Sheep are robust animals and also very insensitive to electricity due to their dense wool. Therefore, sheep are difficult animals to herd and place particularly high demands on a pasture fence. When selecting a suitable electric fence device, we therefore recommend either:
230V electric fence power supply units:
Can a 230V mains unit be used? If so, we always recommend the use of such a device. A possible distance from the device to the fence can be overcome by means of a high-voltage-resistant cable (10 to 100m roll), which is laid in the ground. 230V units are always the first choice if a 230V supply can be achieved. This eliminates the need for battery replacement or charging. They have an unrestricted herding period, are available in all required power classes and can best provide the necessary energy on long fences. Even with heavier vegetation, they still provide sufficient energy for the fence.
Or:
Units for 12 V or 12 V solar operation:
12 V battery-powered units are the optimal solution for very robust animals, long fences or fences with overgrowth when a 230 V mains connection is not available. The discharge energy is comparable to mains units (from 1.0 joules to approx. 15 joules output). Rechargeable 12 volt batteries are used as the power source. 12V accumulators are rechargeable. An exchangeable battery should be available. A useful addition are solar modules, which are available in various power classes and convert solar energy into electricity. For this purpose, we offer e.g. complete starter sets in different power classes. Since the beginning of the season, AKO has also been offering a new, compact solar device (SunPower S3000), which is delivered fully assembled and has been used very successfully for sheep fences.
In addition to electric fencing devices for 9, 12Volt and 230Volt supply, we also very successfully offer so-called DUO devices from AKO. These devices work both with 12Volt battery supply or optionally with 230Volt. The range extends from small devices with 1 joule output energy up to the maximum permitted limit of 15 joules - e.g. the new PowerStations XDi
Earthing
In the electric fence system's circuit, the ground serves as a return conductor. For this reason, this system only works reliably if the grounding is properly installed. If the earthing is inadequate, less current flows when the animal comes into contact with it and the deterrent effect on the animal is correspondingly reduced. Earth rods should preferably be made of cross or T-section or of tubular material (diameter at least 10 mm).
Earth rods should be permanently corrosion-resistant, i.e. preferably made of hot-dip galvanised steel or stainless steel. All connections in the earthing area must be corrosion-resistant and firmly screwed or clamped. The length of the earth rod must be dimensioned in such a way that deeper, moist earth layers can be reached. The number of earth rods recommended depends on the power class of the unit. The more earth rods, the better and the deeper in the soil, the better. Earth rods should be at least 1 m deep in the soil. 3 earth rods at a distance of approx. 3m can be used as a rule of thumb.
Warning signs
Permanent warning signs shall be erected in a visible place with an inscription reading "Caution Electric Fence". Any part of an electric animal fence installed along a public road or public way must be marked by warning signs securely attached to the fence posts or firmly clamped to the fence wires at intervals of approximately 50 m to 100 m, and additionally near junctions and crossings. Warning signs should also be placed where people could come into contact with the electric fence system.
Functioning of the electric fence system
The proper functioning of the electric fence system must be checked at least once a day by measuring the voltage at the fence and must not be limited to observing any control devices that may be present at the electric fence device. The voltage on normal ground at each point of the sheep fence must be at least 4000 V. For dry soils min. 5000 V.
The use of measuring devices that enable permanent measurement of the fence voltage and alert the user to a drop below the minimum voltage by means of an immediate alarm (e.g. AKO FenceControl, which sends alarm messages to a mobile phone app) is a useful addition to this test and significantly increases monitoring safety.
A visual inspection of the entire fence system should also be carried out regularly.
NOTE: Written proof of the functional tests carried out is recommended. A continuously measuring independent monitoring device with logging function is a useful addition.
The mechanical condition of the fence must be checked regularly (e.g. weekly). All connections on fence supply lines, fence wires (e.g. nodes) and earth lines must be checked regularly for proper contact (avoid loose contacts) to ensure proper operating condition and to avoid radio interference.
Electric fence
Electric fences for sheep and goats should generally have a height of at least 90cm to ensure optimal herding safety. Depending on requirements, a distinction can be made between fixed fencing systems and mobile electric fences. Pasture fence nets are becoming more and more popular when it comes to quickly and easily enclosing areas for keeping animals or protecting property from outside intruders. Our pasture fence nets are available in various designs and are therefore suitable for all types of ground conditions and areas of use. The combination of robust plastic or fibreglass posts and high-quality ladder materials ensures the highest level of fencing security, both for the professional sheep farmer and for the sheep farmer in the hobby sector. For universal use, we recommend our proven OVI sheep nets in various lengths, heights and colours. These offer optimum conductivity due to the reinforced upper strand with the combination of 5 stainless steel and 1 copper conductor. Extremely tightly welded knot points ensure a durable and secure connection. We have developed our nets from the TITAN series especially for uneven and hilly terrain. Vertically, stiff plastic struts are used instead of the soft strand material. These are permanently connected to the horizontal strands at 30cm intervals and thus ensure a stable stand and prevent the nets from sagging.
For fences with heavier vegetation, we recommend the use of our Easy Net. The high ground clearance and high-quality conductor materials guarantee perfect conductivity. Extremely robust fibreglass posts with reduced diameter ensure noticeable weight reduction and thus optimal handling. Alternatively, we recommend our new TITAN Light Net. Here, too, the enlarged mesh spacing ensures less conduction in the case of heavy vegetation and allows small game to pass safely (rabbits, hedgehogs, etc. can "slip through" without danger). Since the return of the wolf and its spread in our cultural landscape, special attention must also be paid to the issue of herd protection. Together with experts in the field of wolf defence, we have developed "powerful" and flexible solutions to protect your sheep and goats from wolf attacks. Our so-called plus/minus nets offer particularly good protection. The horizontal strands are alternately connected to the fence connection (+) and the earth connection (-) of your electric fence. The resulting earth strands intensify the electric shock to the animal when two strands (+/-) touch at the same time and guarantee sufficient protection even in difficult soil conditions (e.g. very dry soil). For additional visual and acoustic deterrence, we recommend attaching our herd protection tape to the poles. The fluttering of the tape in the wind can increase the deterrence of wolves. To allow easy and quick passage into a pasture fence net, we offer practical doors especially for your electronic net. These can be mounted quickly and easily at any point of the net - even after the fence has been erected. Due to the insulated frame, the power does not have to be switched off when opening the door.
For more stability of all fencing nets, we offer our new and registered support stakes as optional accessories. These solid stakes made of round steel can simply be inserted into the corners to tension the net. In addition to stabilising the corners, these stakes are also ideal as a supporting start and end stake. The sheathing made of robust plastic prevents the current from being conducted away.
Even the best conductor material sometimes becomes brittle or cracks. With our tool-free Litzclip® electric fence connectors, you can reconnect individual strands in no time at all. Simply thread in both ends of the conductor material, pull the plastic cap over it and you're done. In addition to straight connectors, T and cross connectors are also available for repairing torn junctions.
Of course, we also offer suitable solutions for sheep farming in the area of fixed fencing. In addition to many different types of fencing wire and special monopoles, you can choose from a wide range of suitable posts, insulators, connectors and wire tensioners.
You can obtain pasture fence catalogues and catalogues for stable and yard requirements free of charge from us, the Kerbl company or the AKO company.
Not to forget the offer of advice or training for the use of electric fencing equipment in order to comply with existing safety regulations in Germany and the EU. With regard to safety regulations, it is often the case that people are injured because the 2.50 m distance between pasture fences is not maintained by differently operated fencing equipment.
Since we have been on site with our customers time and again for 27 years, we can rule out possible mistakes in advance during consultation.