Yes, I know that this picture may look confusing, but it really isnt. Lots of jumper leads with one cut out switch. (see photo note below) This is a corner on Garys rent farm. In this picture there is a three way junction. The cut out switch allows a leg of the fence to be turned off for repairs or what ever reason there may be. Power is routed via jumper wire to one terminal of the cut out switch, then another jumper is routed to the subsuquent leg of fence.
Cut out switches are used for many reasons, but are basically a management tool. When in the open position they cut off power downstream. When in the closed position they send power on thru, just like any switch. They should have stainless steel contact points and terminals and a solid insulated handle or throw switch.
You can use cut out switches to turn off unused paddocks and areas not in use. We do however caution you that during periods of heavy vegitation growth that you should probably leave these areas turned on. The energizer can keep the grass load burned down somewhat if it is left on, but if you turn it off and allow grass to get into your wires it may take some time to brown it down again.
We stock several different varieties of cut out switches. They are all priced within a dollar of each other and all work well. Its just personal preference as to which one you like best. We tend to like the ones that you can see from a distance to see if they are open or closed.
Photo Note: In the photo above left, this is a 7 strand goat fence. There are 4 hot wires and 3 ground wires with a set of jumpers on each leg to connect them all together. The cut out switch turns off the leg going to the upper left.
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