Important Electric Fence Safety, Operation and Installation Tips

This safety, operation and installation information is also included in the 'important information' section of our Gallagher Energizer manuals. The information provided here is our best advice but Gallagher accepts no responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from any electric fence installation whether or not erected in accordance with the advice provided. For more details on the original source of this information, please read our Disclaimer below.

For a shorter pictorial summary of the information below, see our electric fence safety poster.

For more information about electric fence products including Energizers and their installation and operation, see our Electric Fence Product Manuals page.

The following information is presented in relation to three categories of Energizer models: 

• Mains models only. These models can only be used with a mains power source.
• Battery/mains models.  These battery models can also be adapted to use a mains power source using the appropriate connector.
• Battery only or solar power only models.  These models cannot and should not be adapted for use with mains power.

Section 1 - Mains only

Important Information

WARNING: Read all instructions

• Do NOT touch the fence with the head, mouth, neck or torso. Do not climb over, through or under a multi -wire electric fence. Use a gate or a specially designed crossing point.
• Do NOT become entangled in the fence. Avoid electric fence constructions that are likely to lead to the entanglement of animals or persons.
• Energizer must be installed in a shelter and the supply cord must not be handled when the ambient temperature is below +5 deg C.
• Electric animal fences shall be installed and operated so that they cause no electrical hazard to persons, animals or their surroundings.
• It is recommended that, in all areas where there is a likely presence of unsupervised children who will be unaware of the dangers of electric fencing, that a suitably rated current limiting device having a resistance of not less than 500 ohms be connected between the energizer and the electric fence in this area.
• The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Do not place combustible materials near the fence or energizer connections. In times of extreme fire risk, disconnect energizer.
• Regularly inspect the supply cord and energizer for any damage. If found damaged in any way, immediately cease use of the energizer and return it to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre for repair in order to avoid a hazard.
• Refer servicing to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre.
• Check your local council for specific regulations.
• Energizers with a Standby mode may turn on or off without warning. The energizer must be disconnected from the mains supply if it needs to be rendered fully inoperative.
• An electric animal fence shall not be supplied from two separate energizers or from independent fence circuits of the same energizer.
• For any two separate electric animal fences, each supplied from a separate energizer independently timed, the distance between the wires of the two electric animal fences shall be at least 2.5m. If this gap is to be closed, this shall be effected by means of electrically non-conductive material or an isolated metal barrier.
• Barbed wire or razor wire shall not be electrified by an energizer.
• A non-electrified fence incorporating barbed wire or razor wire may be used to support one or more off-set electrified wires of an electric animal fence. The supporting devices for the electrified wires shall be constructed so as to ensure that these wires are positioned at a minimum distance of 150 mm from the vertical plane of the non-electrified wires. The barbed wire and razor wire shall be earthed at regular intervals.
• Follow the energizer manufacturer’s recommendations regarding earthing.
• The energizer earth electrode should penetrate the ground to a depth of at least 1 m (3 ft ) and not be within 10 m (33 ft ) of any power, telecommunications or other system.
• Use high voltage lead-out cable in buildings to eff ecti vely insulate from the earthed structural parts of the building and where soil could corrode exposed galvanized wire. Do not use household electrical cable.
• Connecting leads that are run underground shall be run in conduit of insulating material or else insulated high voltage lead-out cable shall be used. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the connecting leads due to the effects of animal hooves or tractor wheels sinking into the ground.
• Connecting leads shall not be installed in the same conduit as the mains supply wiring, communication cables or data cables.
• Connecting leads and electric animal fence wires shall not cross above overhead power or communication lines.
• Crossings with overhead power lines shall be avoided wherever possible. If such a crossing cannot be avoided it shall be made underneath the power line and as nearly as possible at right angles to it.
• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, the clearances shall not be less than those shown in the table below.

• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, their height above the ground shall not exceed 3 m
• This height applies either side of the orthogonal projection of the outermost conductors of the power line on the ground surface, for a distance of:-
  • 2 m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 1 000 V;
  • 15 m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage exceeding 1 000 V.
• Electric animal fences intended for deterring birds, household pet containment or training animals such as cows need only be supplied from low output energizers to obtain satisfactory and safe performance.
• In electric animal fences intended for deterring birds from roosting on buildings, no electric fence wire shall be connected to the energizer earth electrode. A warning sign shall be fitted to every point where persons may gain ready access to the conductors.
• Fence wiring should be installed well away from any telephone or telegraph line or radio aerial.
• Where an electric animal fence crosses a public pathway, a non-electrified gate shall be incorporated in the electric animal fence at that point or a crossing by means of stiles shall be provided. At any such crossing, the adjacent electrified wires shall carry warning signs.
• Any part of an electric animal fence that is installed along a public road or pathway shall be identified by electric fence warning signs (G6020) at regular intervals that are securely fastened to the fence posts or firmly clamped to the fence wires.
• The size of the warning sign shall be at least 100mm x 200mm.
• The background colour of both sides of the warning sign shall be yellow. The inscription on the sign shall be black and shall be either:
  • the substance of “CAUTION: Electric Animal Fence” or,
  • the symbol shown:

• The inscription shall be indelible, inscribed on both sides of the warning sign and have a height of at least 25mm.
• Ensure that all mains operated, ancillary equipment connected to the electric animal fence circuit provides a degree of isolation between the fence circuit and the supply mains equivalent to that provided by the energizer.
• Protection from the weather shall be provided for the ancillary equipment unless this equipment is certified by the manufacturer as being suitable for use outdoors, and is of a type with a minimum degree of protection IPX4.

All our Energizers comply with international safety regulations and are manufactured to international standards.

For more information about electric fence products including Energizers and their installation and operation, see our Electric Fence Product Manuals page.

Please also read our Disclaimer below.

Back to top of page.

Section 2 - Battery/Mains

Important Information

WARNING: Read all instructions

• Do NOT touch the fence with the head, mouth, neck or torso. Do not climb over, through or under a multi-wire electric fence. Use a gate or a specially designed crossing point.
• Do NOT become entangled in the fence. Avoid electric fence constructions that are likely to lead to the entanglement of animals or persons.
• Energizer must be installed in a shelter and the supply cord must not be handled when the ambient temperature is below +5 °C.
• Electric animal fences shall be installed and operated so that they cause no electrical hazard to persons, animals or their surroundings.
• It is recommended that, in all areas where there is a likely presence of unsupervised children who will be unaware of the dangers of electric fencing, that a suitably rated current limiting device having a resistance of not less than 500 ohms be connected between the energizer and the electric fence in this area.
• The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Do not place combustible materials near the fence or energizer connections. In times of extreme fire risk, disconnect energizer.
• Regularly inspect the supply cord and energizer for any damage. If found damaged in any way, immediately cease use of the energizer and return it to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre for repair in order to avoid a hazard.
• Refer servicing to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre.
• Check your local council for specific regulations.
• An electric animal fence shall not be supplied from two separate energizers or from independent fence circuits of the same energizer.
• For any two separate electric animal fences, each supplied from a separate energizer independently timed, the distance between the wires of the two electric animal fences shall be at least 2.5m. If this gap is to be closed, this shall be effected by means of electrically nonconductive material or an isolated metal barrier.
• Barbed wire or razor wire shall not be electrified by an energizer.
• A non-electrified fence incorporating barbed wire or razor wire may be used to support one or more off-set electrified wires of an electric animal fence. The supporting devices for the electrified wires shall be constructed so as to ensure that these wires are positioned at a minimum distance of 150mm from the vertical plane of the non-electrified wires. The barbed wire and razor wire shall be earthed at regular intervals.
• Follow the energizer manufacturer’s recommendations regarding earthing.
• Do not install an earth (ground) system for your electric fence within 10m (33ft) of any power, telecommunications or other system.
• Except for low output battery operated energizers, the energizer earth electrode should penetrate the ground to a depth of at least 1m (3ft).
• Use high voltage lead-out cable in buildings to effectively insulate from the earthed structural parts of the building and where soil could corrode exposed galvanised wire. Do not use household electrical cable.
• Connecting leads that are run underground shall be run in conduit of insulating material or else insulated high voltage lead-out cable shall be used. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the connecting leads due to the effects of animal hooves or tractor wheels sinking into the ground.
• Connecting leads shall not be installed in the same conduit as the mains supply wiring, communication cables or data cables.
• Connecting leads and electric animal fence wires shall not cross above overhead power or communication lines.
• Crossings with overhead power lines shall be avoided wherever possible. If such a crossing cannot be avoided it shall be made underneath the power line and as nearly as possible at right angles to it.
• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, the clearances shall not be less than those shown in the table below.

• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, their height above the ground shall not exceed 3 m This height applies either side of the orthogonal projection of the outermost conductors of the power line on the ground surface, for a distance of
  - 2m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 1 000V;
  - 15m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage exceeding 1 000V.
• Electric animal fences intended for deterring birds, household pet containment or training animals such as cows need only be supplied from low output energizers to obtain satisfactory and safe performance.
• In electric animal fences intended for deterring birds from roosting on buildings, no electric fence wire shall be connected to the energizer earth electrode. A warning sign (G6020) shall be fitted to every point where persons may gain ready access to the conductors.
• Fence wiring should be installed well away from any telephone or telegraph line or radio aerial.
• Where an electric animal fence crosses a public pathway, a non-electrified gate shall be incorporated in the electric animal fence at that point or a crossing by means of stiles shall be provided. At any such crossing, the adjacent electrified wires shall carry warning signs.
• Any part of an electric animal fence that is installed along a public road or pathway shall be identified by electric fence warning signs (G6020) at regular intervals that are securely fastened to the fence posts or firmly clamped to the fence wires.
• The size of the warning sign shall be at least 100mm x 200mm.
• The background colour of both sides of the warning sign shall be yellow. The inscription on the sign shall be black and shall be either:
  the substance of “CAUTION: Electric Animal Fence” or,
  the symbol shown below:

• The inscription shall be indelible, inscribed on both sides of the warning sign and have a height of at least 25mm.
• Ensure that all mains operated, ancillary equipment connected to the electric animal fence circuit provides a degree of isolation between the fence circuit and the supply mains equivalent to that provided by the energizer.
• Protection from the weather shall be provided for the ancillary equipment unless this equipment is certified by the manufacturer as being suitable for use outdoors, and is of a type with a minimum degree of protection IPX4.
  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  
  WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock. Do not connect the energizer simultaneously to a fence and to any other device such as a cattle trainer
  or a poultry trainer. Otherwise, lightning striking your fence will be conducted to all other devices.
  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This energizer complies with international safety regulations and is manufactured to international standards.

For more information about electric fence products including Energizers and their installation and operation, see our Electric Fence Product Manuals page.

Please also read our Disclaimer below.

Back to top of page.

Section 3 - Battery/Solar

Important Information

WARNING: Read all instructions

• WARNING - Do not connect to mains-operated equipment.
  
• Do NOT touch the fence with the head, mouth, neck or torso. Do not climb over, through or under a multi -wire electric fence. Use a gate or a specially designed crossing point.
• Do NOT become entangled in the fence. Avoid electric fence constructi ons that are likely to lead to the entanglement of animals or persons.
• Electric animal fences shall be installed and operated so that they cause no electrical hazard to persons, animals or their surroundings.
• It is recommended that, in all areas where there is a likely presence of unsupervised children who will be unaware of the dangers of electric fencing, that a suitably rated current limiting device having a resistance of not less than 500 ohms be connected between the energizer and the electric fence in this area.
• The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Do not place combustible materials near the fence or energizer connections. In times of extreme fire risk, disconnect energizer.
• Regularly inspect the supply cord and energizer for any damage. If found damaged in any way, immediately cease use of the energizer and return it to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre for repair in order to avoid a hazard.
• Refer servicing to a Gallagher Authorised Service Centre.
• Check your local council for specific regulations.
• An electric animal fence shall not be supplied from two separate energizers or from independent fence circuits of the same energizer.
• For any two separate electric animal fences, each supplied from a separate energizer independently timed, the distance between the wires of the two electric animal fences shall be at least 2.5m. If this gap is to be closed, this shall be effected by means of electrically non-conductive material or an isolated metal barrier.
• Barbed wire or razor wire shall not be electrified by an energizer.
• A non-electrified fence incorporating barbed wire or razor wire may be used to support one or more off -set electrified wires of an electric animal fence. The supporting devices for the electrified wires shall be constructed so as to ensure that these wires are positioned at a minimum distance of 150 mm from the vertical plane of the non-electrified wires. The barbed wire and razor wire shall be earthed at regular intervals.
• Follow the energizer manufacturer’s recommendations regarding earthing.
• Do not install an earth (ground) system for your electric fence within 10 m (33 ft ) of any power, telecommunications or other system.
• Except for low output battery operated energizers, the energizer earth electrode should penetrate the ground to a depth of at least 1 m (3 ft ).
• Use high voltage lead-out cable in buildings to effectively insulate from the earthed structural parts of the building and where soil could corrode exposed galvanised wire. Do not use household electrical cable.
• Connecting leads that are run underground shall be run in conduit of insulating material or else insulated high voltage lead-out cable shall be used. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the connecting leads due to the effects of animal hooves or tractor wheels sinking into the ground.
• Connecting leads shall not be installed in the same conduit as the mains supply wiring, communication cables or data cables.
• Connecting leads and electric animal fence wires shall not cross above overhead power or communication lines.
• Crossings with overhead power lines shall be avoided wherever possible. If such a crossing cannot be avoided it shall be made underneath the power line and as nearly as possible at right angles to it.
• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, the clearances shall not be less than those shown in the table below.

