How to Connect a Ground Wire to an Electric Fence

Electric fences are useful for containing livestock.

Electric fences are commonly used alone or with other types of fence materials such as wood. Horses, cattle and other livestock can be contained with the aid of an electric fence. Properly installing an electric fence is essential for operation safety. Ground wire is part of the installation process that should not be overlooked. Follow the necessary steps to properly ground an electric fence before operation.

Things You'll Need

• 3 copper ground rods (8 feet long)
• Metal post driver
• Stepladder
• Ground rod clamps
• Adjustable wrench
• High-voltage copper ground wire
• Wire cutters
• 2-lb. sledgehammer

Instructions

1. Choose a location to install the ground rods near the electric fence charger but that won't interfere with foot traffic or any buried utility lines.

2. Position a stepladder to the side of where the first 8-foot copper ground rod will be installed. Place one end of the copper ground rod in the desired location. Pick up a metal fence post driver and climb the stepladder to a comfortable position.

3. Place the post driver over the end of the copper ground rod. Drive the rod into the ground by raising and lowering the post driver. Leave 8 to 10 inches of the rod exposed above ground.

4. Install two more 8-foot copper ground rods following the same procedure. Space the ground rods so they are 1 foot apart and in a straight line. Leave 8 to 10 inches of the rod extending above ground level.

5. Attach a ground rod clamp on the end of all three ground rods. Position the top of the clamps 1 inch from the end of the ground rod.

6. Connect high-voltage ground wire to the wire clamps of all three ground rods. Stretch the wire between the three copper rods and secure with the clamps mounted on each rod. Tighten the clamps to the wires with an adjustable wrench.

7. Drive the posts into the ground with the 2-lb. hammer. Hammer the posts so they are ground level or just below ground level, based on personal preference.

8. Direct the high voltage wire to the charger and attach to the appropriate clamp on the charger box.

References

• My Horse: Ground an Electric Fence Properly