Joining an electric fence correctly is crucial for maintaining effective current flow and ensuring animal containment. The primary methods involve either twisting the wires or, for a more robust and efficient connection, utilizing specialized joint clamps.
Methods for Joining Electric Fence Wires
Ensuring a secure and conductive join allows the electrical current to pass through the connection efficiently, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of your fence line.
1. Twisting Wires (Traditional Method)
Historically, and in some situations, electric fence wires are joined by twisting them together. This method involves:
- Twist and join the wires together. Ensure a tight, secure twist to maximize contact.
- Tie the poliwire or politape in a knot. This step helps to secure the physical connection, especially important for flexible materials like poliwire or politape.
While the electrical current can pass through such a join, this method is generally less reliable than using clamps and can lead to performance issues over time.
2. Using Joint Clamps (Recommended Method)
For a superior and more reliable connection, especially when dealing with permanent or high-performance electric fences, joint clamps are the preferred method.
- Application: Joint clamps are particularly effective when inter-connecting fence wires at the end of a strain. This means at points where the wire tension is high or where different sections of the fence meet.
- Benefits:
- Prevents arcing: Unlike twisted connections, clamps provide a consistent and tight electrical contact, significantly reducing the risk of arcing (electrical sparks). Arcing can degrade the wire over time and cause voltage drops.
- Greatly reduces voltage loss: A secure connection made with a clamp ensures minimal resistance, allowing the maximum voltage to flow through the fence line. This is vital for maintaining the shock effectiveness across the entire fence.
| Feature | Twisting Wires | Joint Clamps |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple, no special tools often needed | Requires specific clamps, potentially tools |
| Reliability | Less reliable, prone to loosening | Highly reliable, secure connection |
| Voltage Loss | Can lead to significant voltage loss | Greatly reduces voltage loss |
| Arcing | Higher risk of arcing | Prevents arcing |
| Durability | Can degrade over time due to wear or elements | Durable, provides lasting performance |
Ensuring Optimal Electrical Flow
Regardless of the method chosen, the primary goal of joining electric fence wires is to ensure the electrical current can pass through the join effectively. A poorly made join can act as a point of resistance, weakening the fence's effectiveness, reducing its reach, and potentially leading to animal breaches. For long-lasting and efficient electric fencing, investing in and properly using joint clamps is highly recommended.
