Electric Fence Maintenance

To keep your electric fence running effectively and safely, regular maintenance is essential. A neglected system can lose power, fail to deter animals, or even become hazardous. Simple checks and preventative care go a long way in ensuring consistent performance year-round.

Check Voltage Regularly

Use a fence tester to ensure your fence is delivering the correct voltage. A sudden drop may indicate a fault, poor earth connection, or vegetation grounding the wire.

• Test at multiple points along the fence line
• Compare readings to your energiser’s expected output
• Investigate and address any weak spots immediately

Keep Vegetation Clear

Weeds and overgrown grass can sap power from the fence by grounding the current. This is one of the most common causes of poor performance.

• Trim vegetation away from live wires regularly
• Use weed suppression methods where appropriate
• Avoid using herbicides that may corrode components

Inspect Insulators and Posts

Damaged or degraded insulators can allow the current to short to the posts, reducing fence effectiveness. Posts should be upright and secure to maintain wire tension.

• Check insulators for cracks, wear, or arcing marks
• Replace any compromised components
• Ensure posts remain firmly anchored and upright

Monitor Connections and Joints

All electrical connections — from wire joins to gate handles — should be tight and corrosion-free. Poor joins create resistance and lower voltage.

• Use quality joiners and corrosion-resistant materials
• Check all connections during routine inspections
• Clean or replace connectors that show signs of rust or wear

Test the Earth System

A strong earth return is essential for fence effectiveness. Over time, soil conditions or rusted stakes can degrade your earth system.

• Test earth voltage periodically using a voltmeter or earth tester
• Add extra earth stakes if needed
• Ensure stakes are deep in moist soil, spaced apart

Protect Against Lightning

A direct strike or nearby lightning can damage your energiser. Protection devices help prevent costly damage and downtime.

• Install a lightning diverter near the energiser
• Ground the diverter properly for safe discharge
• Disconnect the energiser during severe storms if practical

Routine Seasonal Checks

Weather and seasonal changes can affect fence performance. Incorporate a simple checklist for different times of year.

• Spring: Check for winter damage, clear new growth
• Summer: Monitor for heat-related sagging or increased vegetation
• Autumn: Reinforce posts ahead of wet weather, remove debris
• Winter: Ensure energiser and battery connections are dry and protected

Staying on top of electric fence maintenance helps avoid costly failures and keeps your animals or property secure. A few minutes of regular inspection can save hours of troubleshooting and repair.