ProposalPermanent Electrified Bear Fence

Electrified Bear Fence

We specialize in electric fencing systems and have completed multiple bear fence projects for Landfill/Transfer Station sites, Apiaries, Agricultural, Recreational & Industrial applications. Our Electric Permanent Bear Fence Systems are in place at the following:

·         Regional District of Bulkley/Nechako; Knockholt Landfill, Clearview Landfills, Smithers, Burns Lake, Southbank, Fraser Lake, Granisle Waste Transfer Stations for reference contact Janine Dougall Director of Environmental Services (250) 692-3195 or Rory McKenzie Field Operations Supervisor  (250) 692-6469.

·         Thompson Creek Mining Ltd, Endako Mine Dump site, contact Gary Webb (250) 633-6211

·         University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Apiary/Compost compound site  

We are a dealer for Gallagher Power Fence a world leader electric fencing systems. This allows us to provide the most powerful, technologically advanced, and highest quality electric bear fence systems in the world. All our Gallagher Energizers are CSA approved and have a 2 year warranty including lighting damage from the day of purchase.  Customer Support, Parts and Service are available for all Gallagher products we sell. Gallagher energizers unlike most others energizers on the market are component constructed allowing part availability and repair either by us here in Fort St James BC, or Gallagher Canada Warehouse Owen Sound ON. 

Recommended Permanent Fence Design for the project will be as follows:

1.      Wire Configuration: Eight strands of alternating positive/negative as follows

o       –  48” high top wire

o       +  42” spacing

o       –  36” spacing

o       +  30” spacing

o       –  24” spacing

o       +  18” spacing

o       –  12” spacing

o       + Bottom wire 6” minimum clearance from ground

All wires will be installed on the outside of the exclusion area as much as possible as this is the pressure side.

2.      Fence Line Preparation: In order to maintain a consistent bottom wire height we require the following accomplished before the fence is installed:

a)   The fence line striped down to bare terrain, all low spots, tree roots, brush, holes, and rough fence line areas need to be removed, for ditches or drainage the fence line crosses rip rap rock or a fill covered mesh ended culvert work best.

b) Fence line should be level and straight as possible, be a minimum of 8ft across the top, 16 ft or more is preferred.

c)  The fence line when complete should be grass seeded with low growing grass fescues and clovers work well.

d) We can supply this service but generally find much or all of this work can be done by onsite landfill operators at a lesser cost.

3.      Bracing Systems: will consist of:

a)   Single “H style” bracing to meet or exceed British Columbia Ministry of Transport and Highways (MOTH) High Tensile Smooth bracing specifications. Brace, gate, and corner posts will be 8 ft long 5-6” diameter wood posts installed firmly to depth of 1150mm (45”), horizontal brace top rails will be 10’ long x 4-5” diameter, spiked, brace wired, and preload tensioned. All pressure treated wood post and rail will meet CSA standards.

b) Areas with soft soils wood brace posts will be 9 ft long 5-6” diameter installed firmly to depth of 1350mm (53”)

c)  In areas of solid rock, limited or none machine access “The Mule” Electric fence bracing system or equivalent will be utilized and installed to manufactures requirements

4.      Line post: will consist of either:

a)   wood posts 7’ long x 4-5” diameter, installed firmly to depth 850mm (34”), pressure treated to CSA standards, utilizing High quality (10 year guaranteed) wood post claw style insulators and 2” barbed staples

b) Fiber Glass Posts, 1” diameter

c)  Steel Posts with Gallagher Double Pin Lock Insulators for all wires

d) Combination of the above

5.      Electric Fence Wire: will be 12.5 gauge, Class 3 galvanized, hi-tensile wire specially designed for electric fence use like Gallagher Power Wire, in coastal areas aluminum coated Gallagher XL Power wire is recommended

a)  Positive wire will be secured at ends with Gallagher turbo strain insulators knot tied. Negative wires will be secured by end knot tie, crimped, or “gripple”.

b) Wire tie tails will be utilized to make a nice clean minimal wire clamp connections.

c)  Each wire will have one permanent galvanized inline springs and mechanical inline (wheel or Daisy style) tensioner installed near the center of the total fence line span for an even pull in both directions for each span.

d) Electric fencing is a psychological barrier although with our permanent bear fence systems we do add some physical properties with extra wire and closer post spacing it still need not exceed 250psi of wire tension to deliver an effective shock.

