Construction & Contractors Blog
In many ways, installing an electric fence for livestock requires hard labor similar to installing other fences. But the purpose of an electric fence is quite different from the common fence; its job is to provide a psychological barrier rather than a solid or aesthetically pleasing wall. Thanks to this difference, an electric fence installation comes with its own set of unique pros and cons.
Pros: Why DIY Installation is in Your Favor
Simple structure At its basic structure, an electric fence is one of the easiest to install. You don't need to worry about noise reduction, making it look pretty, or beefing it up with posts that can withstand the charging of a mad rhino. Even the wiring is easier to install, since it doesn't need to be pulled as tight between the posts as, say, barbed wire.
Cost-saving An electric fence is composed of far less material than most other fences, and it's inexpensive material at that. You'll pay for the fencing materials and equipment (including the charger or energizer, which powers the fence) whether you hire a fencing contractor or not. But the DIY approach spares you labor costs, which won't seem worth it once you realize how quickly you can install an electric fence yourself.
Cons: Why You Might Want a Fencing Contractor
Complex electric setup First-timers can't just plow ahead on basic facts and faith--you really need to research the electrical principles involved. For example, if you don't ground the wiring properly, you can experience TV or radio interference because of stray electric pulses. Or, even worse, the current won't flow correctly through your fenced-in animal, resulting in no shock and a pretty useless fence.
Hazardous connections Besides having an electric fence that doesn't electrify, hazards could also arise from an incorrect setup. Hot wires that are poorly insulated are especially dangerous, as are incorrectly spliced connections. If the current is continuous, a victim who accidentally grazes the fence has a much lower chance of walking away uninjured. Knowing for sure that the current is pulsing, instead of continuous, makes your fence much safer.
Based on the pros and cons, how do you know if you should do the fence installation yourself or hire a fencing contractor? Ultimately, talking to experts and reading step-by-step guides online can give you a preview of the process. If you feel the electrical aspect is over your head, or you want to know for sure that the fence is working from the get-go, a professional can help. Or you could even compromise--set up the basic fence yourself, and hire a contractor to handle the grounding wire, energizer selection, and so on.
Share12 September 2014
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
