electric fence voltage drops as distance grows

[AllOutOfClucksToGive]

so i have about 2 acres fenced off for the chickens, goats and sheep. We have a 15 mile charger connected to a live wire that runs the entire perimeter to keep predators out.

It's like fukashima voltage at the source but drops down to about 1kv towards the end of the fence line.

it still leaves a memorable experience if i touch the wire and the fence, but it's not the kind of experience when i mistkenly did the same when the wire branches off from the charge controller.

Why is the voltage dropping over distance? it's a gradual decrease. I have 2 large gates where i use the yellow handles to break the connection when we open the gate is that helps.

We have a high water table and 1 5' ground rod.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

we have ours in a loop, not a line. It measures 8000 volts at the box as well as 2 acres away. w/a 25 mile box.
Constantly clear any grass/branches/twigs that touch.
Is yours in a loop?

 

[res]

More powerful charger.

More ground rods.

Does not have to be a loop. I have installed electric fence at 10 different properties we have lived at over the last 20 years of moving with the military. Some fields were 5 acres, some were 100 acres. None were fenced in a loop. All were terminal lines, and in many cases, we had several terminal lines of >300' originating from one charger. I always use a "50-mile" or larger charger, and 3 ground rods (copper coated or steel, with properly installed clamps and heavy gauge wire from rods to charger) sunk a minimum of 6 feet.

 

[AllOutOfClucksToGive]

its not in a loop, just one straight line that ends at the end of my pasture area.
would you recommend more ground rods?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

More powerful charger.

More ground rods.

Does not have to be a loop. I have installed electric fence at 10 different properties we have lived at over the last 20 years of moving with the military. Some fields were 5 acres, some were 100 acres. None were fenced in a loop. All were terminal lines, and in many cases, we had several terminal lines of >300' originating from one charger. I always use a "50-mile" or larger charger, and 3 ground rods (copper coated or steel, with properly installed clamps and heavy gauge wire from rods to charger) sunk a minimum of 6 feet.

I was following manufacture's recommendations.. How can that be wrong?

 

[res]

Which manufacturer?

I know the Gallagher, Kencove, Premier, ParMak and Dare instructional materials I have do not require "loops" for use with low-impedence chargers. I don't have any Zareba manuals as I do not purchase their chargers, they are generally the lowest quality product available....

There are "continuous current" chargers available, and they may require a loop. I do not use that style of charger, as it can cause grass fires and does not give a "break" from the shock for the animal. Since I don't use them, I don't have any knowledge of their installation requirements.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I don't debate... I avoid soap boxes. sorry. Life is too short.

 

[AllOutOfClucksToGive]

this is the one i have....

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ated-low-impedance-fence-charger?cm_vc=-10005

it fires a charge every 2 seconds or so.

 

[res]

this is the one i have....

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ated-low-impedance-fence-charger?cm_vc=-10005

it fires a charge every 2 seconds or so.

I would definitely try adding 2 more ground rods. How deep did you sink your 5' ground rod and how do you have the wire attached to it?

If the ground rods don't work, you might want to consider getting an AC (plug-in an outlet) style of charger, and more powerful. Look for something that is 1 joule or greater. And not Zareba or a Tractor Supply brand if you can help it.