How to Find a Break in an Electric Fence
An electric fence is a closed-loop system. Current flows from a controller, energizes the electric fence wire, passes to the grounding rod(s), then returns to the controller. Any gap or resistance in this loop will cause a break in the electric fence. Troubleshooting and repair is usually just a case of narrowing down the possible causes of failure.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Check the electric fence controller to ensure it is emitting the proper voltage. Lightning is the most common cause of controller failure. Lightning diverters and surge suppressors will help to prevent controller failure.
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2
Walk along the electric fence line, looking for obvious problems. An open gate, a failed splice or a broken wire will cause a break in an electric fence. A broken insulator may allow the wire to touch a fence post.
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3
Remove weeds or brush that have grown up into the electric fence. The current in the electric fence will take the path of least resistance to reach the ground.
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4
Look for anything coming into contact with the wire, such as a fallen limb. A woven fence may have stretched enough to contact the wire.
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5
Listen for a rhythmic, crackling sound. A break in an electric fence will often result in an audible spark at the point of failure.
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6
Check for corrosion at all breaks in the electric fence. Any place where a wire was spliced or connected to an insulated wire is a likely place for corrosion, which may interrupt the current.
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7
Use an electric fence tester, which is available at farm supply stores. An electric fence tester consists of a handheld base unit and a probe connected by an insulated wire. To use, push the probe into the ground and touch the handheld unit to the electric fence wire. The readout on the handheld unit will tell you if current is flowing through the wire at that point. Test at different points until you narrow down the location of the break.
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8
Add additional grounding rods if the tester shows that the voltage is low everywhere along the fence. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your fence controller as to the location and spacing of grounding rods. A configuration that worked well in the spring may not work as well when the ground dries in the summer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
A battery-operated AM radio will emit a popping sound when near a short in an electric fence. The closer it gets to the break, the louder it will pop.
Checking an electric fence at night will make it easier to see sparks at points of failure.
Once you have found a trouble spot, turn off the current to the electric fence before attempting repairs.
The voltage coming out of a controller is often enough to result in death. Be sure the controller is off when connecting it to the electric fence.