6.      Energizer System: All though we have other energizer options our recommend energizer for a permanent perimeter electric landfill bear fence system is the Gallagher SmartPower MBX2500 this energizer features:

      SmartPower adaptive output control technology automatically adjusts Stored Energy from 5 Joules up to 25 Joules as fence load increases (e.g. due to grass growing on the fence) A minimum 6.5KV Output Voltage is maintained, until the energizer is overloaded. This ensures maximum shock is always delivered, maintaining effective animal control. If the energizer cannot maintain at least 4KV Output Voltage then the fence alarm system will activate. The output Alarm light and internal buzzer will turn on and remain on until the alarm is cleared, in conjunction with the alarm kit an external siren and strobe will also be activated. This alarm indicates the fence system is heavily loaded and at risk of being inadequate for effective animal control. Urgent fence maintenance is required. (The alarm can be set to 2KV, 3KV, 4KV or disabled via the switches on the back of the energizer)  

      Check the performance of your fence at a glance. Easy to read digital displays show stored energy level, output voltage, fence voltage and ground voltage.

      110V AC powered, with 12V DC with battery backup or battery only operation gives you uninterrupted fence operation during power failure.

      Power consumption: 40 Watts (at full power)

      Battery consumption: Normal 0.6 – 1.6 Amps @ 12V, Battery Save 0.3 – 1.3 Amps @ 12V, one fully charged 12V 100 Ah deep cycle lead acid battery (not included) will operate for approximately 2 days at maximum power.

      Backup battery is recharged by MBX when running on 110V. When battery gets low, Energizer automatically switches to Battery Save Mode

      Solar power option available A minimum of 180 Watts of solar panel is required for stand-alone battery operation

      Built-in alarms for output voltage, fence voltage and ground voltage, Alarm voltage points can be set by user, Optional Kit that decodes signal from alarm port for external siren and strobe alarms & auto-dialer.

       XR1 Remote Control included allows you to switch the Energizer on/off from anywhere on the fence. . Control settings can be adjusted by user to handle interference and multiple remotes.

      SmartFix Multi-mode fault finding tool: Current Meter and Digital Volt Meter (DVM) included

      Recommended number of 7' Ground Stakes: 9 depending on soil type and moisture

      Slotted terminals: 4 – output, ground, reference ground, fence

      Advanced lightning protection and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) suppressed circuitry

      CSA approved

      2 year guarantee including lightning

      Remote Control, Smartfix, 12V battery back up, Alarm kit with siren and strobe, SmartPower Instructions and Power Fence Manual included with bear fence package. 

      Installation indoors easily accessed for display viewing is ideal, however we recognize this is not always available and do have all weather boxes for outdoor installations.    

7.      Grounding System: 80% of all electric fence problems can be traced to inadequate grounding. Grounding system must be perfect for the fence to perform at its best. After all, it's half the system. All Gallagher energizers have recommend ground rod requirements, these are depending on soil type and moisture conditions so most times we prefer to add extra grounding to insure adequate system operations. Copper ground rods are not recommended since copper will react with any galvanized steel through electrolysis, and corrode the connection. We uses only galvanized steel components to avoid this problem.

a)  Grounding for this project will consist of:

      10 galvanized ground rods 7 ft long spaced minimum 10 ft apart will be used for the SmartPower MBX2500 grounding system and lighting diversion system. An additional 3ft long reference ground rod will also be installed for built in energizer earth system monitoring.

      8 additional galvanized ground rods 6 ft long will be place at intervals around the fence and hooked to the negative fence wire to insure adequate grounding. 

