Installing a Parmak Electric Fence

The application of electric fence varies widely from fencing small pets such as cats, dogs to domestic livestock, cattle, horses, hogs, sheep to fencing wild animals, deer, bear, (elephants in Africa), etc. The model you choose will depend on the fence construction and the animals you are controlling.

How Electric Fencing Works:

The object of electric fencing is to keep your livestock inside their grazing area by giving them an electric shock when they contact the charged fence wire. Properly installed and grounded electric fence is an effective, economical way to fence livestock.

WARNING: Electric fence is a psychological barrier, not a physical barrier. It’s effectiveness depends on proper fence construction. Under certain circumstances livestock can escape the fenced area. Do not rely on a portable electric fence as the only means of keeping livestock out of areas that may cause injury to themselves or people. Fence construction will vary depending on location of fence and type of livestock being confined. Special attention to constructing fence should be given when fence is located near roadways, railroad tracks, rivers, ponds, etc., to insure animals cannot escape the fenced area, which may cause injury to themselves or people. Constructing a temporary, portable fence is not recommended for these locations, a permanent physical barrier fence should be used in these locations.

Choose the right fence charger:

The first step is to select the appropriate fence charger, also known as an energizer, for your specific needs. Parmak offers a range of options based on the size of the fence and the type of animals you want to keep in or out.

MODEL DF-SP-LI (BEST) This is a six volt, solar powered model designed to be used on clear weed free fences. The DF-SP-LI is low impedance and will shock through a light amount of wet weeds and brush. It is designed for small to medium size pastures and is ideal for hogs, cattle and horses. 

Model FM-3 (110v-120v AC) (GOOD) This AC model is for small to medium size pastures and will shock through a medium amount of weeds, brush, etc.

The FM-3 is ideal for hogs, cattle and horses. The FM-3 is not recommended for sheep or deer fences.

Model MARK 8 (BETTER) Model S.E.5 (BEST) Model RM-1 (BEST)

These are the top AC models for the medium and larger fences. Ideal for all livestock or deer fences. The S.E.5 and RM-1 are the best choice for high tensile fences and can charge over 50 miles (S.E.5) and 100 miles (RM-1). The Mark 8, S.E.5, and RM-1 will shock through medium to heavy vegetation. The S.E.5 and RM-1 are also excellent for sheep, deer, or predator fences.

Install grounding system:

The ground rod must be a corrosion resistant metal rod such as copper or galvanized steel, approximately 6’ to 8’ long. In order to determine that the ground rod is working satisfactorily, check the fence with a voltmeter on a regular basis. Use a voltmeter made for electric fencing. If one ground rod is not satisfactory, additional ground rods spaced 10’ (3m) apart and connected in parallel may provide satisfactory grounding. Connect the ground terminal of the energizer to the ground rod. For ground rod connections, always use corrosion resistant metal wire such as galvanized steel or aluminum wire 14 ga. (2.5 mm) or heavier. Use corrosion resistant electrical clamps to join the wire to the ground rod.

Install fence posts:

The height of the wire should be approximately 2/3rd the height of the animal. If there are different size animals within the field, there must be a charged wire at 2/3rd the height of each size of animal. Portable fence wires are often attached to plastic or fiber glass posts. If metal posts are used, then good quality insulators must be used to prevent the wires from shorting against the steel posts.

Run the fence wire:

Run the electric fence wire around the perimeter of the area you want to enclose. Use insulators to attach the wire to the fence posts, and ensure that the wire is taut and level.

Connect the fence charger:

Connect the fence charger to the grounding system and the fence wire. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure proper wiring.

INSTALLING THE ENERGIZER 110-120 VOLT AC ENERGIZERS:

A 110-120 Volt AC operated energizer must be mounted indoors. The energizer must be protected from rain, snow, high humidity, and condensation. Energizer must be installed in clean, dry location. The energizer should be as close to the fence and ground rod as practical.

BATTERY ENERGIZERS:

IMPORTANT! PARMAK model DF-LI-U.O. & Mag 12 U.O. battery operated energizers are manufactured for outdoor use. Use battery in good condition. Use 6 volt battery with model DF LI-U.O. Use 12 volt wet cell lead acid battery minimum 80 A.H. rated with model Mag 12 U.O. Connect cable red lead (+) to positive (+) terminal of battery. Connect cable black lead (-) to negative (-) terminal of battery

SOLAR ENERGIZERS:

Choose a location that provides maximum exposure to the sun throughout the entire day. Position the energizer away from trees or buildings that could cast shadows on the solar panel. Hang the energizer off of the ground facing due south using the mounting holes on the back of the unit.

Test the fence:

Before introducing animals to the fenced area, test the fence to ensure it's working properly. You can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage along the fence line.

Maintain the fence:

Regular maintenance is important to keep your electric fence functioning properly. This includes checking the fence wire for damage or breaks, clearing vegetation that may come in contact with the wire, and keeping the grounding rods clean and free of debris.

It's important to note that electric fences can be dangerous, and should be installed and maintained by trained professionals or individuals with experience in electric fencing. Always follow safety precautions and guidelines to ensure the safety of people and animals around the fence.

FAQ:

Q. How do I test the solar panel on my fence charger?

A. The solar panel on both our 6-volt and 12-volt fence chargers very rarely fail unless there is physical damage to the panel. If the glass or the plastic frame is damaged, the panel may continue to operate until moisture gets under the glass. When this happens, the solar panel will begin to deteriorate and it will no longer be able to charge the battery. At that point the solar panel will need to be replaced (replacement parts: 6v #920, 12v #960)

You can test your solar panel with the battery disconnected. To do so, aim the solar panel directly at the sun. Using your standard voltmeter connected to the battery cable connectors coming from the solar panel. You should get between 8 - 10 volts for the 6 volt solar panel and between 13 and 18 volts for the 12 volt solar panel. If you do not get the correct voltage, the solar panel should be replaced.

Q. When my Parmak fence charger is operating, I hear a clicking sound. Is this normal?

A. YES. All Parmak fence chargers are "solid-state" with no moving parts inside the fence charger. The clicking noise heard when the fence charger is operating is caused by the magnetic field surrounding the output transformer being released each time the fence charger pulses.

NOTE: Fence load will affect the volume (loudness) of the clicking sound. As an example, the clicking sound will be the loudest when the fence charger is operated in an open circuit (not connected to the fence). When the fence is connected to the fence charger, the clicking sound will be reduced depending on the fence load. If the fence is shorted to ground or has a large current leak (weeds, grass, or brush touching the fence line, broken insulator, etc.), the clicking sound will be very weak and the shock on the fence will be reduced. In this case, you should check the fence to correct the problem.

Q. My Fence doesn't seem to have a high charge anymore, what causes this?

A. When grass and weeds grow up and touch the charged wires, current is leaked to the earth. The energizer automatically supplies this leakage current through the weed load and tries to maintain an effective guard voltage on the charged wires. When this leakage current increases beyond the capacity of the energizer, the guard voltage decreases and the available shock current is no longer adequate.