Grounding: The Foundation for Full Voltage on Your Electric Fence
Good grounding closes the circuit of your electric fence so the pulse really reaches the animal. Here you will find earth stakes, cables and grounding aids.
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AKO High-Voltage Underground Cable Premium Green 1.6 mm
Content: 50 Meter (€1.01 / 1 Meter)
Sale price: From €50.73 Regular price: €55.99 (9.39% saved)
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Kerbl High Voltage Underground Cable Double Insulated 2.5mm
Sale price: From €45.82 Regular price: €51.99 (11.87% saved)
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AKO Earthing Mix Bentonite 6 kg Bucket for Optimal Grounding in Soil
Content: 6 kg (€8.62 / 1 kg)
Sale price: €51.69 Regular price: €52.99 (2.45% saved)
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AKO Underground Cable High-Voltage Fence Earth Cable 1.32 mm
Sale price: From €20.43 Regular price: €22.49 (9.16% saved)
AKO Underground Cable for Fence, Galvanized Steel Core, Plastic Reel
Regular price: From €19.25
Kerbl T-Post Ground Rod, 1.2 m, Hot-Dip Galvanized, with 3 Cable Holes
Regular price: €12.09
Kerbl Electric Fence Ground Rod 2-part, Galvanised, incl. Screws, 100 cm
Regular price: €9.35
Grounding: No Effective Electric Fence Without It
Many problems with weak fences have one common cause: the grounding, also known as earthing. When an animal touches the conductor, the current flows through the animal into the ground and back to the energizer via the earth stakes. Only then does it feel the pulse. If the earthing system is too small or sits in dry soil, only a fraction of the output gets through, no matter how strong the energizer is.
How to Build Good Earthing
As a rule of thumb, drive several earth stakes of at least around one metre into moist soil, spaced a few metres apart. The stronger the energizer, the more stakes you need. Connect them with a continuous, insulated earth cable and make sure the clamps are tight and free of corrosion. Keep your distance from the earthing of the household supply or lightning protection.
Help for Difficult Soil
Sandy, stony or very dry soils conduct current poorly. This is where a bentonite earthing mix helps, as it retains moisture around the earth stake and improves conductivity. You can also place the stakes in a shady, damper spot or add an extra stake. On very dry ground, a separate earth wire in the fence running parallel to the live conductors can also help.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether my earthing is sufficient?
Short-circuit the fence a good distance from the energizer by leaning a few metal bars against it. Then use the fence tester to measure between the earth stake and a test stake pushed into the ground a little way off. If the tester shows a significant voltage, the earthing is too weak.
Can I connect my fence earth to the house earth?
No, the earthing for an electric fence should always be a separate system. A connection to the house earth or a water pipe can cause interference and become dangerous. Keep a sufficient distance from other earthing systems instead.
Why does my fence seem weaker in summer?
When the soil dries out, it conducts the current less well and the earthing loses effect. On top of that, more grass grows into the conductor. An extra earth stake in a damp spot and regular mowing usually help quickly.
Earth Stakes and Cables for Your Electric Fence
Effective grounding is made up of two components. The Ground Rod sits deep in moist soil and takes up the current that flows through the animal on contact. The more stakes you drive in, the better the circuit closes, especially with powerful energizers and dry soil. The Underground Cable connects the stakes to each other and to the earth terminal of your energizer. It should be well insulated and sit firmly in the clamps so that no voltage is lost. Products such as bentonite, which keeps the soil around the stake moist, are a useful addition. Check your earthing regularly, especially in dry summers when the ground hardens and conductivity drops.