The Best Wire for Electric Fence
The electric fence is perhaps the best fence for your livestock requirements. Besides ensuring that your livestock is kept safely on the land, it also enables you to prevent any wild animals from getting in and out of your land and grazing.
So, now the question is, which is the most suitable wire choice for my fencing requirements. It’s an issue that may not be the exact same for all types of ranches or holdings. So let’s have a look at the range of wire types on offer and consider how best to use them.
Wire for Electric Fence - Best Choice
Perfect Pick
Baygard Electric Fence Yellow/Black Wire
4,6 Rating
Excellent weathering – 5 year U/V warranty
Very versatile
Rugged and resistant construction
TOP of Wire for Electric Fence
Top pick
Field Guardian 17-Guage Galvanized Steel Wire, 1/2-Mile
4,7 Rating
Galvanized steel wire class 3
Has a breaking strength of 250 lbs
Perfect Pick
ElectroBraid PBRC1000C2-EB Horse Fence
4,7 Rating
1,000 ft of checkered fence line
ElectroBraid is America’s #1 Horse Fence
Fi-Shock PW1320Y9-FS 9-Strand Polywire
4,5 Rating
Stunning breaking load
Sufficient length to cover an entire housing
Type of Wire for Electric Fence Review
Wire for Electric Fence
Electric Fence Wire
Galvanized steel
Galvanized steel is probably the most widely available material for electric fences, although it is not always the most suitable choice for every fence application. It is less costly than the other alternatives and it can be rapidly and simply plugged into nearly every battery charger. Whilst steel is less efficient than aluminum, it is possible to combine it with extensions and operate over long stretches without compromising the charge on the fence. It may be applied for both short-term or long-term fencing.
Aluminum Wire
Aluminum wire is more expensive than steel or high-strength wire, however, in compensation for its greater price, you receive improved conduction and extended life since it does not corrode. This wire is designed to be used in durable fencing or temporary fencing. Because of its extraordinary electrical properties, it is more suitable for extended fence segments compared to several of the other options.
If you use a high-tensile fence, whether aluminum or steel, remember that these fences don’t bend easily and are quite inflexible and rigid. It may be a risky situation when you have a horse, bull, or cow that has a tendency to charge fences. With these types of fences, it is more probable that an animal will be hurt compared to certain of the poly choices listed below.
A number of these issues might be eased if you train your livestock with an electric fence or put flag lines on the perimeter of the fence to draw the attention of the animals since they are generally much less likely to charge anything visible to them than a fine line which is not so obvious to them.
Multi-wire/tape/rope
There are three versions of poly-fencing: wire, tape and rope, each with its own distinctive properties.
Poly-wire has higher visibility for animals than standard heavy-duty versions; yet it is not as resistant to the effects of hitting a quickly walking animal and it will break down if it is struck by a horse, bull, or any other large, rapidly approaching animal. However, the poly wire can be readily used to make short-term fences, like those commonly used in grazing strips or rotary pasture.
Poly-rope is tougher than poly-wire, but still better visible to your livestock: this variant is built of poly-wire strengthened with zinc-plated steel wire to provide power and endurance. Since it has a thinner pattern than poly tape, it is less susceptible to weather conditions than tape, yet it has the required resistance to ensure that your livestock is secure in the grazing area. Once again, the poly band is produced in a wide range of color variations and different conductivity levels, so that you will have a great selection for your particular requirements.
Polyband is probably the less efficient of the three poly-fence alternatives. While it is better visible to cattle, it features a broader tread that increases the risk of being damaged by the wind, frost, or rain. Polyband is perhaps the most suitable choice for fence training, strip pastures, and temporary fencing. The benefit of being wide is that it is available in a variety of colors that you can customize to the area where you keep your animals: a white band in a green lawn, a red band in a snowfield, etc. Such choices enable your cattle to see the fence more clearly and avoid it, thus becoming a wonderful exercise tool to familiarize your cattle with electric fencing.