• If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed near an overhead power line, their height above the ground shall not exceed 3 m.
• This height applies either side of the orthogonal projection of the outermost conductors of the power line on the ground surface, for a distance of:-
  - 2 m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 1 000 V;
  - 15 m for power lines operating at a nominal voltage exceeding 1 000 V.
• Electric animal fences intended for deterring birds, household pet containment or training animals such as cows need only be supplied from low output energizers to obtain satisfactory and safe performance.
• In electric animal fences intended for deterring birds from roosting on buildings, no electric fence wire shall be connected to the energizer earth electrode. A warning sign shall be fitted to every point where persons may gain ready access to the conductors.
• Fence wiring should be installed well away from any telephone or telegraph line or radio aerial.
• Where an electric animal fence crosses a public pathway, a non-electrified gate shall be incorporated in the electric animal fence at that point or a crossing by means of stiles shall be provided. At any such crossing, the adjacent electrified wires shall carry warning signs.
• Any part of an electric animal fence that is installed along a public road or pathway shall be identified by electric fence warning signs (G6020) at regular intervals that are securely fastened to the fence posts or firmly clamped to the fence wires.
• The size of the warning sign shall be at least 100mm x 200mm.
• The background colour of both sides of the warning sign shall be yellow. The inscription on the sign shall be black and shall be either:
  - the substance of “CAUTION: Electric Animal Fence” or,
  - the symbol shown:

• The inscription shall be indelible, inscribed on both sides of the warning sign and have a height of at least 25mm.
• Ensure that all mains operated, ancillary equipment connected to the electric animal fence circuit provides a degree of isolation between the fence circuit and the supply mains equivalent to that provided by the energizer.
• Protection from the weather shall be provided for the ancillary equipment unless this equipment is certified by the manufacturer as being suitable for use outdoors, and is of a type with a minimum degree of protection IPX4.

This energizer complies with international safety regulations and is manufactured to international standards.

For more information about electric fence products including Energizers and their installation and operation, see our Electric Fence Product Manuals page.

Please also read our Disclaimer below.

Back to top of page.

DISCLAIMER: Gallagher reserves the right to make changes without notice to any product specification to improve reliability, function or design. E & OE. The author thanks the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for permission to reproduce Information from its International Publication 60335-2-76 ed.2.0 (2002). All such extracts are copyright of IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. All rights reserved. Further information on the IEC is available from www.iec.ch. IEC has no responsibility for the placement and context in which the extracts and contents are reproduced by the author, nor is IEC in any way responsible for the other content or accuracy therein. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, neither Gallagher Group Limited nor any employee of the company shall be liable on any ground whatsoever to any party in respect of decisions or actions they may make as a result of using this information. These products have been developed and manufactured by Gallagher Group Limited, an ISO 9001 2000 Certified Supplier. Back to top of page.