Fence Chargers

[rScotty]

An Update: Back in 2020 we had factory repaired Parmak fence chargers go bad several times and I was disappointed to have to pay again to have them repaired each time.

This last pair we had them fix have now both lasted 4 years. My guess is Parmak changed something about their repair procedure or parts supplier. I asked, but no reply.

The model is Parmak FieldMaster FM-1 low impedance. Four years is pretty good service for something that works as hard as a fence charger.

rScotty

 

[MMC]

I'm looking for recommendations on replacing our fence chargers. For many years we used Parmac brand fence chargers, but frankly they aren't the product they used to be.

Specs are: 110v., not out in the weather, multiple good grounds all the way down into the water table, no weeds to chop. Our chargers used to last 5 years, now we are lucky to get a day. The problem seems to be with the quality of the fence chargers, not the installation.

I'm thinking this time I'll go with a different brand - maybe even some foreign make & try to get something more reliable than the Parmac. So has anyone got any good recommendations?
thanks,
rScotty

You might consider this independent repair outfit. If you call them, they say they will give you good choices for chargers (they aren't selling anything as far as I can see). I believe if my chargers go bad in the future, I'll give them a try.

REPAIRS | Electric Fencer Repairs | Fence Charger Repairs

We repair ANY BRAND of ANY AGE of Electric Fencer, Fence Charger, and Fence Energizer. FREE ESTIMATES and OUR 18 MONTH WARRANTY

www.fencerfixer.com

Now, to your original point, my oldest chargers are 30+ years old and came from some outfit in Knoxville, TN...wish I had bought a few as spares - doubt that these new digital ones will go that distance...

 

[ponytug]

You might consider this independent repair outfit. If you call them, they say they will give you good choices for chargers (they aren't selling anything as far as I can see). I believe if my chargers go bad in the future, I'll give them a try.

REPAIRS | Electric Fencer Repairs | Fence Charger Repairs

We repair ANY BRAND of ANY AGE of Electric Fencer, Fence Charger, and Fence Energizer. FREE ESTIMATES and OUR 18 MONTH WARRANTY

www.fencerfixer.com

Now, to your original point, my oldest chargers are 30+ years old and came from some outfit in Knoxville, TN...wish I had bought a few as spares - doubt that these new digital ones will go that distance...

Fence fixer has repaired several of ours. He has been helpful, and prompt. When we quit using one brand (the enclosures went to pieces), I sent him our electronics to repair and add to his stock.

All the best,

Peter

 

[LHF2019]

Fence fixer fixed our Kencove fencer after a power surge. Great service and still going strong years later.

 

[kenmac]

I have this one Cyclops Boss, 32 Joule, 110V AC Powered Energizer | Free USA Shipping... It's been repaired twice in 7 yrs from being hit by lightening .. They are made not far from me and they repaired both times at no charge

 

[oosik]

Depends upon how you set up the electric fence. Around here we have tall native grasses. So.....you want to go with a "hot" top wire only. A low wire will do two things - weeds and grass will bend over in the wind and short out the fence. So - yours is one of those "hot ones" that will burn thru the weeds.

Ever hear of wildfires. Maybe you enjoy going down your fence line - every week - and whacking all the weed growing under the low wire.

The idea here - think ahead and don't simply create more problems for yourself.

 

[Jrasband]

premier1 fencing is the best source for electric fencing and there website is excellent.

 

[redman135]

If you have seasonal vegetation problems, have a switch on the lower wires so you can turn them off in long grass season and turn them back on in short grass season.
note: if you have goats, this will not work as they are very hot fence savy.

 

[3Ts]

I'm looking for a fence charger to keep critters out of my orchard. Primarily raccoons. I'm thinking I'll need a mesh fence around the trees (i've only got about 1 acre of orchard) with the hot wire on a stand off from that. I don't want to hurt the animals, just sting them so they leave my orchard alone. The chargers come in different power levels which has to do with the length of fence wire that's powered. Question is: does the power level affect how much energy is applied to the animal? Is 1 Joule for raccoons sufficient or do I need 5 joules or does it really matter? I do have deer, squirrels, and some others, but those are not as much of a problem.

 

[Jrasband]

I'm looking for a fence charger to keep critters out of my orchard. Primarily raccoons. I'm thinking I'll need a mesh fence around the trees (i've only got about 1 acre of orchard) with the hot wire on a stand off from that. I don't want to hurt the animals, just sting them so they leave my orchard alone. The chargers come in different power levels which has to do with the length of fence wire that's powered. Question is: does the power level affect how much energy is applied to the animal? Is 1 Joule for raccoons sufficient or do I need 5 joules or does it really matter? I do have deer, squirrels, and some others, but those are not as much of a problem.

Call and ask these nice folks who know all about it.

Electric Fence, Ear Tags, Sheep & Goat Equipment, Clippers and Shears, Netting, Backyard Poultry Supplies and more! - Premier1Supplies

Electric fence and netting, ear tags, clipping, shearing, sheep and goat equipment, backyard poultry supplies and more!

www.premier1supplies.com

You may want more joules because they are lighter and do not ground as well for a good shock, and/or a positive and negative strand or net fence.
You need to know how many feet and strands or if you are going with netting also to know what joule energizer you need. Also, your weed load on the fence makes a big difference on what joule you need. Having a strand close to the ground means you are going to be out there every two weeks in the growing season or more to weed-eat your fence.