Best Rated Wire for Electric Fencing
1. Farmily Portable Electric Fence Polywire
Will not corrode or rust easily
Easy to install
2. Fi-Shock FW-00018D 250-Feet 17 Gauge Spool Aluminum Wire
Can last very long
Long-lasting and lightweight
3. Zareba PW656Y6-Z Polywire 200-Meter 6-Conductor Portable Electric-Fence Rope
Optional wiring for your electric fence
Includes 6 wires of electrical wires
4. Gallagher Electric Fence Poly Wire
Dependable conductivity
Large reel of 1,300 feet of fencing
5. Fi-Shock PW1320Y9-FS 9-Strand Polywire
Sufficient length to cover an entire housing
Corrosion resistant
6. Baygard Electric Fence Yellow/Black Wire
Bright colors make it visible
Rugged and resistant construction
7. Field Guardian 17-Guage Galvanized Steel Wire, 1/2-Mile
One roll weighs 22 lbs
Has a breaking strength of 250 lbs
8. Gallagher G620544 Electric Turbo Wire Fence, 656-Feet, White
40 x greater conductivity compared to conventional polywire
Nine blended metal wires
9. Farmerry Portable Electric Fence Polywire with 6 Conductors
Simple to mount, fix, splice and rewind, reusable over and over
Long-lasting ultraviolet-stable polymer webbing
10. ElectroBraid PBRC1000C2-EB Horse Fence Conductor Reel
Visible from far away
May take many years
11. Field Guardian 12.5-Guage Undergate Aluminum Cable
It is equipped with a sturdy casing and can withstand high-voltage (40,000 volts) with no reduction in output
Best wire for electric fence
Product
Features:
- Effective and safe conductor
- Will not corrode or rust easily
Whether you are looking to build an enclosure or pasture for your animal, then this portable fence from Farmily is a wonderful piece of equipment. It provides a durable service and is highly price-competitive.
Besides cattle and livestock, it can also be used as a short-term fence for other animals. Its black and yellow colors make it clearly recognizable and hold your livestock in the boundary zones. The wire is also delivered with 6 stainless steel conductor posts, that can also function as an extra deterrent.
The design of the electrical fence pole distances is additionally UV stabilized to guarantee long-term durability for years of use. The wire may be up to 1,300 feet in length, more than sufficient for a mid-sized yard. It can also be rolled up and re-installed for repeated use with no worries about corrosion.
Features:
- Easy to install
- Durable and UV-resistant
Product
Features:
- Easy to install
- Can last very long
Fi-Shock is a prestigious name for electric fencing. As such, the wiring is quite strong and will not break down or rust when exposed to the elements. It is durable and strong and thanks to the six strands of wire conductors, it is ideal for conductivity.
The coil is available with 1,300 feet of wire and can be used for all types of installations. You can either use it temporarily or set it up for permanent grazing as needed. The wire is guaranteed not to rust.
The product is quite easy to install and the wire levels are almost perfect. Your livestock and cattle will respond without you having to turn up the electricity too much. This is a reliable and affordable option for customers who are looking for something that is easy on the wallet and still provides good performance.
Features:
- Easy to install
- Can last very long
- Long-lasting and lightweight
Product
Features:
- Optional wiring for your electric fence
- 656 feet (200 meters) spool with multi-wire
Poly wire is a fine selection for fences as it is more visible than regular metal wire, weighs less, and is simple to set up. Poly wire is simple to tighten, splice, fix, and rewind. In addition, it allows you to reuse it repeatedly. To keep the wire taut as necessary, you may use a stretcher for the poly wire. This convenient wire is ideal for short-term pasturing, strip grazing, rotary grazing, and animal control. Poly-wire is not intended to be used with a continuous outlet charger. This polywire is extremely light and therefore simple to mount, fix, and connect. This polywire is weightless, convenient, and does not corrode.
Features:
- Optional wiring for your electric fence
- 656 feet (200 meters) spool with multi-wire
- Includes 6 wires of electrical wires
- The ultimate strength of 180 lb
- Does not corrode
Product
Features:
- Dependable conductivity
- It can be mounted in every area
In case you are in the search of a safe and long-lasting electric fence for your animals, then this polywire composite reel will be a fine investment for you. Famous for providing 12 kinds of braids, wires, cables, rapes, and fencing. This special product from Gallagher is regarded as one of the finest amongst them.
The wire is as long as 1,300 feet, with a supplemental 330 feet; this is more than sufficient for your animal fencing requirements.
The construction has been UV-stabilized for extended service life. Because of the broader poly band and ultra-wide color, it is clearly visible to people as well as cattle to keep them protected from any type of harm. The six stainless steel wires also offer superior electrical conductivity.
The wiring is simple to set up and can be completed in less than an hour. According to your needs, you can also select from four available size possibilities.
Features:
- Dependable conductivity
- It can be mounted in every area
- Large reel of 1,300 feet of fencing
- Long-lasting and stable against UV rays
Product
Features:
- Stunning breaking load
- Sufficient length to cover an entire housing
In the case that you have reduced space for fencing your animals, you might wish to consider mounting these Fi-Shock electric wires. Among the most noticeable characteristics of Fi-Shock electric wires for fencing is the fact that the manufacturer is well-known to provide you with access to the lifelong guarantee for the product. Furthermore, it is turning out to become one of the cheapest choices for electric fencing for animals.
With this top-quality aluminum electric fence, you can purchase up to six boxes at one time. According to the specific needs of your fencing design or the number of animals in a given fencing area, you might decide to consider buying the same one. Ensure that your animals are kept safe after the installation of the electric fence.
