How to Check for Voltage at the Ground Rod

Poor grounding accounts for many instances of failed electric fencing. A failed electric fence means that much of your time is spent corralling livestock that has wandered through a fence that is not providing a sufficient jolt, when the animal comes in contact with it. While poor installation can also be a factor, begin by checking for stray voltage on your ground rods.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 metal pipes or rods
  • Voltmeter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Short circuit your fence by laying three metal rods or pipes against the wire or wires, with the charger shut off. You should short the fence, at least 100 feet from the charger and ground system. They may either be propped against it, or in extremely arid climates, drive them up to a foot into the ground.

    • 2

      Switch the charger on, to provide electricity to the fence.

    • 3

      Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage on the last ground rod, by inserting the lead of the voltmeter into the ground as far from the last rod as the voltmeter wire will reach.

    • 4

      Contact the last ground rod with the voltmeter. Readings higher than .3 require additional grounding in the form of one or more rods driven into the ground. Readings less than 2 also require additional grounding.