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All about Earthing

The most common problem with electric fences concerns earthing. For a fault free fence, ensure that your earthing is good.


Good earthing is just as important, if not more important, than the live wire.
The earth system must conduct the electricity back to the energiser in order for the animal to receive a shock.

Things to keep in mind are:

  •  Earth stakes must be driven at least 1.5m into the ground.
  • Only use galvanised or stainless steel earth stakes.
  • Do not use copper or tar covered fence posts.
  • Electric fence earth stakes must be a minimum of 10m from any existing electrical or communication earthing.
  • Position earth stakes in a permanently moist area if possible.
  • Earth return wires in the fence are required for good earthing.
  • Ground return earthing is only suitable for strip grazing with moist soil