Certain aluminum-based electrical wires have been known to corrode quickly. Nevertheless, this particular type of Fi-Shock turns out to be unlike others in the field. Its capability to resist corrosion in all seasons and under all-weather circumstances makes it a very popular choice among purchasers.
It is known that the electric fence set is fitted with a suitable reel to offer consumers the overall user-friendliness. The aluminum wire is tensioned across a distance of 17 meters and is capable of covering an animal fence covering a distance of about 250 feet. Furthermore, the electrical wires are known to have a tensile strength of 38,000 PSI.
Features:
- Stunning breaking load
- Sufficient length to cover an entire housing
- Corrosion resistant
Product
Features:
- Very versatile
- Bright colors make it visible
Whether you are looking for a temporary or permanent fence, this Baygard poly guard wire fence is a good deal for your money. Thanks to the PVC coating, it offers low stretch and sag, as well as provide extra strength.
This fencing wire has a standard length of 1,312 feet; in addition, you can choose from three other sizes. The black and yellow mixed color makes it visible from a distance. Since the product is manufactured in the United States, quality has not been compromised. The wire does not bend and can be re-laid as often as desired.
The electric fence wire weighs about 2 kg per 1/4 mile, which makes it easy to transport and extremely portable. In addition, the wire has a five-year warranty.
Features:
- Very versatile
- Bright colors make it visible
- Rugged and resistant construction
Product
Features:
- Galvanized steel wire class 3
- One roll weighs 22 lbs
The cost of this product is higher than that of the other items mentioned above. It is class 3 galvanized steel wire suitable for fencing systems and not an ordinary steel wire with the main color silver. The visibility of the fence is high when it is hit by sunlight.
One roll of this aluminum wire fence weighs only 22 pounds. It has a breaking strength of 250 pounds.
This wire fence model can enclose up to 800 meters of animal enclosures over half a mile, is commercially available, and has a very high quality of securing animals. It generates enough electric shocks for animals that lean on it.
It could be difficult to remove a fence with this super-thin wire. As far as installation is concerned, it will not be a problem.
Features:
- Galvanized steel wire class 3
- One roll weighs 22 lbs
- Has a breaking strength of 250 lbs
Product
Features:
- Ideally suitable for ranges of over 1/8 mi, if high power is needed
This Gallagher turbo wire features 9 metal wires that are braided into the synthetic strands. Besides being highly conductive, this wire is extremely resistant. One of the features we really appreciate about Polywire is the fact that it can be bound together quite simply if you have to connect two pieces together. It can be rolled up quite simply too, so it is perfect for mobile fence constructions. The Gallagher turbo wire is a wire that has endured other poly wires.
Features:
- Ideally suitable for ranges of over 1/8 mi, if high power is needed
- 40 x greater conductivity compared to conventional polywire
- Nine blended metal wires
9. Farmerry Portable Electric Fence Polywire with 6 Conductors, Yellow and Black, 656 Feet
Product
Features:
- Long-lasting ultraviolet-stable polymer webbing
- Weightless, easy-to-operate, corrosion-resistant
This fence material is perfect for the construction of horse fences, dog electric fencing, electric fencing for goats, this is the ultimate option for the mobile enclosure. Top grade UV resistance for a long-lasting fence life. Glossy yellow and black colors for the highest level of visibility throughout the year. Can be simply rolled in and out for relocation and stocking. 6 high-grade steel wires and excellent conductivity.
Features:
- 200-meter (656 Feet) spool of poly-wire, perfect for temporary and portable fencing
- Features 6 wires of high-grade steel with electrical conductors for excellent conductivity
- Simple to mount, fix, splice and rewind; reusable over and over
- Long-lasting ultraviolet-stable polymer webbing
- Weightless, easy-to-operate, corrosion-resistant
Product
Features:
- Visible from far away
- May take many years
The ElectroBraid fence is a fantastic product if you want to keep your animals from running away. It is safe and provides both physiological and physical limits to prevent your horses from running through the fence. Furthermore, this fence has also been recommended by veterinarians for the safety of the animals.
This fence wire measures up to 1,000 feet, which should be good enough for a medium to large garden or field. The checkered color is highly visible and will keep your livestock within the field boundaries. It can perform optimally in all weather conditions including hot sun, wind, snow, and rain.
You can choose from three different colors – speckled, white, and black. It also has copper wires to improve the conductivity of the fencing. The wire spacing and design of the electric fence is perfect and meets the standards for parachute harnesses and safety belts.
Features:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Visible from far away
- May take many years
Product
Features:
- It is equipped with a sturdy casing and can withstand high-voltage (40,000 volts) with no reduction in output
If you need to run the wire under gates, from the charger to the fence, or if you need to connect several paddocks together, you will probably want to use insulated wire. Since it is insulated, it can either be buried or laid on the ground. In either case, the insulation prevents it from short-circuiting your fence. This Field Guardian 12.5-gauge wire is our choice for the best insulated electric fence wire.
