How Does an Electric Fence Work?

Electric fences are used mainly to keep livestock safe from predators. If you own a farm and have acres of land where your horses or cows graze, the cost difference between electric and traditional fencing is quite significant. Electric fencing is less expensive and needs less maintenance. Animals kept inside an electric fence become trained not to touch the fence--once they find that the fence hurts, they tend to stay away from it. An adaptation of the livestock electric fence is an underground electric fence made mainly to keep a dog in the yard. This fence is invisible, but a dog quickly learns where the boundaries are.

The fence is charged by an energizer that sends high voltage through the wire. Sometimes a rope or electric fence tape is used instead of wire. The charge is sent through the fence in 1- to 2-second intervals. The fence acts as an open circuit that closes when an animal or person standing on the ground touches it. When the circuit is closed, the current runs through the animal and results in a shock. The voltage used depends on the animals that are being corralled. It takes less voltage for short-haired animals than long-haired animals. In some cases it only takes one shock to keep the animal from touching it again. But some animals are stubborn and will try a few times before they decide to stay away. Installation of these fences differs greatly from one farm to another, depending on their size. They can be installed by do-it-yourselfers with some help, or there are professional electric fence installers you can hire to do the job for you.

In the case of the underground fences, there is a transmitter located somewhere inside the house. The dog or other pet wears a special collar with a receiver installed in it. There are several little prongs made of metal on the inside of the collar. As the dog gets close to the fence, the collar makes a warning noise to let the dog know it's about to be shocked. If he ignores the warning and starts to cross the underground wire, he gets shocked. Although it sounds cruel, most dogs are very smart and learn not to go outside the boundaries.

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