INSTALLING A PORTABLE POWER FENCE™

5.1 Planning the fence layout
With a portable system you can construct an effective barrier wherever you like for short term stock control. Power it with any of the Gallagher battery powered energizers or connect it to a mains powered electric fence. Portable fences are suitable for all types and sizes of animals by using one of the many options available.

Here are the basics for a portable fence:

• Electric fence energizer
• Battery
• Earth (grounding) system
• Reels
• Polytapes, wire or braids
• Portable fence posts
• Connector leads
• Insul-grips

5.2 Selecting the correct Energizer
Use the following chart to select the correct energizer.for your fence.

Portable energizers are generally operated by a 12 volt rechargeable battery or a 9 volt disposable dry cell battery. Strip grazers like the B11 are designed for single reel systems and can be operated by 6 “D” size batteries or a 12 volt rechargeable battery. The portable solar S17 energizer provides maintenance-free solar power operation and is ideal for strip grazing. Batteries need to be recharged as necessary depending on the size of the energizer, battery capacity and amount of use.
Choosing tape, wire, braid and rope
Tape is generally used where visibility is important. And with our Turbo Plus range we’ve drawn on our knowledge of animal psychology by replicating nature’s warning sign: Stripes. Proven to be more effective in deterring stock.
Note: Tape is not recommended in areas exposed to very strong wind. Polywire/Turbo Wire is preferable where wind or adverse weather conditions would “work” a tape to death! Braid is a woven product designed not to “tangle” or overstretch. It is not available in all countries.

Product Performance
There are three criteria for determining performance.

• Conductivity (resistance): how much power the products delivers and how far.
• Durability: how the product stands up to wear and tear under varying environmental conditions.
• Design: how the product performs long term – eg. if a strand is broken, is it powered further along the fence?

Copper wire used in some fence products is highly conductive but it is not as strong as stainless steel and can“fatigue”, deteriorate and break easily. Stainless steel wire is stronger but is less conductive. The best option, Turbo, developed by Gallagher, is mixed metal strands that offer power, performance and durability – the best of both worlds. In the Gallagher range, Turbo products are better for longer term reliability and conductivity. They are less likely to be challenged, damaged or broken by stock. Gallagher Turbo products are best suited to distances over 200m (656’).

Electrical Resistance Chart
Use this Electrical Resistance Chart to decide which wire to use.

Specifications may vary in some countries.

Tumblewheels

Where several blocks are needed in one paddock or if the ground is too hard for Treadins, Tumblewheels (G6380) are ideal. The Tumblewheels are spaced across the paddock and held upright with the tension of the single line fence passing through their centre. When one or both ends of the fence is moved, the wheels roll along. A patented switch in the hub ensures all the legs are continuously electrified except for the two on the ground.

5.3 Fence Construction

Reels holding Polywire/Polytape can be used individually for single line fences or for up to four lines using four reels
attached to a reel stand.

1. Single wire: To erect a single line cattle fence, hook the Insul-grip to the anchor point. Carrying the reel and sufficient standards, walk along the proposed line, allowing the reel to unwind. Place a Treadin standard every 20m (66ft) or closer on uneven ground and locate the Polywire/Polytape in the required Treadin lug. At the end of the fence, hook the reel on to the anchor fence, engage the ratchet and tension the wire. Use a battery powered energizer or connect it to
an adjacent mains electric fence wire with a Single Reel Lead Connector (G6340). When you remove the fence, do the
same process in reverse. Do NOT wind the Polywire through the Treadin lugs as this will damage the lug.

2. Multi-wire: To erect a multi-wire sheep or goat fence, attach the required reels to a reel stand. Chain the reel stand to an anchor point. Attach Insul-grips to the ends of the Polywire/Polytape and hook them through the appropriate lugs of one Treadin to prevent them becoming twisted. Make sure the reel ratchets are disengaged. Walk to the other end of the proposed fence line with the Treadin posts pulling out all the wires. Hook the Insul-grips to the anchor fence. Walk back to the reels placing a Treadin every 10-12m (33- 40 ft) or as necessary to maintain wire height over uneven ground and
locate the wires in the correct lugs. Tension the wires at the reels and connect the power.

HANDY HINT

Joining Polywire and Polytape It is important to have good conductivity through the connection when you join Polywire or Polytape. To do this, separate the metal strands by melting a strip of plastic threads with a match or lighter approximately 50mm (2”) from the ends of each length. Pull the end off the plastic being careful not to break the steel wires. Twist the steel wires together then tie both ends of the Polywire/Polytape together. For joining 40mm (1 ½”) Polytape use a Tape Joiner (G6520). These also give good electrical contact.