8.      Electrified Bear Fence Gates: All our gates are designed and constructed for easy safe opening and closing and to with stand the rigors continual everyday commercial usage. Constructed of medium weight steel pipe tubing (heavy duty models also available) with electric height of 48” (available to 92”), gate wheels, and latch. Like the fence itself they will be charged both positive/negative. We install 4 insulated wires on the outside of the gate and then ground the entire gate pipe structure. Available in single swing widths of 4’.6’,8’,10’,12’,14’,and 16’, and any two singles can be paired up for double swing gate entry ways. Options of automatic gate opening systems and electric drive over “texas” gates (cattle guard) are available.

      Gates for this project will consist of _________________________

      On gates that are left open during daily operations we add additional side bracing this helps support the gate when open, as well we install a quick latch so these gates can be secured open.

9.      Under gate and lead out cables, Cut out switches

a)  Gallagher XL Leadout Cable, features

      Premium undergate and leadout cable for maximum conductivity, with its aluminum out coating over a steel core wire XL Leadout is 3x more conductive then standard steel wire.

      For all size Energizers and especially for long distances.

      Used to connect ground stake systems to the Energizer as wellto carry the ground wire across the gateway (prevents wire corrosion from soil contact).

      Heavy duty two layer red polyethylene sheath.

      Thick double insulation prevents electrical leakage when buried, rated to 20,000 volts minimum Remember 2.7 mm aluminum coated wire core for maximum conductivity.

      Resistance: 11.5 Ohms per kilometre.

b) Positive wire cables will be placed inside plastic water pipe before burying under gates with machinery/vehicle traffic over the cable for extra protection and for ease of replacement if required. Long leadouts should be incased in water pipe protective shield when exiting or entering ground also Leadouts that lead into buildings should also be incased to help decrease any electronic interference.

c)  All undergate and lead out cables will be trenched installed to a minimum depth of 24 inches

d) With Smartpower MBX remote control capability and fence system looped back to the energizer in a complete circuit were the SmartPower energizer will identify the voltage loss and alarm if the circuit is interrupted. Cut out switches are good if you have no means to shut the energizer down remotely for repairs and maintenance, however we find that at times these switches become shut off accidently and sections on the fence maybe unknowingly left off for extended periods of time. With remote energizer systems we only install cut out switches at the energizer for Low and Upper fence Zone control and at clients request, The gates can be shut off with out interruption to the main fence circuit so if you wish to have a cut out switch installed to shut off each side of the gates we can do this, although with our well constructed electrified gates this is not necessary. 

10.  Fence Maintenance: Fence maintenance is a matter of routine monitoring.

a)  We suggest that the system be check for energizer alarms daily and energizer performance displays checked weekly. If performance is questionable check the fence using the Gallagher Smartfix Fault Finder. This tester will test fence voltage and amperage draw. A well maintained electric fence will draw approximately 1 to 2 amps of current for each mile of electrified fence line. If the current in the fence exceeds this then it should undergo maintenance to remove shorts and/or undergrowth. A larger short 10-25 amp general indicates a dead short to ground indicating a direct problem with the fence. Arrow on tester indicates which direction the current is flowing making finding the problem in the system more efficient. Our fences utilizing Gallagher Power wire and permanent tension springs allowing it to have an elastic property, and will handle a substantial impact without breaking. Deadfall trees, cold temperature, ice, or snow can increase pressure one the wires, but once removed the wire generally returns to its originally installed tension of 150-250 psi.

b) If accidental wire breakage occurs, repair is easily done with the electric fence maintenance kit that is provided and left with on site staff for every electric bear and predator system we install

      Electric fence maintenance kit includes:

      1 x Tool Box

      1 x Gallagher Electric Fence Pliers (for cutting and repairing fence wire)

      1 x Gallagher Remote Control

      1 x Gallagher SmartFix Fault Finder current & volt meter, arrows lead you to fence fault, auto on/off

      1 x Gallagher Wire Twisting Tool

      1 x Gallagher Permanent Fence Tightener Handle for permanent inline fence tighteners 

      20 x Vine-line Wire Connector for repair splicing of Power Wire

      Short repair wire coils

      1 x Gallagher Power Fencing Manual

      1 x Gallagher MBX Energizer Manual

      Extra Gallagher Claw Joint Clamp galvanized for full power connections

      Extra Gallagher Permanent Fence Tighteners

      Extra Gallagher Turbo Strain Insulators

      Extra Gallagher Wood Post Insulator, or Cotter pins for power Flex posts

      Some items may vary depending on type and length of fence constructed. We reserve the right to make any changes of extra parts or supplies included in the kit to what we feel necessary for emergency repairs or general maintenance.

