Polywire electric fences are widely used for animal control and property protection. This sort of fence is simple to install, long-lasting, and inexpensive; it is made up of lightweight, flexible wire strands containing conductive elements that generate a powerful yet safe electric charge. Still, with the passage of time, polywire fences will likely degrade due to natural causes, damage from animals, or other unknown factors.
Repairing and joining polywire fences requires a certain level of understanding and the right tools. In this blog, we'll walk through common troubleshooting issues, repair techniques, and solutions to help you restore your polywire electric fence to optimal working conditions.
Common Issues with Polywire Electric Fences
Before diving into repairs, it's essential to understand the most common issues that can occur with polywire electric fences:
- Breakage of the Wires: Tension, friction, or external forces like animals and machinery may cause the breakage of the Polywire.
- Loss of Power: A defective energizer, faulty wiring, and faulty connections may cause a loss of voltage or power.
- Corrosion: Resulting in efficiency loss, rust or corrosion may form on connectors or wire tips gradually.
- Voltage Leakage: With a short circuit or break in the wire caused by a tree or other object touching the wire.
- Loose Connections: When connectors are not correctly tightened or are damaged, there may be a disturbance in electric flow, resulting in poor or poor power transmission.
Step 1: Find the problem
Before you can repair or connect a polywire electric fence, the problem will have to be properly diagnosed. Follow these steps in case you suspect an issue with your polywire electric fence:
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Check the Energizer
First, check the energizer, which powers the whole system. If the energizer is not working, then no electricity will flow across the fence. So, you check first if the energizer is properly connected and if it is working by checking the power light or voltage reading.
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Test the Voltage
To detect voltage on a fence, employ a fence tester. A KV voltmeter or tester can help locate possible weak points or spots with a reduced voltage; this means there is a short in a wire or the wire is broken.
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Examine for Breaks or Frays
Check the entire length of the poly wire, particularly where it curves around corners or exposed areas to high tension. Check for cuts, breaks, or frays. Mark the spot if you find a damaged section.
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Check for Short Circuits
Polywire conducts electricity if it is in contact with the ground or vegetation. Inspect the polywire electric fence to guarantee that no grass, leaves, or branches are touching the wire.
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Inspect for Corrosion
Check rusted or corroded connectors and Junctions. Look for signs of corrosion on any connectors or junctions. The presence of corrosion degrades connections and results in power loss.
Step 2: Collect Tools and Materials
After establishing the source of the problem, equip yourself with basic repair and joining tools for the polywire electric fence. Some of them are:
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Wire cutters: To remove portions of damaged wire.
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Crimp connectors: Connects wire ends securely.
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Polywire connectors or clamps: These are used especially for joining polywire.
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Fence tester: To ensure the voltage level inside the fence.
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Electrical tape: To insulate the repaired parts.
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Insulated gloves: To protect yourself when dealing with the electrical parts.
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Multimeter: To measure the voltage and continuity.
Step 3: Repairing a Polywire Break
If you locate a break in the polywire, follow these steps to repair it:
1. Cut the Damaged Section
Using wire cutters, carefully cut out the damaged section of the polywire. Make sure you leave enough of the wire intact to work with on both sides of the break.
2. Strip the Wire Ends
Use a wire stripper to strip the insulation off the ends of the remaining wire. Be sure to expose enough of the wire to make a good connection.
3. Connect the Wire Ends
There are several ways to connect the two wire ends together, depending on your needs:
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Polywire Connectors: These are specialty connectors specifically meant to connect the polywire. This simply takes stripped wire ends into a connector, tightening a couple of screws over it.
- Crimping: These make very durable crimp-type connectors; again, you must take your wire stripped to some reasonable length, and it gets pressed down between a metal casing on these devices by hand-crimping pliers and vice.
- Twist and Wrap: In instances where a connector is not available, the wire ends can be twisted together and then wrapped tightly with electrical tape. Make sure the connection is tight and that the wire does not have any moisture exposure.
4. Insulate the Connection
If you use electrical tape or any other method to tie the wires together, ensure that they are well covered. This will protect against electrical leakage and keep the repair area dry.
5. Test the Repair
After all the wires have been securely joined, use a fence tester to verify the voltage strength along the section of the repaired area. The higher the strength of the voltage, the more successful your repair will be.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Power Loss and Voltage Issues
If your polywire electric fence is not delivering sufficient power, here are some troubleshooting steps to restore proper voltage:
1. Inspect the Energizer
Ensure the energizer is operating correctly. If the energizer is damaged or not powered on, it won’t generate the necessary current. Check the power supply and replace any faulty parts of the energizer.
2. Check Connections
Loose or corroded connections can reduce the flow of electricity. Connectors should be tight and free of corrosion. Clean the connections if necessary and replace any faulty components.
3. Check the Wire for Shorts
Electric fence polywire can short out if it touches vegetation or objects. Look for any plants, branches, or debris touching the wire. Cut or trim any vegetation that may be causing a short.
4. Use a Fence Tester
A fence tester can be useful in identifying areas of weakness in the wire. Test the voltage at regular intervals to identify areas that have low voltage. If a given section has low voltage, then it may be necessary to fix or tighten it further.
Step 5: Polywire Extension and Joining for Long Sections
You can extend a polywire fence or join more sections together using any of the methods described below.
1. Select a Good Connector
The best option for joining two sections is using polywire connectors. Select those that are outdoor type, especially the rust-resistant type.
2. Tighten the Joint
Push the ends of the polywire into the connector. Make sure the wire is properly locked in. Do not allow slack or loose areas that can affect the delivery of power.
3. Test the Extended Section
Once the two sections are joined, test the voltage along the joined section to ensure that the current is flowing smoothly. Make adjustments if necessary.
Conclusion
Polywire electric fences are a simple solution for keeping livestock contained and providing property security, but, like all systems, they require routine maintenance and occasional repairs. Be it a simple break, loss of power, or the connection of a full-scale extension, following the proper troubleshooting and repair process will get your polywire fence up and running like new again.
By checking the fence regularly, addressing issues immediately, and using the right tools and techniques, your polywire electric fence will continue to be a reliable and effective solution for years to come. If you are looking for high-quality polywire fencing solutions and reliable accessories, visit My Pet Command, your trusted source for durable and efficient electric fencing products.
