How to Wire a Fence Tester

Electric fences use insulators on posts so the electricity does not short out on posts.

Electric fences keep pets and livestock from straying from their pens or yards by transmitting an energy pulse along the fence every few seconds. The pulse shocks any animals that touch the fence. A controller channels the energy pulse through the fence and adjusts the current's voltage. A wire fence tester is used to measure the voltage in the fence line and at the controller box for troubleshooting purposes. Electric fence testers have a hook on the top to hang on wiring, a copper probe for grounding the tester and gauges to show the amount of electrical current.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

Testing the Fencing

1. Press the copper probe on the fence tester at least 3 inches into the ground near the fence line. Remove your hands from the copper probe with the probe protruding straight from the ground.

2. Hang the metal clip of the tester on a fence wire. The metal clip is shaped like the number 7, so it can hang freely on a fence wire. The LED display shows the voltage present in this area of the fence.

3. Grasp the tester at the bottom of the unit and lift the whole thing to break contact with and remove from the fence. Do not touch the metal clip with your hands; doing so can result in significant injury.

4. Grasp the copper probe and pull it straight up out of the ground.

Testing the Fence Controller

1. Place a screwdriver on the "Ground" terminal on the controller after turning the power off. Turn the screw two revolutions counterclockwise to loosen the screw. Pull the ground wire from underneath the screw. Repeat this process for the "Fence" terminal wire.

2. Turn the fence controller to the "On" position.

3. Touch the copper probe on the fence tester to the "Ground" terminal and the hook on top to the "Fence" terminal on the controller at the same time. Do not hold the probe or hook directly while doing this; hold the tester in the middle near the LED lights. The voltage associated with each LED light is printed on the tester body next to each light. It ranges from 625 volts to 5000 volts.

4. Pull the tester away from the fence controller. Replace the ground and fence terminal lines under the screws on each terminal. Tighten the screws in a clockwise direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the fence wire first for a voltage reading. If there is no voltage, check the controller for voltage.

• A weak reading while testing the fence wire indicates that there is a drop in voltage from the controller to that area of the fence line. Remove any tree limbs or brush that may be partially shorting out the circuit.

• The amount of voltage for animal containment depends on the livestock and their personality. Some large bulls will not touch an electric fence with a lower voltage of 625 volts; others will charge through it unless it contains 5,000 volts. Observing the animals' interactions with an electric fence determines the voltage needed for individuals or groups of livestock.

• Never touch the copper probe or the wire clip on the top of a tester when the tester is in a closed circuit. A closed circuit occurs when each of the items is touching terminals on the controller or the fence and the ground probe at the same time. A closed circuit will send a shock to hands touching the clip or probe.

• Do not pull on the insulated wire above the copper probe when removing it from the ground. The wire may separate and disable the tester.

References

• Fleming Outdoors: Electric Fence Solar Powered Installation

Resources

• Premier 1: 5 Light Fence Tester