How to Select an Electric Fence Charger With Maximum Shocking Power
Installing an electric fence can be an extremely effective way to contain livestock, deter predators, and secure a perimeter. But the keystone of any electric fencing system is the charger (also known as an energizer). The charger transforms low voltage into the high-voltage pulses that course through the fence wires and provide the shocking power that makes electric fences work.
With chargers available in voltage outputs ranging from low-power models at just 2000 volts up to hardcore industrial-strength designs cranking out 10,000+ volts, it's critical you carefully match the charger capacity to your unique needs.
Understand How Electric Fence Chargers Work
Before selecting a charger, it's helpful to understand exactly how they work. An electric fence charger has three main jobs:
- Generate high voltage pulses
- Transmit energy down the fence wires in the form of an electric current
- Deliver brief but intense shocks designed to surprise and motivate animals (or people) to retreat and avoid contact
Within the charger, a transformer steps up the standard outlet voltage to anywhere from 2000 to 10,000 volts or more. This rapid voltage spike is released as a quick pulse down the fence. The speed of the pulse is described as the pulse rate and is measured in pulses per minute. Faster pulse rates increase the chances an animal will receive the shock while contacting the fence since it increases the number of pulses released.
But volts only tell part of the story. The intensity or power behind the shock is measured in joules. Generally speaking, more joules equal more powerful shocks. And the combination of high voltage and high joules makes for potent shocking power.
Lightning Protection
Some electric fence chargers have advanced lightning protection technology that ensures the charger and the fence remain functional during thunderstorms. Look for chargers with multi-stage surge protection and insulated output terminals.
Assess Your Electric Fencing Requirements
Planning your fence and determining your needs is an essential first step before shopping for an energizer. Key factors that dictate your ideal charger solution include:
Containment Area Size
For smaller backyard installations covering less than 5 acres, a lower-powered 2000-3000 volt charger with an output of 0.7 joules may suffice. But for large cattle ranches or perimeter security applications encompassing 50+ acres, the fence could stretch 10+ miles. In that scenario 6000 volts and 5+ joules is recommended.
Animals or Intruders to Deter
Are you trying to merely contain docile livestock like horses and cattle? Or prevent aggressive intruders and large predators like wolves, bears and coyotes from invading your land? The intensity of shock required - and the amount of power your charger must deliver - depends greatly on the type of animal you need to influence.
Environmental Factors
In areas with lots of rainfall and green vegetation encroaching on fence lines, more power may be beneficial since moisture can allow some energy to bleed off. Dry climates permit maximum conductivity hence require less charger output. Fences traversing extremely hilly and uneven terrain over long distances also demand a more robust charger capable of pushing sufficient voltage and joules over distance.
Compare Voltage and Joules Ratings
Understanding voltage and joules ratings is critical to matching a charger to your animals and acres.
Voltage Output
The voltage supplied by the charger determines the intensity and penetrating power behind the shock. Consider it the force that propels the pulse. Typical electric fence charger voltage ratings range from as little as 2000 volts all the way up to 10,000 volts or more.
While 2000-3000 volts may work fine for smaller backyard fences, high-capacity 15-25 mile permanent horse and cattle fences demand at least 6000 volts. Extreme voltage models cranking out 8000+ volts specifically target large predators.
Voltage Output
The voltage output of an electric fence charger determines the strength of the electric shock delivered by the fence. Higher voltage outputs provide stronger shocks, which are necessary for deterring large predators.
Joules Rating
While voltage delivers intensity, joules measure the total energy or work capacity available from the charger. The higher the joules rating, the stronger and longer-lasting the shock. Joules ratings on quality electric fence chargers normally range from around 0.7 on the low end to 15+ joules on powerful containment models designed for miles of fencing in challenging conditions.
Typically you'll see 0.7 to 3 joule chargers marketed primarily for backyard and small farm installations. But specialized livestock fence chargers built for ranches, as well as extreme chargers built for deterring bears, mountain lions, wolves and other imposing predators, supply 10 or more peak joules.
Joule Rating
The joule rating measures the amount of energy released by the electric fence charger. Higher joule ratings indicate that the charger can provide a stronger electric shock, which is necessary for deterring large predators.
Evaluate Effective Range Capabilities
Both voltage and joules have a direct impact on how far a charger can transmit usable power through the wires. This is described as the "effective fence distance" or "range". Typically expressed as a maximum number of miles a particular unit can energize, evaluating potential range versus your required coverage is smart.
