Here are some safety considerations to follow
when installing electric fencing:
1. Only connect one energizer to a fence;
2. Under unusual fault conditions electric
fences can produce sparks. Therefore, keep
fences away from combustible materials.When
droughts and other conditions create a high risk
of wildfires, operate energizers on low power if
they are equipped with that option, or simply
turn energizers off.
3. Grounds for energizers should be at least 65
feet from utility grounding fields;
4. Avoid running fences parallel to power lines,
and try to install fences so that they cross
power lines at right angles. If you can’t avoid
parallel electric fences and power lines, offset
the fences at least 30 feet from the power lines,
and make sure the top fence wires are no more
than six feet high.
5. Do not attach fence wires to utility poles.
6. Landowners are responsible for preventing
audible interference with telephone lines.
Therefore, try to avoid installing electric
fences under telephone wires, and minimize
the distance that electric fence wires run parallel
to underground telephone cables.
7. Keep electric fences as far away from radio
antennas as possible.
8. Don’t touch fences with your head or mouth.
People with pacemakers or other heart problems
also should consult their doctors before
working with or near electric fences. No
humans or animals have died from electric,
grazing-system fences without becoming
entangled in them. However, some precautions
are necessary.
9. Never use barbed wire for electric fence wire
because people or animals could more easily
become entangled in it.
10. Post warning signs at least every 300 feet
where the public has access to electric fences,
such as along roads.
