Rutland ESB117, Installation Manual

- 2 -

Installation of Energiser and Fence

Electric fences should be installed and operated so that they cause no 

danger to persons, animals or surroundings and as far as is reasonably 

practicable, they are out of reach of children and not subject to mechanical 

damage. Never connect more than one energiser to the same single or 

multi-wire fence. Any other fence systems powered by a different energiser 

should be at least 2.5 metres apart. If this gap is to be closed, use non-

conductive material or an isolated metal barrier. Any electric fence or part 

thereof installed along a public road or pathway should be identified by 

warning signs at regular intervals. The warning sign should 

have a yellow background and be at least 100 mm x 200 mm. 

The words “Caution Electric Fence” or symbol should appear in 

black, permanent marking on both sides of the sign and be at 

least 25mm in height.

• Barbed wire must not be electrified. 

• If an electric fence has to be installed in the vicinity of overhead power 

lines it should not cross above it or run in parallel to it for any great 

distance. If it is necessary to pass under overhead powerlines it should be 

done at right angles and the vertical distance between any fence wire and 

the surface of the earth should not exceed two metres. 

• If an electric fence has to be installed near any communication lines, the 

distance from the lines and the fence or any part of it should be more than 

two metres. 

• If the energiser is installed in the vicinity of any building, care must be 

taken to ensure that the earth for the electric fence is more than 10 metres 

away from any domestic electricity board earth or telecommunications 

system earth.

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper earthing of your electric 

fence.

• Use insulated cable for connecting leads that run inside buildings or 

underground. Take care to avoid damage from animal hooves or vehicle 

tyres and use a conduit of insulating material if needed.

• Do not install connecting leads in the same conduit as the mains supply 

wiring, communication cables or data cables. 

• Low output energisers provide satisfactory and safe performance for 

deterring birds, household pets and training animals such as cows. 

• If the electric fence is intended to deter birds from roosting on buildings, 

do not connect the fence wire to the earth terminal. Use a warning sign at 

any point where a person may access the fence wire.

Before You Start