Features:
- It may be used beneath a gate, as a guided out wire or underwater
- It is equipped with a sturdy casing and can withstand high-voltage (40,000 volts) with no reduction in output
- An absolute necessity for the construction of gates
Electric Fence Wire - Best Choice
How to install an electric fence
As already mentioned, an electric fence is one of the most effective ways of fencing off livestock. To install a temporary or permanent fence, depending on your needs, you must follow the steps below:
- Select the location
Look for the best location for your fence. The location depends on the number of cattle you own and the size of the property. You must also consider a water source. If you are not sure about the location, you can opt for a temporary electric wire.
- Clear the area
Once you have decided on the area for your fence, you must remove any debris or bushes from the line area. The explosive charge will not be strong enough if it rests on debris that has not been cleared away. A weaker explosive charge would mean that your cattle would probably test the fence and look for escape routes.
- Installing the posts
If you want to build a permanent post, you can use 3.5-inch steel or around wool T-posts and 8-inch corner posts (around wood). After you put the wooden posts in the ground, you can fill in the dirt again to keep them in place. To drive the T-posts into the ground, use a post mallet. The distance between the electric fence posts must be too far apart.
For temporary fences, you can use small plastic or metal posts.
- Attaching the wires
With the help of insulators, you can attach the wires to the posts. Screw insulators are used for wooden posts, while wrap clamps are used for temporary and steel T-posts. Then you have to pass the wires through the insulators, which start at a corner post. At least five wires should be used for a permanent post; for temporary fences, two or three wires should be sufficient.
- Connecting the Wires
For permanent electric fences, you must connect each wire to the fence charger and leave the rest as grounded wires. For temporary fencing, all wires must be connected to the charger.
Does an electric fence have to make a complete loop?
The answer is no, an electric fence does NOT have to make a complete loop. However, completing the fence loop has advantages and disadvantages.
Making an endless loop increases the voltage on the fence line because the current is pushed in both directions. In essence, the voltage only has to travel half the distance in an endless loop.
Although more power is more effective, making an endless loop creates problems when debugging a fence line. Since the voltage is moving in two directions, a digital error detector is unable to differentiate between right and left to identify where the power loss is located.
To summarize, you need to make a complete loop only when needed and when trying to raise the power on the fence line.
Things to consider when buying electric fences for animals
Here are factors you need to take into account in order to get the most suitable electric fence for your animals in the end:
- Household
The care of animals requires large investments. Since fences are one of the indispensable measures in animal breeding, you should prepare a budget for them. Electric fences for animals can break the bank. Look for fences at a reasonable price, because maintenance costs will increase over time.
- Dimensions
When buying any type of fence, the growth of the animals must be taken into account. Measure the correct height and width of the fence before you decide to buy. The width must be at least 4 feet wide to allow vehicles to pass through.
- Wire type
Electric fences use different types of wire with their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Durability
When talking about the longevity of the fence, consider the weather conditions in your area. Some fences only resist reasonable temperatures, besides,
the life of the fence is dependent on the materials that are used to build the fence.
- Visibility
The aim of the fence is to establish distinct borders for the animals. It has to be well visible for them. Some people attach brightly colored banners to the fence to make it more visible. This will allow the animals to clearly see their borders.
- Easy to install
No one ever wants to spend more time repairing fences. There are fence models that are easy to install by simply snapping them into posts. Seek help with the installation of an electric fence for animals, because without help it does not work.
- Security
Think about the safety of the animals by protecting them with fences. Electric fences release a sufficient electric voltage to keep the animals from escaping. They do not harm the animal, but only distract it from leaning in.
Concluding words
By simply reading our list, you can now make a decision about which electric fence is best suited for your animals. Consider the above mentioned important factors when choosing the right product to secure your animal. It must be durable and long-lasting to keep livestock safe in an enclosure. Electric fences do not harm animals because of their tolerable voltage. Their main goal is to protect animals in the field from running away and other wildlife. So which product do you choose?
Electric Fence Guide – Video
FAQ - Electric Fencing
⁉️ What gauge wire is best for electric fence?
An electric fence will usually require a 14 gauge wire and is ideally used for simple, multiple wire applications. This is best suited when trying to contain tall animals with a thin coat in the area.
⁉️ Can you use an extension cord with an electric fence?
You shouldn’t need to use an extension cord you can plug it into the outlet and run the positive wire to the fence, just be sure to use an insulated wire! The most important thing is to have a good ground, go overboard and get 2 ground rods.
⁉️ Does an electric fence use a lot of electricity?
The typical fence charger uses about 33 watts per day. So, 33 watts multiplied by 31 days is 1,023. Divide that by 1,000 to get 1.023 kilowatt-hours per month.
