STEP 1
Type of Electric Fence

Ask yourself this, “Do I need a permanent electric fence or a temporary electric fence?”

STEP 2
Plan the Layout

Sketch a diagram and measure the distance of the area you would like to fence. Make note of any unique features along the proposed fence line (i.e., hills, waterways, trees, roadways, etc.) as well as where you intend to have a gate(s). If necessary, it is also a good idea to have your utility company mark any underground cables/lines that may be in the immediate vicinity.

STEP 3
Select Your Charger

How will you power your charger – 110 volt plug, 12 volt battery, or solar? The Patriot P5, P10, P20 and P30 chargers provide the unique option of operating from either a 110 volt plug or 12 volt battery. If you prefer a totally integrated solar unit, the Patriot PS15 is your best choice. When comparing chargers, make sure you compare them on the basis of their rated output energy as that is the amount of energy delivered to the fence. Some chargers will only list a stored energy rating. As the name implies, stored energy is just the amount of energy stored inside the charger. However, it does not relate to the amount of energy delivered to the fence. (Patriot chargers show both an output and stored rating to give you a complete picture of the charger’s power.)

STEP 4
Select Your Accessories

Now that you have selected your charger, you need to determine how you are going to build your fence. Are you going to use wood posts, steel posts, rod posts, etc.? Or is it just a temporary fence with tread-in posts? What type of gate(s) do you plan on using? Thankfully, there’s a good assortment of Patriot accessories to fit most all of your electric fence needs. Please review the next pages about permanent and temporary electric fences to help determine which Patriot accessories will work best for you.

STEP 5
Grounding & Testing

This is one of the most important parts of the fence. Without a proper ground system, your will not be able to achieve the maximum benefits of your electric fence. Please refer to the Grounding & Testing section of this guide (pages 14-15) for more information on how to properly install and test a good ground system.

Other Things to Consoder in the Planning Process

Converting a barb Wire or Woven Wire Fence

Do you already have a good barb wire or woven wire fence, but want to make it electric? (Note: You should never try to electrify the existing barb or woven wire as it is too dangerous for your livestock and not very effective.) Patriot T-Post Extenders (810841), as shown in the pictures above, and Wood Post Extenders (810843) allow you to maintain your current fence structure while adding hightensile wire to make it electric. This is a much safer and more highly effective way for an electric fence.

Where Should You Install Your Charger?

If you plan to use a 110 volt plug to power your charger, it should be placed inside a barn or shed near the power source. If you plan on using a 12 volt battery, the charger can be placed outside. Because of the weather-resistant case and built-in clip-on-wire feature, the Patriot P5, P10, P20 and P30 chargers can be attached directly to the fence wire. If you are using the Patriot PS15, it too has a weatherresistant case, can be mounted on a standard t-post, and is most effective if placed along the middle of the fence with the panel facing towards the South. In all cases,

refer to your charger’s user manual for specific installation instructions and always mount the charger where it is out of reach of children and animals.

Converting a barb Wire or Woven Wire Fence

Yes, you can use more than one charger, but each charger must be on a separate fence system. NEVER connect more than one charger to the SAME FENCE.

What Type of Wire Should I Use for the Fence Line

The best permanent electric fences are constructed using 12.5 gauge galvanized high tensile wire. It provides a lower level of resistance than a smaller gauge of wire and has sufficient capacity to carry the electrical current of the fence. Some people use a smaller gauge galvanized wire (i.e., 14 ga., 16 ga., etc.); however, these have higher levels of resistance, do not allow you to achieve the maximum benefits of your charger, and your fence life may not be as long. (Aluminum wire is not the same as steel galvanized wire. Small aluminum wire also has less resistance than comparable size steel wire.) For temporary fences, good poliwire or politape with at least 6 strands of conductors are the best choice.”