| |
Grounding an Energizer
Proper (or improper) grounding of your energizer is linked directly to the performance of an energizer. Your grounding acts somewhat like the antenna of a radio or TV. Normally the bigger the antenna - the better the reception. Your earthing system is the MOST IMPORTANT component of any electric fence system. If your system is not properly grounded to earth - it will be much less effective.
- Place your ground rods at least 33 feet from all other grounds, such as utility grounds, telephone, home or barn grounds.
- Place them away from stock or other traffic that could potentially interfere with its performance and periodic maintenance.
- Place in a place of permanent moisture such as a shaded or swampy area. A drip line of a building works well.
- If, no such place exists nearby the energizer, then the grounding may be located farther away, in which case you will have a little expense to run the lead wire back to the energizer. If this is also not possible, and you end up installing your grounds in areas that are expected to become extremely dry - then you may help out by watering your rods during dry drought conditions.
- We normally suggest that you use galvanized ground rods. The reason being that the rest of your system is all galvanized and its not a good idea to mix unsimular metals, causing electrosis, resulting in corrosion and bad connections. 5/8" rods also go into the ground better (without bending) compared to 1/2" rods.
- Copper rods are also acceptable. But, if you do use copper rods, then also use copper wire to make your connections all the way back to the energizer.
- Use a good quality ground rod clamp.
- A good choice on your lead out wire is to use insulated wire in 12.5 gauge. It is more visible in grass than bare wire.
- Number of Rods and Spacing Requirements:
- Our basic recommendation is that you will need 3 feet of ground rod for each OUTPUT joule of your charger. For example if you have a 6 joule (output) energizer, then you will need about 18 feet of ground rods in the ground. Three 6 foot rods should be adequate. We recommend that you use rods in no less than 6 foot in length, and drive them in with only a couple inches above ground. Just enough to get your clamp on and still be able to inspect it in the future. Use 8 foot rods if you think you can get them into the ground.
- Space your ground rods at least 10 feet apart. The effective grounding radius is about 5 feet, so 10 foot spacing is ideal.
- Join all your ground rods together in series and connect to your grounding terminal at the energizer. Again, we recommend using insulated wire for this purpose.
Click Here To Return to Archives Index
|