      We will train onsite staff in energizer operation, routine electric fence maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and bear/predator behavior to electric fence exclusion.

11.  Public Safety: Public safety is an important concern for electric fence project. Gallagher electric fence warning signs will be placed along the fence at 20m intervals, at all gates and access areas.

      Gallagher electric fence energizers are all CSA approved. The high voltage output of an electric fence energizer presents no danger or hazard to humans or animals. The electrical charge is pulsating about one per second. Although, the voltage is high, it is low in current (amperage). This allows the charged wires when contacted to deliver an unpleasant sharp but safe shock without lasting harm. The shock delivered is similar to that of a sting from a bee.

      Please see ‘Electric Bear Fence Safety’ for additional information

12.  FAQ

1.              Q - How does electrical fencing work?

A.       Don't think of this fence as a barrier, but as a psychological fence. This kind of fence works only on the brain of the animal, that is, the remembering power of the shock they receive.A pulsed electric current is sent along the fence wire, about one pulse per second, from an energizer which is earthed. When the animal touches the fence it completes the circuit between the fence and the ground and receives a short, sharp but safe shock. The shock is sufficiently memorable that the animal never forgets. The energizer must have enough power for the length of the fence and for the animals being controlled. More power is better then not enough.

2.              Q – What is the best way to configure a permanent electric fence for bear?

A.       An electric fence is a psychological barrier so doesn’t require great strength to be effective. However, a permanent fence system must be well designed and constructed to absorb some pressure from animals, snow and wind. In severe cases of habituated bears in existing areas of regular food sources, once fenced off have been known to charge at the electric fencing.  In order to withstand these charges and deliver a shock to the bear in doing so hopefully deterring a repeat, current precedents for post spacing of 20 ft and 8 strand positive/negative systems were set to create a more barrier structure for the electric fence. In most cases this style of fence is far more structure then actually required. A 6 wire, 42 inches high, with 45 ft post spacing and fence droppers every 15 ft can be a more cost effective alternative.

B.        There are two ways an electric fence works. All hot-wire system. When your soils are deep and somewhat damp it produces a high conductive system to shock animals through their feet. The electrons must make a complete circuit to receive the maximum shock. The electricity passes from the wire, though the animal, out their feet, through the ground and back to the ground rods. If anything is weak in the circuit they will not get a controllable shock. You run into problems with very dry, hard soils, or even frozen ground, as the electricity will not flow very well with these types of soils and produces a weak shock. With the second kind of electric fence the hot-ground system. Ground wires are alternated with hot wires, so now if an animal comes into contact with a grounded wire and hot wire at the same time they get the full shock available regardless of ground soil conditions. This system can however have more maintenance issues for if something conductive comes into contact with both a hot and grounded wire a dead short will be created.   

3.              Q - Why is our top fence wire only 48 inches when others specify 57 inches?

A.       With electric fencing being a psychological barrier a top wire height of 48” is more then high enough for successfully bear exclusion, is low enough to help prevent damage to the fence from other wildlife like deer, elk and moose which may jump the fence, and allow all posts to be installed to Provincial depth specifications insuring maximum structural fence support. We have had to rebuild several permanent bear fencing systems built by others in which the top height was 55-57 inches, installed on 7 ft line and 8’ brace posts, this has caused structural failures both in bracing and line posts. If one requires the fence to be at a height of 57 (1.45m) 8 ft line and 9 ft wooden brace posts will be required to meet the required post depth to prevent structural failure. We feel this is an unnecessary added expense for bear exclusion.

