Electric fence charger testing

[Paddy]

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?

 

[Roadworthy]

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.

 

[Paddy]

I see a charger at Tractor supply that is a bit higher energy, I get it and zap the 'coons"

 

[bullbreaker]

What brand of charger are you running ? Also is it electric/ solar / or battery powered ? Any pics of your set up ?

 

[WM75Guy]

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.

 

[bmaverick]

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.

 

[ponytug]

@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.
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;

Adjustable Electric Fence Lightning Diverter G64800 | Gallagher Charger | Gallagher Electric Fencing from Valley Farm Supply

Buy Here! Lightning Diverter Features Diverts lightning from the fence to the earth to protect the Energizer. Can withstand multiple lightning strikes. Easily adjustable

gallagherelectricfencing.com

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

Premier1 Fencing recommends a lightning diverter/choke every 1/2 mile;

Galvanized Lightning Diverter

Reduces risk of lightning damaging an energizer by redirecting the energy to the ground.

www.premier1supplies.com

We don't have one, so I can't comment.

All the best,

Peter

 

[bullbreaker]

Lightning Diverter/Arrestor Snakeoil ?

Anybody here ever use a "Lightning Diverter" or porcelain " Lightning Arrestors" , on their electric stock/horse fence units ? The claim here though not 100% fool-proof there suppose to "save" fence chargers . Never have used them on mine and was wondering if they work or are just snakeoil or...

www.tractorbynet.com

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 .

 

[ponytug]

Lightning Diverter/Arrestor Snakeoil ?

Anybody here ever use a "Lightning Diverter" or porcelain " Lightning Arrestors" , on their electric stock/horse fence units ? The claim here though not 100% fool-proof there suppose to "save" fence chargers . Never have used them on mine and was wondering if they work or are just snakeoil or...

www.tractorbynet.com

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

 

[bunyip]

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.