Explanation of the effects of electric fences, types of power sources, and the merits of solar power sources

Electric fences are one of the effective means to prevent animals from entering fields, but the power supply method and features differ depending on the product.

In this article, we will introduce the types of power sources for electric fences and the advantages of solar types. We also explain the points when installing an electric fence.

What is an electric fence? 3 power supply types

An electric fence is a fence that runs electricity around the site you want to prevent intrusion and prevents animals from entering. When the animal touches the fence wire, an electric path is formed between the animal's body and the electric fence, and an electric shock is generated. The aim is to instill fear in the beast with an electric shock and keep it away from the crops.

Electric fences require a power supply to conduct electricity, but there are three main types of power supply.

1. dry battery

Batteries are the most commonly used power source. The advantages of dry batteries are that they are readily available and easy to install. It is rare for a power supply to be secured around the fields, but if it is a dry battery type, it can be used anywhere.

The disadvantage is that it takes time and effort to check the remaining amount frequently to prevent the battery from running out. On many models, when the remaining battery level is low, an alert will be issued with a qualification or sound, but sometimes you can't help but put it off because you are busy with your daily work.

When operating an electric fence 24 hours a day, the frequency of battery replacement will increase, so it is a good idea to check the operating hours announced by the manufacturer in advance and calculate the cost.

2. External power supply

The second is an external power supply. Connect a commercially available battery that meets the standards of the electric fence itself, such as a car battery, or connect an AC adapter for connecting a household power supply.

In the case of batteries, it can be installed anywhere, but there are restrictions on the location in order to pull the power supply from the outside. Since there is often no power supply around the fields, it may not be possible to secure a power supply in the first place.

Before purchasing, it is necessary to check in advance whether the power supply will reach the place where you plan to install it. Also, avoid using a power supply that does not conform to the standards set by each manufacturer, as it may cause serious accidents.

3. solar

The third is a type that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel in a battery and uses it. Even if you are using a type without a solar panel, most of them can be retrofitted. The operating time varies depending on the balance between the output of the solar panel (W = watts) and the battery capacity. Recommended batteries are sold by each manufacturer, so it is safer to choose it.

If it is a compact type, a 5W solar panel is common. Due to its low power generation capacity, it is suitable for operating electric fences only at night. On the other hand, if you want to operate continuously day and night, during seasons with insufficient sunlight, rainy season or heavy snowfall, you may run out of power, so it is better to choose a type larger than 5W.

If it is a solar panel of about 12W, the amount of power generation will be relatively large, so there is no problem even if it is a specification for continuous day and night (* It depends on the installation conditions). If you use a battery other than the one recommended by the manufacturer, be careful as the output of the solar panel and the capacity of the battery may not be compatible.

Why Choose Solar Panels

There are several reasons why solar panels are chosen among the power sources for electric fences.

First of all, the point that the cost of battery replacement is reduced is a big merit. Since the type with solar panel is more expensive, the initial introduction cost is higher than the battery type, but the solar type is more profitable in the long run.

It also reduces the risk of loss of power due to forgetting to replace the battery. He explained that the point of the electric fence is not to physically shock the animals, but to instill psychological fear and keep them away from the crops. However, if you touch the electric fence without electricity, the animal will get used to it and will not feel fear.

With the type that requires battery replacement, there is a blank time when electricity does not flow due to the dead battery, but with a solar panel, there is no need to worry about that.

Also, even if the charging from the solar is not enough, if it is a type that can be used with a battery or a battery, it can be automatically switched, so it is possible to eliminate the time when electricity does not flow. The electric fences sold by Inohoi are compatible with all three types of solar, dry battery, and battery, and automatically switch to the power source with the highest voltage.

Points to install an electric fence

Here are some tips on how to install an electric fence effectively. If this is not firmly held down, animals will be allowed to enter and the effect will be reduced. Check the points to get the most out of it.

Choose an environment with good power supply for the installation location.

If you choose a solar type, of course you need to choose a place where the sunlight hits firmly. Also, if you put it directly on the ground, it will be prone to lack of sunlight, overturning, submersion, and failure, so it is necessary to first drive in a wooden stake and fix the main body in a floating state.

In addition, care must be taken not to cause short circuits in live parts. If a wire touches a conductive object such as a guardrail or galvanized steel, an electric leak will occur and the voltage will drop. In addition, there are cases where grass, trees, stones, etc. come into contact with electric wires and cause short circuits. When installing an electric fence, choose a location where there are no short circuits, and perform regular maintenance such as pruning trees and mowing grass.

The surface of the ground where the animal paws must be in a state that is difficult to dry. Electric shocks cannot be applied to dry ground, concrete, cobblestones, asphalt, etc. because no circuit is formed between the beast and the electric fence. If you have no choice but to install it in such a place, take measures such as laying something with good conductivity such as galvanized steel on the ground.

It is more effective to turn on the power for 24 hours.

Most of the main body of the electric fence can be switched between 24-hour energization and night-time energization. Many people turn on the switch only at night to keep costs down, but if possible, it would be better to leave the power on 24 hours a day. The following research was conducted in a study centered on Kagoshima University, `` Does leaving an electric fence in a non-energized state encourage intrusion by deer? '' First, prepare three electric fences: 1) energized electric fence, 2) non-energized electric fence, 3) re-energized electric fence (turn off the electricity once and turn it on again), We examined the "intrusion prevention rate" and "pass-through rate" for each.

State of electric fence	Intrusion prevention rate	pass-through rate
electrified electric fence	60%	twenty five%
De-energized electric fence	11-25%	53-86%
Re-energized electric fence	36%	56%

Among these results, I would like to pay attention to the item of "re-energized electric fence". Once the electricity is turned off, the intrusion prevention rate drops significantly (60% → 36%), and the penetration rate rises significantly (25% → 56%). This is because the deer has learned that ``this fence is not dangerous.

As mentioned above, there is a risk of reducing the effectiveness of the power supply only at night.

Eliminate hiding places for animals

Along with installing an electric fence, I would like to work on improving the surrounding environment. Animals that prey on your crops will approach you by hiding in the surrounding weeds and bushes. Keep weeds and bushes trimmed, as these hiding places are easy targets.

This is also important from the point of view of making it difficult for electric leakage to occur.

How to install an electric fence for wild boars and deer

When installing an electric fence, the effect will be enhanced by adjusting the distance and height of the wires according to the target animal. Boars have very sensitive noses. Since the part other than the nose is covered with hair, let's set the height of the wire assuming that the nose will touch it.

Specifically, we will install it in two stages with an interval of 20 cm from the ground. The standard distance between poles is 20 to 40 cm, and please adjust according to the terrain. In spring, baby wild boars appear, so it is a good idea to space the wires closer together.

When installing an electric fence for deer, adopt a four-tiered structure to narrow the space between wires. Since deer are taller than wild boars, they can pass through the gaps between electric wires in a two-tiered structure. Also, set the distance between wires to 30 to 40 cm so that you can't jump over them.

We also deal with electric fences from each manufacturer, so please consider it.

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