This pulse is commonly referred to as the "shock" and is felt by any animal which touches an electrified fence. When the animal makes contact with the fence the circuit is complete. It is at this point the animal receives a shock. The diagram below shows how the current flows from the energiser down the fenceline and through the animal. The current then flows through the ground back to the earth system and completes the circuit. It is the shock which deters the animal from putting pressure on the fence line.

An electric fence is a psychological barrier rather than a physical one so the animal must be educated to respect the fence. The pain that an animal feels is short lived and does not physically harm the animal, unlike barbed wire which can cause severe cuts and long lasting pain while also damaging the hide.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS FOR CHOOSING ELECTRIC FENCING

• LOW COST - electric fences require less materials and labour than conventional fences.
• EASILY CONSTRUCTED - with fewer and lighter materials.
• LONGER LIFE - due to reduced physical pressure.
• UNIVERSAL APPLICATION - will contain all types of animals while discouraging predators and trespassers.
• IMPROVES EXISTING FENCES - by including 1 or 2 electrified wires in your conventional fence or adding offsets. This will extend the fence life.
• SIMPLICITY AND FLEXIBILITY - a quick and easy way to effectively subdivide a paddock for controlled grazing, improving pasture management and production.
• LOW MAINTENANCE - due to reduced stock pressure.
• LESS DAMAGE TO STOCK - the shock from an electric fence causes no physical damage to stock and if they are forced through electric fences by wild animals or brush fires there is reduced likelihood of injury.

It is important to construct a good quality fence. This will ensure less problems in the future.

Electric fences do not need to be constructed to the same strength as conventional fences because they provide a psychological barrier rather than a physical one. They should still, however, be soundly constructed to withstand the rigours of use.

The overall layout of our electric fence system deserves careful planning to ensure you receive the best possible advantages from it. The time spent in planning will enable you to find and repair any faults or shorts quickly and will assist with stock management.

To make a basic plan, place a sheet of clear plastic over an aerial photograph or topographical map of your property and draw in your old and planned fence lines. This will help you to pinpoint things you need to know before you start, such as:

• Overall length of your proposed new electric fencing and existing fencing to be electrified.
• Position of laneways and gateways.
• Location and length of supply lines from your energiser to the electric fence.
• Placement of cutout switches.
• Whether mains, battery or solar powered energisers will be needed.
• What size energiser or in some cases the number of Energisers required.
• The location of the Energiser.
• The location of the ground rods.
• The direction the current flows. This will help you with maintenance and fault finding.