BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Replace Electric Fence Insulators

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Electric fences are safe and humane way to keep livestock in and unwanted pests and predators out. Insulators are needed along the length of an electric fence to keep the wire from touching anything that might reduce the shock of the fence. Use the steps here to learn how to replace electric fence insulators.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Carpentry tools
New insulators

Step1

Inspect the entire fence line. Note any cracked, chipped or broken insulators on the wire or the fence posts. Cracks that do not jeopardize the flow of electricity are acceptable.

Step2

Disconnect all power to the electric fencing before touching or removing damaged insulators. Some units have a break switch at the control box outside, and others operate off of the house's main junction box. Trace the power source and disconnect.

Step3

Remove the electric fence insulator from the wire or the post. Back the retaining screw from the post and allow the insulator to hang loosely.

Step4

Unwrap the wire from the insulator carefully and remove the insulator entirely. Look at the wiring where the insulator was attached to the post for any signs of damage to the wire or post. Repair immediately if any damage is found.

Step5

Place the new insulator in the wire where the old insulator was. Tighten the wire around the insulator with one or two revolutions. Make the connection secure and snug. Leave enough slack in the wire to reattach to the fence post.

Step6

Repeat as needed.

Tips & Warnings

To avoid damage, have an assistant hold the wire until the new insulator can be replaced.
Place the livestock or animals in another area or pen until all work is complete.
Return power to the wire after all insulators are replaced and check voltage with a voltmeter.
Never touch an electrified electric fence as serious injury could occur.