Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PowerFlex wpc Post ?

The term WPC stands for Wood / Plastic / Composite. Composite materials are not new to construction or agricultural products, however a PowerFlex wpc post is manufactured as a 2nd Generation WPC, in that it is "oriented". We at PSC feel that this material is ideal as an electric fence line post.

In this Frequently Asked Questions section, we will try to address common issues and questions that have been asked by both us and our customers, as this exciting new post product has been developed. If you have additional questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you.

What is the PowerFlex wpc post made of ?
What is meant by the term "orientation" ?
What are the features & benefits of PowerFlex Posts ?
Do these Posts meet cost share specifications ?
Are different colors available ?
How do you drive these posts into the ground ?
How is the wire attached to the post ?
Are the Posts pre-drilled ?
Are dealerships available for PowerFlex Posts ?
Where do PowerFlex Posts ship from ?
Is there a general field guide ?

Back to Top

What is the PowerFlex wpc post made of ?

PowerFlex Posts are manufactured as a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), however it is the 2nd Generation of WPC, in that it is "Oriented". It is comprised of approximately 30% wood flour (fiber) and the balance of 70% is comprised of Polypropylene and selected additives including UV inhibitors, color pigments, etc. It has a lower density and higher physical properties than 1st generation WPC. In this patented / licensed process this material becomes stronger, stiffer and less dense - with a grain, much like wood.

Back to Top

What is meant by the term "orientation" ?

The term orientation is used to refer to thermoplastic polymers that have been processed in such a way as to straighten its polymer chain backbone. This is a patented and licensed process and in general terms, it gives the post a grain, much like wood. We want to emphasize the importance of the orientation process and the benefits it provides in making this product as tough and durable as it is. Without this orientation, this product would not be in a "field of its own".

Back to Top

What are the features & benefits of PowerFlex Posts ?

>>Looks and feels like wood >>Adequate stiffness with superior flexural strength >>Low density allows for less weight and easy installations >>Handles like wood, using conventional woodworking tools >>Drills easily >>Drives into the ground with conventional post drivers >>Non-conductive >>Simple cotter pin wire attachment >>Resistant to moisture, decay and insects >>UV inhibitors are standard additives >>No hazardous materials present in the material >>No drilling or sawing dust hazards >>No splinters, slivers or need to wear gloves when handling. >>20 year manufacturers warranty.

Back to Top

Do these Posts meet cost share specifications ?

PowerFlex wpc posts do meet cost share specifications in Missouri for both EQUIP and DSP-3. We have sent them to agency personnel in many other states and have to date met NO resistance. Actually we have received much praise and support. If, however, you are uncertain about specifications for your particular location please contact us and we will do the footwork & paperwork to get approval before and during your application process. Note: some areas have a post penetration guideline that may range from 16" to 24", so let us know and we can provide post lengths to match your specifications.

Back to Top

Are different colors available ?

Our standard colors are: White, Black and Brown. Custom colors are quite possible by adding different pigments. Please call for pricing on custom colors and note that additional lead times and minimum quanities may apply.

Back to Top

How do you drive these posts into the ground ?

Basically, these posts can be driven with any manual post driver, just like you would use for driving steel t-posts. You will notice that they have a little more spring (bounce) to them, but we feel that if you can drive a steel t-post you can drive a PowerFlex post. In extremely hard or rocky soil, we do offer a Pilot Driver. You can view one on page 9 of our catalog, "The Grazers Connection". In fact, we highly recommend using one here in the Ozarks where we build fence. However, if you have good soil conditions and few rocks, you will not need one. You will be less fatigued after driving 100 PowerFlex wpc posts, than you will with the other alternatives ! Additional note: See the comments in "The PowerFlex Post" section regarding getting posts into the ground under extreme drought conditions.

Back to Top

How is the wire attached to the post ?

The wire is attached to the post in most cases with a cotter pin through a drilled hole. The cotter pins we offer are 13 gauge, 5-1/2" long, with a class III coating. They are long enough to come back around the wire, if you wish, or snipped and bent over. Note: We want the fence wire to have full movement thru the cotter pin, so we caution you - that if you bring the cotter pin back over the fence wire - do not cinch it up tight, like you do with clips on a t-post and barbed wire. There is an updated photo and some suggestions on Cotter Pin Installation in "The PowerFlex Post" Section

Back to Top

Are the Posts pre-drilled ?

No, the posts are not predrilled. A year ago, we did offer pre-drilling, but had few requests so we have discontinued offering predrilled posts. The material does drill quite easily, so do not confuse it with drilling fiberglass. With fiberglass you almost have to pre-drill as it must be jigged and clamped and drilled with a drill press. There is usually bit run off problems and major inconvenience trying to drill fiberglass in the field. PowerFlex posts can be field drilled with any cordless drill. There is virtually no bit run off due to the surface texture and softness of the material. Drilling a PowerFlex wpc post is about like drilling softwood. We also feel that pre-drilling and having unused holes will weaken any post. Our overall recommendation is to drive the posts, then drill in the field. This will give you a better overall finished product and allow for hole spacing options where you have terrain challenges to compensate for. Actually, we think that you can field drill and install a cotter pin in no more time than it takes to install an insulator on a steel t-post.

Back to Top

Are dealerships available for PowerFlex Posts ?

Yes, dealerships are available for many areas. If you are involved in Hi-Tensile & Electric Fencing in a serious way, we would love to talk to you about establishing a dealership for your area. You may contact either David Krider or Gary Duncan with PowerFlex Systems, Corp for more information on establishing a dealership. Note: We are getting many requests in Canada for PowerFlex Posts -- This is an open area for a serious Distributor for our posts.

Back to Top

Where do PowerFlex Posts ship from ?

PowerFlex Systems, Corp is located in Hartville, Missouri in Zip Code 65667 We are centrally located in the midwest and probably within a 500 mile radius of 70% of the agriculture in the continental USA. We also have distribution channels in the East and West USA. Call us for Dealers in your area or a freight quote to your location. 1-417-741-1230

Back to Top

Is there a general field guide ?

We have added another section on our website titled "The PowerFlex Post". This section has some general areas of discussion about this post. If you have additional questions, please feel free to either email us or call us. This post is not "rocket science", it is a line post for electric fencing. We have seen them installed in many different ways - from a very much aesthetic standpoint as well as simply a device to hold up the wire. We encourage you to experiment with the PowerFlex wpc Post and give us your feedback on your experimentation. Thank YOU.

Back to Top