Operating Tips for a PetSafe Wire Break Detector

Invisible dog fences work by sending an electric pulse to your pet's collar when it ventures out of a predetermined area. They are much cheaper than traditional fencing and mean that your dog can roam freely and safely if you have a large amount of land. Wire installed under the ground triggers the pulse which stops only when your pet comes back into the wired area. If the wire is broken or damaged, the system will not work and your dog will be able to escape. The PetSafe Wire Break Detector can help you identify where the problem is.

  1. Preparation of equipment

    • Turn the fence and transmitter off, disconnect the boundary wires and then connect them to the test transmitter. If your transmitter is grounded as per the instructions supplied with your invisible fence kit, attach its ground wire to the ground terminal of the test transmitter. If your transmitter is not grounded, attach the wire to the test transmitter's ground terminal and to the grounding wire for your house which is usually found near the electric meter.

    Turn the Receiver On

    • Plug the transmitter in, turn it on and check that there are batteries in the AM receiver. Turn the receiver on and tune it to 530khz. If you find that there is a radio station broadcasting on this frequency in your area, move the dial slightly until you can't hear it.

    Locate the Break

    • Follow the wire around your property with the receiver held close to the ground. The receiver makes a tone that will decrease in volume when you approach the break in your wire. The tone will return to normal once you have passed the break. It will only identify full breaks in your invisible fence and will not pick up partial splits.

    Repair

    • Dig up the area where the receiver tone dipped and strip the ends of the wire that have broken. Then insert the ends into a wire nut and twist to reconnect them. Apply a waterproof compound like silicone and wrap the connection in electrical tape to stop the wire pulling apart and to protect against moisture. Bury the wire and reconnect your original transmitter to test.