02/01/2024
Electric fence devices
Depending on your circumstances and requirements (and also the type of animal), you can choose between mains-powered devices, rechargeable or battery-powered devices, combination devices (mains or battery operation) or solar devices for your electric fence.
Electric fence power supplies:
Mains-powered electric fence energizers operate at 230 V and are particularly recommended for animals that are difficult to herd and for very long fences, possibly with dense vegetation. Mains-powered electric fence energizers are very powerful and generally consume very little power. The disadvantage is that in the event of a power outage, the security of the energizer is no longer guaranteed, so a lightning protection choke or lightning rod should be installed to protect the electric fence energizer during a storm.
Electric fence battery-operated devices:
If you don't have access to a mains connection, you can use a 12 V cordless or 9 V battery-powered energizer for your pasture. 9 V battery-powered energizers are usually light and handy, making them ideal for small pastures or indoor fences with easily managed animals. Depending on the model, the batteries last a few months (approximately one season) and then need to be disposed of. 12 V cordless electric fence energizers are more powerful and therefore suitable for longer fences with difficult-to-manage animals. The batteries in electric fence energizers are rechargeable, so they last longer than batteries and can be used in combination with a solar panel. FAIE tip: charge your batteries in the fall and store them charged.
Electric fence combination devices:
The electric fence combo devices can be operated with either a 230 V mains supply or a 12 V battery. There are also devices that rely on battery power in the event of a power failure, so you're always on the safe side. You can find all this information on the respective devices and in the "Electric Fence Combi Devices" category.
Solar fence devices
Solar-powered electric fence devices have a solar module that uses solar energy to charge the integrated battery of the electric fence energizer. These devices are not very powerful and therefore not particularly suitable for very long pastures or large pastures with difficult-to-herd animals, such as sheep. They are ideal for smaller pastures with easy-to-herd animals (e.g., cattle, horses, pigs, or pets). They consume no electricity, are environmentally friendly, and allow you to be independent of location. Most devices indicate very accurately and early enough when the battery is or will become low, at which point you should recharge it using the standard power grid.