Testing Your Fence with a Digital Voltmeter or 5 Light Tester

1. Turn your fence energizer OFF.
2. Disconnect the two lead-out wires from your fence energizer.
3. Turn the fence energizer ON and read the voltage on your energizer with your voltmeter. (Apply the voltmeter to the (+) terminal and the ground probe on the voltmeter to the (-) terminal of the energizer.) If less than 5,000 (5.0) volts, there is a problem with the energizer.
4. If the energizer is OK, turn it OFF before reconnecting the two lead-out wires, and then turn it back ON.
5. Now read the voltage on each strand of your fence near where the energizer is connected to the fence.

   If you are using the Hot-Cold Technique:

   Apply the ground probe on the voltmeter to the grounded braid line and test each electrified positive line, one after the other.

   If all lines are hot:

   Place the ground probe on the voltmeter about one and a half inches into the soil and test the actual voltage of each positive line.
   You should read at least 5,000 (5.0) volts on each electrified line. If less than 5,000 (5.0) volts, there is a problem with the lead-out wire, or you have crossed wires during installation.
6. Now go to the point of your fence that's most distant from your ground system.

   If you are using the Hot-Cold Technique:

   First, read the voltage between the grounded line of braid and each of the other electrified fence lines to confirm that the fence is wired correctly with no electrical shorts. Most importantly, check the voltage between each electrified fence line and the soil under the fence.

   If all lines are hot:

   Place the ground probe on the voltmeter about one and a half inches into the soil and test the actual voltage of each positive line.
   If less than 5,000 (5.0) volts, you have a problem with your ground system. See instructions on how to Test the Earth Return System.
7. Finally, check the voltage to the soil at any high points or dry areas to confirm you are getting at least 5,000 (5.0) volts. If less than 5,000 (5.0) volts, you will need to install additional ground rods.

REMEMBER: ALL READINGS SHOULD BE OVER 5,000 (5.0) VOLTS

If any reading is less than 5,000 (5.0) volts, you must troubleshoot and fix the problem. These simple tests will assure you that your ElectroBraid fence is installed correctly. Please monitor your fence on a regular schedule.

TIP: Test after rain when conditions are wet to best determine if there are any electrical shorts. Shorts are more easily detected in wet conditions.

TIP: Test when conditions are very dry to confirm that you have adequate grounding. In particular, test where the fence runs over high terrain or through areas that might be especially dry or have sandy, clay or rocky soil.

Test the Earth Return System of your fence

For this test, we want to simulate contact with the fence and illustrate the fence's response to an actual touch.

1. Turn the fence energizer OFF.
2. Move 300 or 400 feet up the fence line from the fence energizer. Lay two or three steel stakes or lengths of pipe against the lowest hotline of the fence. DO NOT ALLOW CONTACT WITH THE GROUNDED LINE OF BRAID – it's essential that when the energizer is powered again, the electrical current flows freely from the fence lines, into the soil, and back to the ground rod installation.
3. Turn the fence energizer ON.
4. Move to one of your ground rods and apply the voltmeter's positive probe to its top. Hold the voltmeter's ground pin to a small steel stake (such as a large screwdriver shaft) placed in the soil as far away as possible from any ground rod. You're now measuring the difference in voltage potential of each probe. It should be small.
5. The reading on the voltmeter should be 300 (0.3) volts or less. It indicates effective grounding and proper current return through the ground. The healthy flow of the current 'robs' from the voltage, dropping it to this low level.
6. A high voltage reading suggests inadequate grounding. The system isn't returning a strong and competent current. The shock will be inadequate when an animal contacts the fence.
7. Add additional ground rods if you're getting high voltage. Space them about 10 feet apart and at least 6 feet deep. Ensure the ground rods are connected with high-quality clamps and lead-out wire.
8. Please perform this test during the dry times of the year. Dry conditions are always challenging for ground conductivity.

17. Trouble Shooting

No Respect:
If you find your horses show less respect for their fence than usual, something is likely reducing the voltage on your fence, or the grounding of the fence is not what it should be.

Here are some things you should do:

• Follow the instructions under "Testing your Fence".
• Check all electrical connections to ensure they are secure.
• Check that the ground rod clamps are secure and the connecting lead-out wires are intact.
• Walk the fence line to ensure nothing has happened to cause the fence to short out.
• Are your horses standing on ground that is so dry or frozen that they are insulated and prevented from getting a shock? Is this a general problem, or is it localized?
• If grounding is the problem, take steps to improve grounding.

Loss of Tension:
If you detect a loss in tension, check the following:

• A post may have moved at a corner, end or gate.
• A copper split bolt connector may have slipped and needs to be tightened.
• Broken insulator