How to Set Up Electric Fence Paddock

The purpose of an electric fence paddock is to construct a fence that is reasonably durable and one that your animals learn to respect. The heart of every electric fence is the energizer, which converts electricity to a high-voltage pulse. When plugged in or charged, the energizer will release this pulse along the insulated fence line about once every second. Any animal touching the fence will receive a jolt. When purchasing supplies, note that each type of electric wire, rope or tape uses special insulators, connectors and splicers. Purchase the correct type for your installation.

Things You'll Need

  • Fencing pliers
  • Wire strippers
  • Work gloves
  • Energizer
  • Voltage tester
  • Electric wire, tape or rope
  • Tensioners
  • Fence posts
  • Insulators
  • Shielded wire
  • Wire splicing sleeves
  • Ground rods and connectors
  • Electric gate kit
  • Warning signs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and diagram the area where you are placing the fence. Include gates to calculate the quantities of equipment needed. The type of posts and fencing material will determine post placement. Every post should have an insulator for each strand of electric wire you are installing. So a three-strand electric fence will need three insulators on each post.

    • 2

      Purchase an energizer based on power availability and the size of your paddock. If you use a powered energizer, it must be installed in a weather-proof area. If you don't have electric power near your paddock, choose a solar energizer.

    • 3

      Install the posts per your plan. Sturdy, well-seated posts are important to the stability and strength of your electric paddock fence. Place all the insulators on the fence posts.

    • 4

      Starting from one end, pull the electric wire through all insulators, leaving at least a yard extra on both ends for later connections. Tighten the wires between each insulator.

    • 5

      Install electric gate handle kits so your animals won't push against the gate.

    • 6

      Install shielded wire (insulated to 20,000 volts) from the energizer to the paddock. Bury the wire in a shallow trench, using PVC tubing for extra protection.

    • 7

      Connect the different levels of your wire together with a length of shielded wire running between them. This will electrify all your strands. Check that all wires are connected.

    • 8

      Set your ground rods at least a yard apart. Connect them to each other and run shielded wire to the energizer. Three ground rods are recommended.

    • 9

      Once your wires are connected and ground rods set, connect the two shielded wires to the energizer: The positive (+) side should be connected to the fence, the negative (-) or "ground" should be connected to the ground rods.

    • 10

      Plug in or turn on the energizer. Test the voltage with the voltage tester at several places on your fence. It should be close to the voltage the energizer generates.

    • 11

      Plug in or turn on the energizer. Test the voltage with the voltage tester at several places on your fence. It should be close to the voltage the energizer generates.