Earthing is the most important component of any electric fence system. Over 80% of all electric fence problems are attributable to poor earthing. It is important to understand how and why you need to install an effective earth system. For an electric fence to be effective a circuit must be completed. When an animal touches the fence, the circuit is completed through the ground, or earth wires, and the current flows back via the earth rods to the Energiser. There are two recommended earthing systems.

This system has all the fence wires "live" and the circuit is completed when the animal touches the wire and the electrons flow through it to the ground. This system is recommended when soil conductivity is good.

Choose a site which is damp all year round. The site can be some distance from the energiser itself.

• At least 10 metres (33ft) from other electrical earths or telephone cables. In fact, 100 metres (330ft) is best although this is not always possible.
• Not connected to sheds or concrete footings which are poor earths.
• Protected from stock and machinery.
• Drive a minimum of three 2 metre (6'6") galvanised or stainless steel earth rods into the ground. For large Energisers and dry sandy soils extra earth rods may be required. Place the earth rods at least 3 metres (9'9") apart.
• Connect all the earth rods together with one continuous wire (use insulated 2.5mm cable) and clamp to the earth rods.

Good earthing around dairy sheds is very important as cattle are particularly sensitive to stray voltage.

*Note: Do not connect two or more energisers to the same earth system.

This system has alternate "live" and earth (neutral) wires. The circuit is completed when the animal touches both of these wires at the same time. The electrons flow through both the ground and down the earth wires. This system is recommended when the soil conductivity is poor.

• This system requires two earths; the main or primary earth and secondary earths.
• The main or primary earth is set up as described above.
• To install the secondary earths, drive the earth rods along the fence line at approximately 1 km (0.6miles) intervals. These are connected in parallel to the earth (neutral) wires on the fence.
• This helps reduce induction and improves the effectiveness of the main earth.
• Connect the earth (neutral) wires on the fence to the main earth using insulated cable.
• When installing cable under gateways remember to run a cable for the earth (neutral) wires.

In particularly dry areas, a Bentonite earth system is recommended. Mix 4 kg (10lbs) of Bentonite and 2 kg (5lbs) of coarse salt into a slurry. Dig a hole which is 1.2 m (4ft) deep and 7 cm (3") in diameter. Place a Stainless Steel earth rod into the hole and pour in the slurry. Connect the earth system to the energiser in the some manner as previously described.

• U.C.C.E Grounding Electric Fences.
• Sustainable Farming Connection Make A Well Grounded Fence.