Types of Electric Fences | Exclusion and Containment Fencing
Posted by Patriot Chargers on
Exclusion vs. Containment Fences
TRADITIONAL CONTAINMENT electric fence applications, such as those used to control cattle, horses, sheep, and goats, are primarily designed to keep these animals in a limited area. These animals are usually domesticated and are somewhat predictable. Most importantly, you are fencing these animals IN with their food source.
Standard EXCLUSION fences – such as those designed to keep out bears, wolves, coyotes, deer, or feral hogs – are different from traditional electric fence applications. These animals are not domesticated, are highly unpredictable, and can be extremely dangerous. Most importantly, you are fencing these animals OUT of their food source. Electric fence is a terrific and an effective solution for EXCLUSION fences, but it is absolutely critical that you do it right – for you, your property, and the animals.
EXCLUSION fences for small nuisance animals are primarily designed to keep them out of small flower gardens, landscaped areas, and other similar areas around a house or business. Usually, a single wire fence placed 4-6” off of the ground will be sufficient. Make sure the wire is not too close that it actually touches the ground itself. In some cases, you may need to add a 2nd or 3rd wire (allow 4-8” vertical distance between each wire). Unlike standard exclusion fences, those designed for small nuisance animals can typically be used with any Patriot energizer depending on the total area to be fenced.
CONTAINMENT fences for dogs are primarily designed to keep them in a residential yard. Usually, a single electrified wire placed 4-6” above the ground will be sufficient as most dogs will try to dig under the existing permanent fence. Make sure the wire is not too close that it actually touches the ground itself. If you want to add a 2nd or 3rd wire, allow 4-8” vertical distance between each wire. Unlike containment fences for livestock, those designed for dogs can typically be used with any Patriot energizer depending on the total area to be fenced.
Guidelines for standard exclusion fences
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DO use an energizer with a MIMINUM of 0.5 OUTPUT joules (NOT stored joules). Wildlife agencies recognize 0.5 output energy required to control predators. |
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DO research the type of fence design and conductor wire required for your specific application. |
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DO use proper grounding and fence construction techniques when building the electric fence. Both of these elements are crucial to the success of the fence. |
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DO solicit sound, professional advice before starting any project. |
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DO NOT use inferior products. This is NOT the time to go cheap on your energizer, fence materials and ground systems, just to save a few dollars. |
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DO NOT annoy the animal by using small energizers. The energizer must deliver a powerful enough shock to deter the animal. Small energizers just make the animal mad, making the animal try harder to get through. |
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DO NOT assume that all conductors (wires) are acceptable to use when controlling predators. Certain applications are fine with poli products, while others will require heavier gauge steel or aluminium wires. |