INSTALLATION FAQs
Answers to the FAQs
Q: Does the fence have to make a complete circle to work?
A: High-tensile electric fence systems cost less than conventional perimeter fences such as barbed or woven wire. Since high-tensile fencing requires fewer line posts than barbed or woven wire, the cost per foot is substantially less than conventional fencing. High-tensile systems also last longer and are safer for horses and livestock since the wire doesn’t cut like barbed wire. High Tensile fencing can function as a physical barrier AND a psychological barrier, while barbed or woven wire fences are physical barriers only.
Q: Are energized fences difficult to install?
A: The most costly piece of any fence is the posts. In barbed and woven wire fences, posts need to be set every 12-15 feet; however in High-Tensile fencing, posts can be set 30-90 feet apart, which will substantially lower the cost of the fence.
Q: What is the number one cause of power failure in a fence?
A: 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.
Q: Do different animals require different amounts of wires
on the fence?
A: Yes, please refer to the wire height guide for more information.
Q: How far apart should posts be set?
A: 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.
Q: How do you know if your charger is working properly?
A: 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.
Q: What is the best way to ground your fencing system?
A: 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.
Q: What if you live in an area with dry, sandy soil, what is the
best way to ground your system? A: 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.
Q: How long do fences usually last?
A: High-Tensile fence if constructed properly should last 30 to 50 years. Barbed or woven wire will last 7 to 12 years .
Q: How do I decide to use wire or polyrope or polytape?
A: 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.
Q: Does high-tensile fencing require special installation?
A: 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.
Q: Can you have multiple hot wires with high-tensile fencing?
A: 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).
Q: Can I hire someone to do it? Who does this type of
installation?
A: 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.
Q: Where is the best place to buy supplies?
A: Fi-Shock products are found in most farm stores and Home Centers. Fi-Shock™ electric fence systems provide safe, secure, superior quality electric fencing for all your animal containment and control needs. 
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