4.              Q - What is the advantage of the bottom wire being positive verses negative?

A.       We recommend the bottom wire be positive as this insures a bear or K9 attempting to go under the fence will receive an instant shock upon touching the first wire. This bottom negative wire also allows our powerful Gallagher energizers to kill off any weed and grass load by allow electricity to go down the stem of the plant to ground this in turn kill it at the root. With a negative on the bottom this charge will most times transfer down the plant from the positive wire to the negative wire the closet ground and will not in turn transfer to the root. With the order stating with positive on the bottom and alternating up the fence the top wire becomes a negative wire, so if a power line or lighting strike hits the fence most times it is the top wire that is contacted first this wire is grounded allowing this power to run to ground adding additional protection to the energizer system.

5.              Q – Can animals burrow under the electric fence?

A.       It rarely happens but in areas of light sandy gravelly soils this can been an issue. Usually it is not bears that initiates the burrowing but smaller animals like foxes or coyotes, however once a hole under the fence is started bears have been known to expand the burrow excavation to gain access under the fence. Having a positive bottom does help prevent burrowing, however we recommend new fence installations be checked regularly for any indications of burrowing. If the burrowing is excessive or continues after being filled back in one of the following options can be implemented:

                                                                                                                                        i.      Install an additional positive wire on Gallagher 7 or 16 inch pigtail offset brackets between the first and second wires from the ground (wire high should be 8-10 inches from ground). This creates a greater distance to burrow under making it much more difficult to accomplish with out receiving a shock from the energizer

                                                                                                                                      ii.      Lay 36 inch chain link mesh wire flat on the ground on the outside of the fence securing it two fence posts and the ground.  This creates a barrier in which animals can not dig.

6.              Q - Why do some small energizers show higher voltage readings directly out of the energizer than some larger ones?

A.       Voltage merely represents a difference of potential between two electrical points and is only one aspect of overall power. The Joule rating is a true measure of an energizers stored energy or true power.

7.              Q – What is a Joule?

A.       A measurement of energy. A joule is a unit of work equal to product one watt for one second. It is the measure of the pop, snap, shock, kick or the pain/discomfort of the output pulse felt by the animal. The high the joules the more powerful the shock.

Electric Bear Fence Safety:

I get many questions concerning the safety of the electric bear fencing. So in response I have compiled the following information to assure all those concerned that power fence systems all though look very intimidating and will produce a short, sharp shock when a positively charge wire is touched are very safe to both human and animals.

I have personally designed and installed hundreds of Gallagher Power Fence Systems since becoming a dealer in 2000; including landfills, waste transfer stations, equestrian facilities, home owner yards & gardens, security compounds, livestock, and agricultural crop operations.

Gallagher Animal Management Systems North America, which is a division of the Gallagher Group, based in Hamilton New Zealand. Gallagher Power Fencing North America distributes Gallagher Power Fence™ systems and Gallagher Weighing and EID systems. Bill Gallagher (Senior) the inventor of electric fencing systems established in 1938, the Gallagher Group which is the operating company for an integrated international organization, encompassing the development, manufacturing, and marketing of its solutions. Gallagher Group is a well-established global business group with distributors located in over 100 countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

All though electric fence systems have been around for more then 60 years, there are still many concerns and misconceptions with its use, effectiveness, and safety especially with those unfamiliar with this style of fencing. With a properly designed and installed electric fence once shocked, neither you nor any animal will want to touch the electric fence again. This is the concept and principle that creates the psychological barrier on which electric fencing is based. Humans from our past experience and knowledge associate pain, danger, and death with electricity so when seeing the attention electric warning signs and insulated wires it reacts to our psyche of not wanting to come into contact with the electric wires.  An animal however does not have this awareness of electricity so the short, sharp but safe shock they receive when touching the electric fence must be power enough to imprint this memory of unpleasant pain stimulant in order to have the psychological effect of the electric fencing being something not worth repeating. Every animal has different tolerances to the effect of the shock from electric fence energizers based on their physical make up and intelligence. Equines (Horses) may only need a single shock from an electric fence wire to have this memory imprint, Bovines (Cattle) however may need to repeat the process regularly. The fenced area size, location and animal pressure can also affect the energizer size requirements. This is why energizer units tested and distributed by Gallagher Animal Management Systems North America range from 0.11 up to 50 joules with models available in both 12V and 110v power sources.

