continuous current you or the animals could be electrocuted, you would not be able to let go when shocked. You can let go between pulses. When you are shocked you will let go.

I've had critters caught in my electric netting. Turtles are too slow to get away between pulses. Out of three that got stuck one died, no telling how long it was stuck. The other two were paralyzed when I got them free but eventually crawled away. I've seen a couple of dead frogs that somehow got stuck, haven't figured that one out yet. A 5' to 6' snake died when it got into the netting, probably got too far in before it got the first shock. I once had a possum try to crawl under and get tangled. It was paralyzed but not dead from the electricity when I found it. A few minutes later it was dead but not from the electricity.

This was netting, not fencing. I guess it is possible somehow to get tangled in fencing and it still be energized but I consider it unlikely. Any time you use electricity there is a risk, but our homes are mostly run by electricity. If you hook it up correctly and follow standard procedures it it really safe, in your house or in a fence.