Proper Electric Fence Post Spacing Avoids Sagging Wires
Installing electric fencing enables livestock containment while utilizing minimal materials compared to conventional fencing. However, the flexibility that makes electric fencing cost-effective also makes it prone to sagging. Fortunately, observing proper post spacing guidelines eliminates this issue.
We'll provide specific recommendations by fence type, livestock, terrain and soil conditions. We'll also cover bracing techniques to bolster corners, ends and gates. Finally, we'll diagnose common causes of sagging wires and teach preventative strategies.
Spacing Guidelines by Fence Type
Electric fence post spacing varies greatly depending on whether you are installing temporary or permanent fencing . Let's explore recommendations for each style.
Temporary Electric Fencing
With temporary or portable fencing like polywire or polytape, posts can be spaced quite far apart, typically 50 feet . The flexibility of the materials enables wider spans without sagging.
Use temporary fencing to subdivide pastures for rotational grazing, create temporary paddocks or exclude livestock from sensitive areas. The ease of moving these fences facilitates improved grazing management.
Permanent Electric Fencing
For permanent perimeter fences or long-term cross fencing, posts should be much closer together. Common recommendations range from 8 to 12 foot spacing.
Closer post spacing creates a rigid barrier that withstands animal pressure. It also supports heavier materials like high-tensile wire. The lifespan of a tightly-spaced permanent fence exceeds 20 years.
Ideal Post Spacing by Livestock Type
The spacing between line posts must suit the size and behavior of your livestock. Let's cover recommendations for common farm animals.
Cattle
With sizeable animals like cattle, post spacing requires careful consideration. If spaced too far apart, cattle can use their strength and weight to bulge wires, stressing connections and allowing escapes.
For cows and calves, experts recommend placing posts 8 to 10 feet apart. Heifers and bred stock necessitate spacing on the wider end of this range. Bulls require posts every 8 feet to prevent wire fatigue over time.
Horses
Horses follow unpredictable paths alongside fences as they graze or exercise, applying substantial lateral pressure. Compared to straight-line cattle movement, this necessitates closer post spacing for horse fencing .
Space posts for horses every 6 to 8 feet . This prevents horses from pushing wires out of alignment and escaping or getting injured on loose wires.
Sheep and Goats
Due to their size, sheep and goats require wider post spacing than cattle. However, as prey animals their fences must prevent predator entry. It's critical to install a barrier with no openings along the bottom where animals can crawl underneath.
Space posts 8 to 12 feet apart for sheep and goats while eliminating any gaps between the ground and bottom wire using skirting techniques as needed.
Spacing by Terrain and Soil
Site topography and soils dictate appropriate electric fence post spacing in many cases. Let's cover key considerations.
Rocky or Sloped Terrain
It can be challenging to properly install posts and achieve adequate grounding and stability for electric fencing on rocky, sloped or hilly land. Therefore, adjust spacing accordingly.
On steep slopes, space line posts as close as 6 feet . Closer spacing counters gravity's influence as wires descend vertically. This prevents pronounced sagging across valleys between posts.
In very rocky areas, increased post density helps navigate obstacles like boulders or bedrock near the surface. Adjust spacing from 8 to 10 feet based on the severity of conditions.
Wet Areas
Poorly drained zones hold excess moisture, demonstrating inadequate conductivity for grounding electric fence wiring. In marshy spots, widening post spacing risks energy leakage through wet soil.
Maintain tighter 8 to 10 foot spacing even in soggy sections. Use more robust insulators to prevent leakage or shorts through moisture. Schedule testing after heavy rains or thaws to confirm voltage across damp zones.
Firm, Well-Drained Soil
Ideal electric fence construction involves installing posts in soil with favorable properties. Well-aerated, unsaturated soils with moderate moisture and low salinity promote conductivity and resist frost upheaval or movement.
Where topsoil conditions boast high suitability , utilize wider spacing up to 12 feet between posts. Conduct soil tests prior to installation to verify appropriate spacing.
Proper Bracing, Anchoring and Securing
In addition to properly distancing line posts, it's essential to fortify corner, end and gate posts to prevent wires from losing tension or posts from shifting. Let's explore methods.
Corner, End and Gate Posts
Due to increased pressure, reinforce these terminal posts using sturdy H-brace assemblies. Use posts with a minimum 3-inch diameter for hardware attachment.
Brace post selection depends on soil properties:
- In firm clay or compacted soils, wood posts suffice.
- In loose, sandy soils, poured concrete braces add stability.
Install H-braces diagonally at fence height using robust galvanized hardware. Routinely check connections and retighten as needed.
Line Posts
Although not needing bracing, it's still vital to properly fasten wires to line posts. Use high-quality galvanized wire clips , avoiding staples which loosen over time as animals contacting fencing gradually work wires free.
Maintain uniform 5 to 15 pound tension on wires between end posts as over-tensioning hastens material fatigue and under-tensioning leads to increased sag.
Diagnosing and Preventing Sagging Wires
Aside from wide post spacing, various situations cause electric fence wires to lose tension and sag. Fortunately, prevention is straightforward once we understand the forces in play.
Causes of Sagging Wires
Common culprits of loose, sagging wires include:
- Excess animal pressure due to overcrowding
- Weak or damaged bracing
- Under-tensioned or aged wires
- Frost upheaval of posts
- Poor initial fence construction
Indicators That Post Spacing Is Too Wide
Noticeable indicators that post spacing exceeds recommended limits include:
- Pronounced wire sagging or drops between posts
- Offset or leaning posts
- Broken insulators
- Animal escapes through widened wire gaps
Resetting Posts to Eliminate Sag
If sagging wires indicate that post spacing is too wide, address the situation through corrective measures:
- Relieve pressure by moving animals out of pasture
- Remove all wire from posts
- Reposition and replant posts at proper spacing
- Re-secure wires under proper tension
- Brace corner, end and gate posts
When installing electric fencing, properly spacing posts is imperative to avoid loose wires that allow animal escapes or damage from wayward wires. Match spacing to your unique requirements.
For temporary fences, 50-foot post spacing works with flexible fencing materials. For permanent perimeter fences, space posts 8-12 feet apart based on livestock type, terrain and soils.
Reinforce terminal posts, maintain wire hardware and tension properly, and diagnose and correct any sagging wires. Adhering to these electric fence post spacing guidelines results in secure, lasting barriers.
We hope these comprehensive spacing recommendations empower you to confidently install sag-free electric fencing. Let us know if you have any other questions as you plan your ideal livestock containment solutions!