In Spring (2009) I designed and launched www.abcustomfencing.com to help increase my company profile and to help inform, educate, promote the uses and benefits of our electric fence systems. We also attend several trade shows annually, and are always glad to help educate and advance the understanding and uses of electric fence systems, threw on site/farm consults, seminars, and presentations.

List below are answers to some the frequently asked question we get in regards to electric fencing:

Q: How electric fencing works

A: An electric fence is a psychological barrier that keeps farm animals in and wild animals out - even over long distances.

A pulsed electric current is sent along the fence wire, about one pulse per second, from an energizer which is grounded. When the animal touches the fence it completes the circuit between the fence and the ground and receives a short, sharp but safe shock. The shock is sufficiently memorable that the animal never forgets.

Because the electric fence is a psychological barrier, it does not require great strength to be effective. However, it must be well designed and constructed to absorb some pressure from animals, snow and wind. The energizer must have enough power for the length of the fence and for the animals being controlled.

Q: What is the danger in electricity for people and animals?
A: When electric current flows through an animal or a person it can cause the nervous system to react in pain, or by involuntary muscle contraction. These effects are temporary while other effects such as burns (at the points of contact and internal) and ventricular fibrillation can be life threatening. Ventricular fibrillation is the effect that occurs at the lowest level of current, this is where the heart becomes irreversibly uncoordinated and fails to pump blood, resulting in a fatality. The improper use of domestic electricity supplies and associated electrical appliances cause 1000's of deaths through this effect around the world each year.

Q: So are electric fence energizers safe?
A: Safety cannot be characterized in absolute terms, any product incorrectly used or applied can be hazardous. However, based on the safety records energizers are safer than almost any other manmade product in the marketplace.

Q: Why are energizers that safe?
A: The standards which can control the design, construction and manufacture of energizers have been developed over a number of years. The electrical output is controlled and the limits, from the electric shock standpoint, are very, very conservative, regardless of age, sex, weight, height or state of health. It should be noted that with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) some account is made for body weight, however the International Electro Technical Commission (IEC) does not support this position.

Q: Who are the people who develop safety standards?
A: In most instances the development committees are drawn from interested expert parties, manufacturers, legislators, civil experts in safety and technical specialists. In the USA this is UL, in Europe it is a member state organization called CENELEC who after due consideration adopt the IEC standards with minor modifications. Many other countries around the word now adopt, sometimes with minor local modifications, IEC standards.

Q: What standards apply to electric fence energizers products?
A: This depends on the part of the world is question. In Europe the appropriate standard is EN61011, in the USA it is UL69 applies. On an historical basis the way in which the electrical output has been stated has been different in Europe and the USA. More recently the two standards authorities have moved together and a comparison of the two limits can be seen on the graph. These limits represent very conservative output restrictions.

Q: Why were the electrical limits set as indicated?
A: These limits have caused considerable debate in the expert international community. The original limits were set more than thirty years ago. These limits have been subject to modification and improvement as the available body of knowledge has improved. The electrical output limits of impulse type energizers can now be related to the hazard associated with, say, the domestic 50 or 60 cycle power supply. In Europe, for example, the limit (C2 5% probability of ventricular fibrillation) for energizers has an equivalent hazard as that associated with the leakage current at 50 cycle to trip an earth leakage circuit breaker. Energizer normal and abnormal operation electrical limits are designed to take into account the normal population including ill health, age. It can be shown analytically, by the study of the electric current flows, that these limits ensure that electric fence energizers add very little extra hazard to the environment.

Q: Why is there so little hazard when the 5% probability of ventricular fibrillation (the C2 line) is used as the safety limit?
A: The 5% probability exists if and only if the current of that magnitude flows during the T' segment of the cardiac cycle. Many other independent factors effect the current flow, - contact resistance on the fence, earth/ground contact resistance, series resistance on the fence, current path or paths through the body, output of the energizer at that load, and the body impedance of the person in contact with the fence - when these factors are taken into account the likelihood of a hazardous event are vanishing small. The real world safety record of impulse type electric fencing shows this to be the case.