Short range fence chargers may have a maximum capacity of just 10-20 miles. But large acreage ranch-style chargers boast 50+ mile ranges. And extreme long-range predator fence chargers can energize up to 150 miles!
With range, some capacity above your actual needs is preferable to ensure you have power to spare. But again, no sense paying for substantially more reach if you only have a few acres to enclose. Review range ratings carefully so you buy sufficient capability without overspending.
Research Appropriate Charger Brands and Models
While dozens of brands offer electric fence chargers, a few manufacturers dominate the higher power segments specifically designed for large farms, cattle ranches and maximum predator deterrence.
Zareba, Parmak, Gallagher, Patriot, Speedrite and Stafix excel at high voltage, high joules energizers purpose-engineered for acreage measured in miles, not feet. Models worth highlighting are the Gallagher B160 (9 joules), Patriot P150 (10 joules), Speedrite 9000 (also 10 joules) and the Stafix EX22 (15 joules).
But no discussion of ultra high-power electric fence chargers is complete without mentioning the legendary Parmak DF-SP-5 Magnum. This intensity on wheels delivers a staggering 10 joules from a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery capable of maintaining +/- 10,000 volts even under extreme load conditions.
The Parmak SE5 Super Energizer
And the undisputed heavyweight shocker champ featuring extreme containment stopping-power is the Parmak SE-5 5045464 Super Energizer. With a peak output of 8000 volts and 6.3 joules, it transmits farther than any other charger, easily electrifying 40-50+ miles.
The SE5 will cost you. But there's simply no more potent all-weather workhorse if maximum power over distance is essential.
Match Charger Power Level to Your Needs
While it's tempting to buy the biggest baddest fence charger available "just in case", that's often wasted overkill unless you specifically need the strength. Consider these genera guidelines based on your animals and acreage when choosing voltage and joules ratings:
Horses and Cattle
2000-3000 volts, 0.7+ joules: Less than 10 acres 5000-6000 volts, 2+ joules: Up to 50 acres 6000+ volts, 5+ joules: Over 50 acres
Sheep and Goats
2000-3000 volts, 0.7+ joules: Less than 5 acres 4000-5000 volts, 1.5+ joules: Up to 20 acres 5000+ volts, 3+ joules: Over 20 acres
Deterrent / High-Security Perimeter Fences
5000+ volts, 1.5+ joules: Under 75 acres 6000-8000+ volts, 6+ joules: Over 75 acres
Extreme Predator Fences (Bears, Mountain Lions, Wolves)
8000+ volts, 6+ joules minimum: Up to 150 miles
Ensure Proper Installation and Usage
Cranking your fence up to 8000 volts sounds awesome. But that means nothing if poor grounding and faulty wiring result in most juice bleeding off into soil. Consult manufacturer recommendations to guarantee proper operation. And certified electricians are worth the spend when configuring high-voltage systems.
Warning signs must be visibly posted as well. While electric fence risks are often exaggerated, complacency around appropriate handling can prove dangerous.
Safely Handling High-Voltage Chargers
Exercise caution when operating, transporting or conducting maintenance on heavy-duty electric fence chargers. Precautions include always wearing insulated rubber gloves and boots rated for electrical work. Never operate chargers near liquids or on wet ground. Also confirm housing covers and terminal shields are firmly secured anytime a system is powered up.
While incidents are rare, improperly installed fences lacking a proper ground can retain stray voltage long after being disconnected. So certified technicians should perform all complex troubleshooting and repairs.
Choosing the right charger establishes a strong foundation for the most intense high-voltage shocking power precisely matched to your unique needs. Models with insufficient voltage, joules and overall intensity risk lackluster performance containing animals. But overpowered systems cost more upfront while delivering excess capability that rarely gets utilized.
Analyze your precise acreage as well as the animals you need to contain or deter - including any predators possibly encroaching on your property. Compare specifications across charger brands and models to hone in on the optimal combination of voltage, pulses, joules and miles of range for your particular installation. And allow ample capacity for future expansion if you expect to enlarge grazing areas over time.
While no plug-and-play solution addresses every variable, the payoff for properly sizing your energizer is an electric fence equipped with the maximum shocking intensity to safely, effectively and reliably meet objectives.