Ensure that all mains-operated, ancillary equipment connected to the electric fence circuit
provides a degree of isolation between the fence circuit and the supply mains equivalent to
that provided by the energiser.
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 mini-
mum degree of protection IPX4.
Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting
What voltage is required to control animals?
4 kV is widely accepted as the recommended minimum voltage to control animals. However,
you also require a well constructed fence system to ensure that animals cannot push through
electrified wires.
The fence voltage is below 4 kV. How do I increase the voltage?
Check the energiser. Ensure that the energiser is not set on half power. Disconnect the
energiser from the fence and earth system. Measure the voltage across the energiser terminals
with a PATURA Fence Compass, DVM or Fence Tester. If the voltage is less than 6 kV, request
your PATURA service agent to check the energiser.
Check the energiser earthing. Use the procedure described in “Installing and testing an earth
system” on page 43.
Check your fence system for faults. The most common source of low voltage is faults on the
fence line.
If the fence, earth and energiser are in good condition and the voltage is still below 4 kV, talk
to your PATURA distributor. They will help you identify whether recent extensions to your fence,
a poor fence layout, or soil conditions may be causing inadequate voltage.
How do I locate faults?
The recommended tool for locating faults is the PATURA Fence Compass. This combined volt-
age and current meter allows you to rapidly locate sources of current leakage. Alternatively,
use a PATURA DVM or Fence Tester. Use cut-out switches to turn off the power to different
sections of the electric fence. If the voltage on the fence increases when a section of the electric
fence is turned off, then investigate that section for possible faults.
There are no lights flashing on the energiser.
Check the power supply. Ensure that the power is switched on. If the energiser still does not
operate, request your PATURA service agent to check the energiser.
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