Q: Do all the national and international standards have the same electrical output limits?
A: No, differences have occurred for mainly historical reasons around the world. There is however a strong trend towards unification, the process should be completed over the next five to ten years. Until this happens manufacturers will continue to design specific units for specific markets.

Q: Are the nominal electrical limits the only important aspect of energizer output?
A: No, what happens to the output when an electronic component fails or how good is the electrical isolation of the fence terminals from the 50 or 60 cycle mains are vital safety issues. These requirements are checked by constructional and design requirements written into all international standards around me world.

Q: What is the Gallagher position on the standards issue?
A: Gallagher energizers are designed to comply with all international standards in terms of output and constructional requirements. Gallagher takes a lead role in the development and improvement of all standards.

Q: How does the manufacturer of electric fence energizers discharge the appropriate duty of care.
A: By the application of demanding safety standards with respect to the design and manufacture of the energizer and the associated instructions on fence design and application.

Q: Are warning signs used?
A: Warning signs are available and should be installed by end users. This is noted in our installation instructions.

Q: What happens if someone touches an electric fence?
A: It is difficult to find a recorded incident in which it can be shown beyond reasonable doubt that a correctly designed and operated impulse electric fence energizer has caused a fatality. Invariably when an incident occurs many other factors are involved. Secondary effects from a fence contact, someone falling, jerking back and hitting someone else, are likely worst case incidents associated with such a fence contact. It should be remembered that barbed or razor wire is significantly more hazardous due to the permanent physical damage possible with these products.

Q: What happens if children touch electric fences?
A: Children can and do touch electric fences, they learn not to very quickly. It is a non-fatal learning experience.

Q: Will electric fences interfere with a heart pacemaker?
A: This question is better specifically answered by the pacemaker manufacturer. But if the energizer is a threat at all, it is generally agreed that ventricular fibrillation will be the first fatal physiological reaction caused by the passage of electric current through the heart. As the primary function of the pacemaker is to keep the heart beating on a regular basis (that is prevent ventricular fibrillation) then the pacemaker could offer some additional protection. In fact a pacemaker operates with similar circuitry to a battery energizer, it is unlikely that the passage of impulse energizer current through the body and hence through the pacemaker would do any damage at all to a pacemaker.

Q: Has the general public, say recreational walkers, ever complained about electric fencing?
A: Yes, electric fences in common with many other "things" in the encountered in environment, manmade and natural, can result in complaints. The pain associated with an electric fence impulse current flowing through the large muscle groups, in the legs and back, has been characterized in legal opinion (under English Law) as "transient and trifling". A properly signed electric fence is plainly what it is, an insubstantial physical but an effective psychological barrier, painful to the touch, and on experience best not repeated! As a result even without warning signs a electric fence would be so insubstantial as to clearly not offer an effective physical barrier and as such suggests that it would be reasonable to adopt avoidance behavior. In any event, a walk in the countryside has many more hazardous, and/or painful possibilities, to list a few:

·         Bee or wasp stings.

·         Insect bites.

·         Encounters with barbed wire.

·         Encounters with large animals.

·         The motor car trip to and from the starting point.

Electric fences do not increase the total hazard in the environment in any meaningful or measurable way.

I hope these questions and answers have addressed any concerns or misconceptions in regards to the safety and effectiveness of electric fence systems.

Every Gallagher energizer we sell comes complete with operations manual and a copy of Gallagher Power Fence Manual the leading resource for electric fence installation. I will go over these information manuals, energizer operations, and maintenance with staff on my visit to do a final retention of the fence wires and a systems test. 

If you have any more questions or concerns please contact me.

Respectfully

Axle Boris

Power Fence Systems Specialist

AB Custom Fencing

250-996-8640

Cell 250-567-8581,

email: fenceman411@gmail.com