Electric fence charger testing

   / Electric fence charger testing #1  

Paddy

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2004
Messages
1,483
Location
Bloomington, IN
Tractor
Kubota, G5200, KAMA 454
Peaches are coming on and I'm having electric fence issues. last night I was testing the fence and found I was not getting a pulse every second, maybe every 4 seconds. The charger is clicking/light flashing every second.
I used the tester on the fence and "sometimes" I would get a full reading. Other times I would get nothing just holding the tester. I even touched it with the back of my hand and nothing. Tried again and got a shock.

Then I disconnected the the hot lines from the charger and tested from the ground lug to the hot lug, nothing. Then using an insulated bar I touched the ground lug and slower moved towards the hot lug. It would pulse every second but it had to be within 1/8 of an inch. I have seen it jump a gap of 3/8 inch in the last few days though.

Is this controller dead?
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #2  
It's obviously not dead but should probably be in intensive care. If you can't repair it replacement time may have arrived. The old mechanical fencers had a replaceable vibrator can thing but the newer ones are all solid state.
 
   / Electric fence charger testing
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I see a charger at Tractor supply that is a bit higher energy, I get it and zap the 'coons"
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #4  
What brand of charger are you running ? Also is it electric/ solar / or battery powered ? Any pics of your set up ?
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #5  
They do go bad. If it is a solar charger you can replace the battery and see if that helps. If not, get a new one.
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #6  
I see a charger at Tractor supply that is a bit higher energy, I get it and zap the 'coons"
I noticed when sever electrical storms come thru the area, even a few miles out, the fence energizers would tank. It didn't matter what brand either. Got tired of replacing them. I then found the Zebra brand has a lightening resistance add-on. Since adding them, I've no longer needed to replace the units. The units are getting very pricey too.
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #7  
@Paddy The reduced spark gap suggests a dying charger, as does the irregular timing.
We have used Fence Fixer to repair our older Gallagher units twice, and he was very helpful, quick, and not very expensive. (y)(y)
REPAIRS | Electric Fencer Repairs | Fence Charger Repairs

FWIW: We installed lightning arrestors on our electric fence when we set it up, complete with separate grounds set 10' into an area of soil that stays damp. Despite lightning strikes near enough to take out the utility electrical power transformers over several miles, there was no effect on our charger. We used a Gallagher model that is adjustable;

So, yes, another vote for adding a lightning arrestor.

Premier1 Fencing recommends a lightning diverter/choke every 1/2 mile;
We don't have one, so I can't comment.

All the best,

Peter
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #8  

I started using a L Diverter after this thread some years ago , and I have had pretty good success down here in sw Fla .
We get lots of electrical storms BTW. Not 100 per cent foolproof but good cheap semi alternative insurance.
Dang worth a try imo for someone interested in it .
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #9  

I started using a L Diverter after this thread some years ago , and I have had pretty good success down here in sw Fla .
We get lots of electrical storms BTW. Not 100 per cent foolproof but good cheap semi alternative insurance.
Dang worth a try imo for someone interested in it .
Very cheap insurance in my book...

All the best,

Peter
 
   / Electric fence charger testing #10  
We have found that the capacitor fails in energisers and is not an expensive fix, also look for signs of leakage around the perimeter such as debris between wire and ground source, we found ants in an insulator that gave us problems and water droplets can do the same.
You haven't mentioned how long the run is and can the energiser cope, with our multiple runs we total about 2 miles but the enegiser can handle 20, so they claim and we also have some solar units on small confines that are not always used.
Ours are Gallagher and generally quite good.
 

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