Secure
connecting wires to the ground rods with brass ground rod clamps.
Add cable ties for increased security. After all ground rods are connected,
connect one ground rod to the negative terminal on your energizer.
Do not
confuse ground rods for your house with ground rods required for an
electric fence energizer. The ground rods used with a fence energizer
act as receivers for electron flow.
Grounding
is one of the most critical elements in any electric fence system
Over 95% of all electric fence problems result from poor grounding.
It is
important to understand how and why you need an effective ground system.
For an
electric fence to provide an effective shock, an electric circuit
must be completed. That means the electrons passing along the fence
must pass through the animal and then return back to the energizer.
The electrons can return to the energizer either by traveling through
the ground to the ground rods or through the negative (grounded) strand
on your fence, which is connected to the negative terminal on the
energizer.
We always
recommend a negative (grounded) strand on your fence. No matter how
dry the soil condition, a negative strand on your fence will deliver
a shock to any horse that touches both the negative (grounded) strand
and a positive strand of Braid™ at the same time.
NOTE:
Bury the ground rods so the connecting ground wire is below the
surface of the soil to avoid the risk of animals, equipment, or
people breaking or disconnecting the ground wire. Use small indicator
flags to show where the ground rods are located.
IMPORTANT:
Check with local utility companies to locate existing underground
cables, power lines or pipes before you install your fence posts
and ground rods.
When
you install a solar powered energizer, position it away from shadow
or possible animal contact. Face the solar panel towards the equator
or at an angle to allow maximum exposure to the sun.
TIP:
Place your Solar Powered energizer out in the field for two days
before connecting it to the fence. This will allow the battery to
charge to its maximum capacity. Ensure the unit is turned "Off"
while charging (failing to fully charge a battery before use will
prevent the battery from ever reaching a full charge).
