Help with selection of mains electric fence unit

[Bucks Fizz]

Can anyone recommend a suitable mains-powered electric fence for me please?

I share a small private DIY yard with a friend. We have a small paddock of 4-5 acres and just 3 horses.

Our previous mains-powered box has failed and the yard owner will be responsible for the cost of the new box but I have offered to have a look online for best prices for a replacement. I thought this would be an easy task of simply sourcing a like for like replacement but unfortunately it turns out that the previous box we had in place was so old (circa 20 years) I can't even find it online! The box is branded "Electric Shepherd Mains Fence Unit ESM400", I'm not sure how to attach a photograph for info.

I have tried to research suitable equivalents online but am not really clear on the varying joules rating in terms of stored energy and what we actually need. I'm not responsible for the cost but don't want the yard owner to spend any more than she needs to or for us to have an unnecessarily powerful unit for our small set up. Equally I don't want her to waste money on a cheap unit which will not serve its purpose. Whilst we do only have 3 horses, one area borders a field where cows graze for about half the year and in the past they have been caught chewing our tape!

Looking at some guidance I have found online, including allowance for double rows of tape etc, we have no more than 1km of fencing in total to electrify.

Our set up is that the mains unit is plugged into our tack room. The wires then lead out to a covered cable which attaches to the first string of electric tape about 5 metres away from the power source. The paddock is a fairly standard rectangle shape and our electric tape mainly runs along post and rail fencing. There are two places (one on each side of the paddock) where, due to a public access route, the electric tape has to stop along the fence so is attached to further cables buried underground. (I don't know if this makes any difference to the unit selection or not but thought I would mention!)

Any help gratefully received!

 

[WelshD]

the electric shepherd is/was made by Rutland, I have an old ESM2200 at my feet that has their name on (for sale...)

I dare say they will have a modern equivalent

Don't forget that each tape/wire has a number of electric strands in so take that in to account when calculating fence length to be powered. the more metal wire strands in the tape the more power that is needed

 

[meleeka]

I have the more powerful version of this http://www.agri-supply.co.uk/m2-mains-electric-fence-energiser/?gclid=CJnEtaGfx9ICFQadGwodw9EIvQ

In my experience the length it says it powers should be taken with a pinch of salt. I had a hotline Gemini 80 which was a good unit for my two acres, but as I now have pigs to contain wasn't powerful enough to give a good zap. You'll lose power on every join or lead that touches so you need to take that into account.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've got a Hotline one.

It had to go back to the manufacturers whilst still under guarantee, but that was all dealt with OK, no problems.

Ditto what others have said re. powering etc. Best is to get a little current indicator as that will tell you how much current is going through the actual wire. Invaluable little piece of kit IMO.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Here's a link to the Rutland electric shepherd energiser page.

http://www.rutland-electric-fencing.co.uk/rutlandef/PageSelectingAnEnergiser.aspx

I think (without checking) that we have the same model as your old energiser. The new equivalent seems to be the ESM402, which is Rutland's least powerful mains energiser. It should be plenty powerful for what you need, it will cope with energising 2.5 km of tape, or 12km of high tensile wire. We use it to power off set string and 2 x 50 m rabbit nets.

 

[Mike007]

It is seldom the selection of fencer unit that determines how good a fence.The number one factor is the earth rods .Then secondly the insulation of the fence supports . Vegetation touching the fence will usualy be fried unless the fence is weak in the first place. The length of fence is seldom relevant .

 

[Mike007]

Don't forget that each tape/wire has a number of electric strands in so take that in to account when calculating fence length to be powered. the more metal wire strands in the tape the more power that is needed

Not correct .

 

[Brunocat]

Mike007 can you educate me about the choice of earth rod as I'm just about to set up some fencing.

 

[now_loves_mares]

I've had a rutland (12v battery) and it was great but expensive, and then it got nicked. I've finally replaced it, and bought a hotwire raptor. The one I bought can run off mains or 12v battery which is actually really useful for me, and at £130 thought it was pretty good value.

 

[Mike007]

Hi Brunocat, Go to your local electrical shop (,I use City electrical factors ) Buy three domestic earth rods and clamps .Drive the 3 rods a metre apart into the ground in a suitable location (ideally damp) near the fence unit . Link the 3 rods together and to your fencer with some 4 mm copper cable . This will give you a good earth connection.

 

[Brunocat]

Hi Brunocat, Go to your local electrical shop (,I use City electrical factors ) Buy three domestic earth rods and clamps .Drive the 3 rods a metre apart into the ground in a suitable location (ideally damp) near the fence unit . Link the 3 rods together and to your fencer with some 4 mm copper cable . This will give you a good earth connection.

Thank you!

 

[Mike007]

Thank you!

Your welcome . In Australia it is common practice to bury an old car as an earth ,fortunately its a bit damper in the UK LOL.