Electrical Fencing System and Wire Vise / Wire Links in Electrical Fencing

Fencing - just mentioning the word brings about a wild consortium of emotional thoughts for most livestock producers. There are no “right” fence styles or types for all operations or situations; it is a matter of preference. Economic considerations must be taken into account when building, replacing or mending fence.

Before you set the first corner post, take time to cover a few non-fence building issues. Contact your local zoning office and find out setback requirements. You may be subject to new regulations, even if you are replacing an older existing fence. Also, there may be local requirements on the type or style of fencing. The task of fencing is usually “pleasant” enough the first time; you don’t want to have to do it twice.

There are also legal issues that focus on fencing. State or local laws might be found in the law library at the local courthouse. Check this out before you tear out that old boundary fence. It is a good idea to talk over your fencing plans with the neighbor whose property will be next to the fence.

Many livestock producers shy away from electric fences in favor of the five-strand, barbed wire or woven wire fence with metal T-posts. Today, high tensile electric fences are generally more economical fences because they tend to be less expensive and are easier to install and maintain.

The materials cost vary depending on the type of fence, how it is constructed and the site on which it is located. Factors to consider are corner posts, terrain and the type of animals to keep in or fence out. High tensile is the cheapest part of an electric fence. Posts (either wood, fiberglass or metal), gates, energizers and insulators increase fencing costs the most. An example is given later in the lesson. The best way to compare costs of different fencing systems is to do so over a constant distance (ie. one mile).

WIRE VISE
The wire vise has the same break strength as the fence wire. To install a wire vise:
1. Drill a 3/8" hole completely through the center of the brace post.
2. Feed each wire a few inches through the correct hole and into the wire vise.
3. Slide wire vise up the wire and into the hole in the post. When the wire is tensioned, the wire vise will become embedded in the post.
4. Break or cut off the surplus wire.
 

WIRE LINKS
Splices can also be made with "wire links." Wire link splices maintain 100% of the strength of the wire. To splice with wire links:
1. Insert both wires as you can in the ends of a wire link.
2. Tension the wire.