Hi-Tensile Fencing Tips - Essential Do's and Don'ts

Fencing is a vital aspect of agricultural practices, particularly for keeping livestock contained. Among the various fencing options available, high-tensile fencing, particularly 12.5 gauge wire, stands out due to its exceptional strength and durability. In fact, it is known to be three to four times stronger than traditional fencing, lasting significantly longer and requiring a lower installation cost. However, common mistakes during the installation process can compromise its effectiveness. To ensure a successful outcome, here are some practical guidelines for working with high-tensile fencing, specifically tailored for permanent installations. Our hi-tensile woven wire fencing is among the best in conductivity, capable of withstanding environmental challenges with minimal damage.

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- Avoid Installing Wires Too Tight to Line Posts: It's crucial that the wires are allowed to move freely past each line post. This movement is essential for maintaining the wire's elasticity, which is what gives hi-tensile fencing its characteristic springiness. When installing, it's important to remember that 12.5 gauge wire can stretch about 2% of its length before returning to tension. For a quarter-mile fence, this allows for approximately 27 feet of movement, which is beneficial in situations involving falling trees or wildlife encounters. Ensuring the wires can flex through all line post connections is key to a successful installation.

- Consistency in Wire Gauge: It's recommended to use a uniform gauge of wire throughout the entire fencing system. Resistance can arise at joints and connections, diminishing the electric pulse traveling down the wires. If rusty wire is involved, the resistance increases further. A 17 gauge wire, for instance, has substantially higher resistance compared to 12.5 gauge. Imagine running a plumbing system that alternates between different pipe sizes—it wouldn't make sense, and similarly, using mismatched wire gauges can lead to inefficiencies. Instead of trying to reuse old, rusty wire that may be decades old, it's far more prudent to invest in new 12.5 gauge hi-tensile wire.

- Watch for Over-Tensioning of Hi-Tensile Wire: The appropriate tension for hi-tensile wire ranges between 150 to 200 pounds. If you're accustomed to barbed wire installation, which typically requires around 300 to 350 pounds of tension, be cautious not to over-tension your high-tensile wire. As you tension the wire, observe the sag between line posts; a slight sag of 1 to 2 inches is permissible, particularly in stretches of 40 feet. The exception to this rule occurs in goat or sheep fencing, where low-hanging wires may require a tighter setup to avoid grazing interference.

- Choose Quality Line Post Insulators: The reliability of electric fencing heavily depends on the quality of insulators utilized. It may be tempting to opt for cheaper insulators to save costs, but investing in high-quality options offers better longevity and performance. Quality insulators typically come with warranties that ensure durability, while lower-cost variants often do not. A single failed insulator on a steel post could render the entire fencing system ineffective, so quality should never be compromised.

- Ensure Adequate Energizer Capacity: A strong energizer is essential, ideally providing between 8 to 10 KV across your fencing system. Maintaining high voltage, especially during the spring and summer months when vegetation load increases, is crucial. While a high-quality energizer may seem like a significant investment upfront, when considering the overall length of your fence, the cost generally amounts to less than a penny per foot.

- Implement Proper Grounding Techniques: Proper grounding for your energizer is non-negotiable, regardless of its size. A general guideline is to allow for a minimum of 3 feet of ground rod for each output joule of your charger. For example, a 10-output joule charger would require at least 30 feet of grounding rods, spaced appropriately to ensure effective grounding in various weather conditions.

- Carefully Consider New Fencing Locations Relative to Old Fences: Old fencing can harbor broken wires and repair tangles that may interfere with a new electric fence. If removal of the old fence is not feasible, it's vital to inspect it thoroughly for loose parts that could short the new system. Hidden, rusty wire can pose significant problems that are not always immediately visible, yet these could severely impact your new fencing performance.

- Selection of Line Posts: When choosing line posts, consider their effectiveness over a long-term period rather than just their initial cost. Steel posts may be a commonly used option, but they can compromise the workings of electric fencing systems. Alternative options like Sunguard treated fiberglass and Powerflex composite posts are available, often providing better performance and flexibility which are key attributes for effective high-tensile installations.

- Train Livestock to Recognize Electric Fences: Training livestock to understand the presence of electric fencing usually takes less than a day in a controlled area. For new animals, it's helpful to create an introductory space where they can acclimate without risk of escape. Once they experience the mild shock of an electric fence, they are likely to remember the lesson well.

- Regularly Check for Issues: Don’t assume everything is functioning properly; periodic checks are vital for ensuring your electric fence is operational. Utilize a voltmeter to monitor the voltage levels, which provide crucial feedback on the health of the fencing system.

- Repair Any Wire Damage Promptly: Any nicks or kinks that occur during installation should be addressed immediately to prevent more significant issues down the line. Similarly, if a wire gets dented or kinked, take the time to fix it properly, as these weak spots can lead to unexpected breaches.

- Avoid Improper Installation: Ensure that end strain insulators are installed correctly; the wire should pull through the body of the insulator, not just through a small hole at the end. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance or clarification if needed.

- Prioritize Strong Electrical Connections: Strong electrical connections are vital in maintaining the efficiency of the electric pulse through the fence. Use quality crimps, split bolts, and connections to guarantee uninterrupted functionality throughout your fencing system.

Implementing these guidelines will contribute to a robust high-tensile fencing system capable of effectively managing livestock and withstanding environmental challenges. The durability, strength, and performance of 12.5 gauge hi-tensile wire make it a sound choice for any agricultural fencing needs.

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