Understanding Your Electric Fence Wiring Diagram

Are you tired of animals eating your garden vegetables or other plants? An electric fence can keep them away by delivering a small shock to deter them from certain areas. Let's take a look at an electric fence wiring diagram to see what parts are involved and their role in making your fence function effectively.

Electric Fence Parts

An electric fence relies on several parts for the flow of electricity to keep animals from getting past the fence. Many of the parts in an electric fence are critical for its overall function.

1. Fence Controller

Also called the "energizer," the fence controller drives the electric fence, giving it its zing. You connect the wires to the energizer or fence controller so electrical current can flow through. 

Fence controllers may be solar-powered, battery operated or plug-in.

2. Grounding Posts

Ground posts ensure your fence functions as it should. The soil or ground plays an important role in the flow of current through your fence and the grounding posts help to control and strengthen the current. The posts are pushed into the ground and are made from galvanized steel or copper. 

They connect to the fence controller with the grounding wire.

3. Fence Posts

Electric fence posts often look like regular fence posts. They may be made of wood, metal, or plastic. The lead-in wire attaches to the fence posts either with separate or built-in insulators.

4. Grounding Wire

Grounding wires play a major role in keeping an electric fence charged and safe. When the electrical current flows through the fence, the grounding wire transfers some of that current into the grounding posts and into the soil. 

You must properly install the grounding wire and rods for your fence to work effectively. A local animal fencing pro can ensure the safety and effectiveness of your electric fence.

5. Insulators

If the wires on your fence contact the fence posts, they will lose their charge and the fence won't be an effective deterrent. Insulators are made from non-conductive materials, such as plastic, and attach to the fence posts. The wire runs on top of the insulators, preventing contact with the posts.

Note that if the fence posts are made from plastic, separate insulators aren’t always needed, since plastic is a non-conductive material.

6. End Strainers

End strainers help to support the insulators by keeping the wire from contacting conductive materials. They tighten the fence's wires, preventing them from sagging and touching the ground, a post, or other materials. They are often positioned near the end of the fence.

7. Wire

An electric fence wouldn't be electric without wires or cables. The wire stretches along the length of the fence. It can be made from aluminum or a conductive, braided material. 

Some types of electric fences have a single wire, while others may have several rows of wire, depending on the fence height or style. 

8. Warning Signs

Ideally, an electric fence will have several easy-to-spot signs along its length. The warning signs should be bright yellow and read "Electric Fence." Often, the signs will also have an image of a human hand with lightning bolts next to it.

Cost to Install an Electric Fence Yourself vs. Hire a Pro

Electric fence installation costs $1,330 on average but ranges between $1,000 and $1,650 depending on your yard’s size. You should call a fence pro to set up or repair your electric fence since it involves some electrical work and adjustments to your electrical panel.

If you’re a particularly handy homeowner with prior electrical experience, installing an electric fence yourself is possible—and can save you money. Professional labor amounts to 50% to 70% of the total project cost, so that’s how much you’ll save if you DIY since you’ll only need to pay for the materials.