You’d be surprised how many tall tales, half-truths, and old farmyard stories still circulate about electric fencing. At Electric Fence Online, we live and breathe electric fencing, and we’re here to clear up the confusion. Let’s bust some of the most common myths so you can build and maintain an effective fence with confidence.
Myth 1: "More volts always means a stronger fence."
❌ False:
It’s easy to think that higher voltage automatically means a more powerful shock, but that’s not the full picture. What really matters is having enough voltage and proper earthing for your setup. Without a good earth, even a top-end energiser won’t deliver a decent zap. You need a well-balanced system, not just numbers on a box.
Myth 2: "One fence suits all animals."
❌ False:
If only it were that simple! The truth is, different animals behave differently, and that means your fence needs to suit the stock you’re keeping.
- Horses need good visibility to avoid getting startled.
- Goats are notorious for finding weak spots.
- Sheep need higher voltage to get through their thick fleece.
It’s horses for courses, really, get the setup wrong, and you’ll be spending your weekends chasing livestock down country lanes.
Myth 3: "You don’t need to worry about maintenance once it’s up."
❌ False:
Electric fences need a bit of TLC to stay in good nick. Over time, grass can grow up and touch the wires, sapping power. Weather, wildlife or curious stock can loosen posts or snap insulators. A quick walk round every now and then to check everything’s in order can save you hassle, and lost animals, later on.
Myth 4: "All energisers work the same, just pick the cheapest one."
❌ False:
Energisers come in a range of sizes and types (mains, battery, solar) for good reason. Picking one that’s too weak for your setup won’t deliver a reliable shock. Go too powerful, and you can cause damage to the system, or risk over-penalising animals, which is both ineffective and inhumane. Always match your energiser to the length of your fence, the type of animals you're fencing, and whether the environment is dry or wet.
Myth 5: "If an animal touches the fence once, it’s trained for life."
❌ False:
Some animals do learn quickly, but many, especially the clever or curious ones like foxes, deer and goats, will keep testing the boundaries. If your fence has a weak pulse or a faulty connection, they’ll find the weak spot sooner or later. A strong, consistent pulse acts as a clear deterrent, no second-guessing, no second chances.
Myth 6: "Wooden posts are always better than plastic ones."
❌ False:
Wooden posts are excellent for long-term, permanent installations, especially in corner or gate areas where strength is critical. But plastic posts have come a long way, they’re lightweight, easy to install, and perfect for temporary or rotational grazing setups.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Choose posts based on your fence layout, terrain, and livestock, not just tradition.
Final Thoughts
Electric fencing is a powerful, efficient, and humane tool, when used correctly. Don’t let myths mislead you into poor planning or bad buys. With the right setup, regular maintenance, and animal-specific planning, your fence can be a dependable solution for years to come.
