| Generally speaking, electric fence energizers, or chargers, drop the Amps and increase the volts. Amps are the electrical charge known to "lock muscle" and even cause death. Volts can provide an intense shock in order to teach and train the animal but cause no damage or injury. If you ever need electric fence charger parts, we have something for you as well. Types of Electric Fence Energizers There are three main types of electric fence energizers, or chargers: AC-Powered, Battery-Operated and Solar-Powered. The source of power for the charger to function determines the type of charger you will be using. Specific situations require different types of electric fence energizers. AC-Powered – AC chargers are powered by the electrical  current from a regular 110 volt outlet. These electric fence energizers require a nearby source of electric power to which they connect. If you have access to an AC, 110 volt outlet then you should buy an AC charger. They often have intermittent DC output. AC-powered electric fence energizers are the most common type of charger used in electric fence systems today. Generally speaking, AC electric fence energizers, or chargers, can provide the best output. Shop AC-Powered Chargers » Battery-Operated - These electric fence energizers are best for use when there is no electric power source nearby. Battery powered chargers come in many sizes. Many battery-powered electric fence energizers operate off a 6, 9 or 12 volt battery: Some can run on 2 D-cell flashlight batteries while others run on 12 Volt batteries often used in cars or boats. Generally speaking, the bigger batteries last longer and can create more volts.  Some of these batteries can be recharged while others will need to be replaced. A common question asked about battery or DC powered electric fence energizers is, "How often do the batteries need to be charged?" The answer: it depends on how many times the fence is grounding. In other words, if the animals are touching the electric fence often or if there are weeds or limbs touching the fence and the ground, the battery will drain faster than if the wire remains clear. Animals that are being trained to avoid the fence will likely touch it more during the early part of training so the battery will drain faster at that time. Shop Battery Operated Chargers » Solar-Powered - Solar powered electric fence charger, or energizers are perfect for fences that are not near an AC outlet or other power source and need to remain “hot” constantly. A solar powered electric fence energizer usually contains a battery for energy storage. The solar panel collects the energy from the sun and charges the battery. After several years these batteries will need to be exchanged, but they will provide a good charge during their lifetime with very little maintenance. Shop Solar Powered Chargers » Things to Consider There are many different styles of electric fence energizers to choose from. For the beginner, there are three things to consider when selecting the right electric fence charger. 1. What is your power source? The most common power source is AC or a regular outlet in your home. If AC power is an option, it would be recommended over other power sources. The other options, Solar and DC (Battery power), work well for areas with no other power source. A solar powered electric fence charger is also battery powered, however, the solar panel in the charger provides a regular re-charge to the battery. DC batteries will need to be charged as the energy is utilized. There is one charger on the market today that can run on AC and DC, and that is the Fi-Shock® SS-9000X. 2. What is the distance you are fencing? Do you have a simple flower bed or garden that you are fencing to protect, or do you have 150 miles of multiple wires you are planning to run? It is usually better to purchase an electric fence charger that covers more distance than you think you will need. The coverage listed for the charger is for an electric fence system under "ideal" conditions.  3. What type of animal are you fencing in or out? Is this for nuisance animals like raccoons and dogs or for bulls and other livestock? Larger animals or animals with thicker hair/wool may need more power to train on the purpose of the electric fence. Smaller animals are more sensitive to shock; however, no commercially made charger when installed properly will harm a pet or a human. Charger Terminology Each Fi-Shock® charger is clearly marked to answer those three questions. Other words that are common when talking about electric fence energizers are listed below: Low-impedance - These chargers are the ideal and the best for your money. The term may seem a little misleading, but in actuality, a low impedance fence charger means that there is less resistance (or impedance) in the charger so more power can be pushed through the wire. Low-impedance electric fence energizers are ideal for land with weeds.  Continuous Output - This technology has been around for a long time but these types of chargers are becoming harder to find now. The newer technology utilizes a broken or intermittent output system. Continuous output means there is a constant charge on the hot wires as opposed to pulsing charges. Samples of these charges include the Fi-Shock® SS-505CS and the SS-525CS. Intermittent output - This output is basically the opposite of a continuous charge. An intermittent output means that the electricity is released in a pulse rather then a continuous charge. These electric fence energizers save energy and are safer for the animal or human that may inadvertantly come in contact with the fence. This does, however, increase the cost of the charger slightly. Professional Chargers or Energizers - Low-impedance electric fence energizers with dual output terminals are engineered for reliable, high performance use. All Fi-Shock® professional charger models have two output terminals: a Full Power terminal for large livestock and large operations and a Reduced Power terminal for small areas such as paddocks and strip grazing. Both terminals can be operated on two different electric fencing systems at the same time. The most obvious feature of our professional electric fence energizers is the unique styling of the housing with its convenient pick-up-and-go handle. All Fi-Shock® professional charger models have a two year warranty and are made in the U.S.A. There is a Fi-Shock® charger to meet your needs whether it's to protect a small garden area from the neighbor's dog or to fence in bulls with 150 miles of electric fence. We have Solar powered, DC powered or AC powered electric fence energizers. Our expert tips include electric fence chargers placement and proper grounding protocols. Order a fence energizer from Fi-Shock® today.  |