Does the fence have to make a complete circle to work?
No. The fence can be laid out in any type of configuration depending on your needs and the animals you are working with. Keep in mind whether you need a straight line or an entire section fenced in, you will need to be aware of weeds and tall grasses that may conflict with the energizer pulse.

Are energized fences difficult to install?
Fi-Shock provides an installation manual with each energizer and fencing kit system. For high-tensile fencing projects a video and step-by-step manual are provided as well.

Which energizer should I use?
Fi-Shock offers a variety of energizers depending on the type of animal you want to contain or deter. The chart below will help you select the appropriate energizer for your needs.

Which insulator should I use?
It is important to choose the appropriate insulator for the type of post and wire you are using. Fi-Shock offers wood, T-post, round, porcelain and corner insulators.

How far apart should posts be set?
The most costly piece of any fence is the posts. In barbed and woven wire posts need to be set every 12-15 feet; however in energized High-Tensile fencing posts can be set 30-50 feet apart, which automatically lowers the cost of the fence.

How do you know if your energizer is working properly?
Fence testers are the most accurate way to ensure your system is working properly. Fi-Shock offers three different types of fence testers: the electric fence tester has a light that indicates the current flow through the fence wire; the digital voltmeter has a range from 0.1-9.9 KV and work best with low-impedance fences; and the final option is a multi-light electric fence tester which has a system of lights that represent a specific voltage level.

What is the best way to ground your fencing system?
Proper ground calls for three 6 to 8 ft ground rods placed in a straight line 10 feet apart. All should be connected to the ground terminal of the energizer with a good mechanical connector. (HT-470)

What if you live in an area with dry, sandy soil, what is the best way to ground your system? If the soil is very dry or sandy it may be necessary to use a two wire (Hot/Ground) system with a 6 to 8 foot ground rod connected to the ground wire and placed every 1300 feet on the fence line.

What is the number one cause of power failure in a fence? Lightning is the number one cause of power failure in energized fencing systems. While we do build protection into our energizers, lightning is a powerful form of electricity and can do serious damage. In order to keep lightning damage to a minimum we suggest you install a lightning arrestor kit with your fence system. (A-11)

Does high-tensile fencing require special installation?
A high-tensile fencing manual spells out fence construction in laymen’s terms as well as provides various fence design options for both electric and non-electric installations. Fi-Shock also provides a video which demonstrates the safe, quick and easy way to construct a high-tensile fence.

Can you have multiple hot wires with high-tensile fencing?
Yes, the normal installation of a High-Tensile fencing system calls for Hot wires and ground wires to be alternated. Example a 5 wire High-Tensile installation calls for 3 hot wires and 2 ground wires (Hot/Ground/Hot/Ground/Hot)

Is there a way to figure out the length of fencing I need if I know my acreage?
Yes, refer to the following chart

What is the best way to install gate openings?

If weeds interfere with the area I am enclosing, do I need a special energizer?
You should keep your fence line clear of weeds to insure best performance from your electric fencing system. Where this is just not possible we recommend using a Low-Impedance Energizer rated at 2 Joules or more.

How long do the batteries in battery-operated and solar-operated energizers last?
For battery operated fence energizers Fi-Shock recommends using a marine deep cycle battery rated for at least 80 amp hours. If your fence is kept clean of shorts the battery should last two months before recharging.

How long do fences usually last?
High-Tensile fence if constructed properly should last 30 to 50 years. Barbed or woven wire will last 7 to 12 years .

How do I decide to use wire or polyrope or poly tape?
There are several factors that should be taken into account when choosing the right wire conductor, Polytape is preferred by the horse owner because it is more visible to horses and does not pose the safety risk to an animal that hits it in panicked flight. Polyrope is ideal for temporary enclosures because it can be easily respooled. Non jacketed aluminum or steel wire is the most economical for permanent installations .

What is the best place to buy supplies?
Fi-Shock products are found in most farm stores and Home Centers.

Can I hire someone to do it? Who does this type of installation?
Conventional and High-Tensile Fencing can be DIY installed using our installation manuals and videos. Your local yellow pages should have listings of professional fence installers.

How can I talk to an expert if I have questions?
Call 1-800-800-1819 to speak with a service representative.