Fence charger question?...

M.Stephens · Sat May 18, 2013 2:48 pm

Is a 6 joule fence charger too much electric juice for 10 martin poles? I can get one for $50. Will it kill my dogs if they try to relieve themselves on the poles?

DebA · Sat May 18, 2013 4:14 pm

I know nuthin. So I asked my dad. His response was: It won't kill them, but it'll sure knock the ____ outta them.

M.Stephens · Sat May 18, 2013 4:27 pm

Thanks Deb!! LOL I knew it would knock the hmmmph out of'em! The guy selling it to me said it would kill coyotes. I didn't know whether to believe him or not that's why I asked!

DebA · Sat May 18, 2013 4:33 pm

For 50 bucks...sorry doggy. Only do it once!

John & Linda - KY · Sun May 19, 2013 1:46 pm

I've never used a fence charger, but if I'm not mistaken the dog would have to actually pee on the wire itself, not just on the pole. So just place it high enough that he can't. And he won't sniff it more than once! -- JohnP

M.Stephens · Sun May 19, 2013 4:38 pm

I'll be doing my guards like Brad from Alabama. I have split 6" and 10" pvc pipe guards on my racks now and will be using hardware cloth as the live wire so my dogs will pee on them probably just once! LOL

This link shows a pic of part of his design: http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... 9&start=20

John & Linda - KY · Mon May 20, 2013 3:54 am

Dogs pee on things that are close to the ground. Your guard should be high enough that he can't pee on it. -- John

Mike1624 · Mon May 20, 2013 7:55 am

Malcolm, the Joule number is not an effective way to evaluate a fence charger. A Joule is the math equation of voltage X amps X time.
The most effective way to judge a charger is voltage and amperage combined with the "on time" needed to deliver a sharp spike, which will be the most effective and safest deterrent.
Some of the "so-called" pet fence chargers produce an uninterrupted flow that would have the very highest possible Joule number, but wouldn't be a good application for your use.
Depending on the amps and voltage of your proposed purchase, the 6 Joule unit may work well for you.
One thing to keep in mind is not to start your exposed hot wire so high that a predator will not be touching the ground when it encounters the hot wire.
That would defeat the charger. Squirrels occasionally do this when they jump up on the pole.
As far as the dog issue, it won't take but one time. Good luck with your endeavor. Too many people just say, "that's nature" and let it go.
I believe, as I think you must, when you provide housing, that you have an obligation to provide the safest environment that you can, within reason and budgetary constraints.

Vern1 · Mon May 20, 2013 8:01 am

Greetings,
Most of the new low impedence fence chargers will start with a gentle "reminder" shock and ramp up from there.
I have touched mine by accident before and the first shock will wake you up!
The second shock is a good bit more powerful and the next one will shoot a blue spark well over an inch and pops nicely!
I've never had the pleasure of more than one shock but know a cow that was swinging at flies with her tail and wrapped some hair on the end of her tail around the fence. She jumped and as soon as she touched the ground it hit her again....she repeated this about 5 times. I know it hurt but they stay clear of it now!

The newer ones also pulse and are not constantly on, my plug in and solar versions pulse about every second.
Since they pulse, and are not constant on, it shocks for an instant and they can get away.
If they are hard core, the second pulse will usually send them on their way.

In all my years, I have only heard of one electric fence animal death and that was a fellow that didn't use an actual fence charger but used raw 120VAC from an electric plug.

I call BS on killing a coyote.
Hope that helps.

M.Stephens · Mon May 20, 2013 9:36 am

Mike and Joe,
After talking with the seller it turns out to be a Fi-Shock SS4000 , an older model. Has any one had experience with this charger? I hooked it up and it took a second to knock the crap out of me. It has no joule rating on it. I must have misunderstood him on the phone when he said it had 6 joules. $40 is a small gamble. As for killing the coyote he later explained that he hooked up 110ac to kill coyotes. He was good on the phone about making me think this charger was the ticket. When you drive 20 miles to meet someone you usually are committed to buying the product. Craigslist sellers can use that to their advantage!

DebA · Mon May 20, 2013 11:49 am

What a good guy you are to test what the dog is gonna get. But to be fair...you didn't exactly test it like he will....just saying.

Deb

Mike1624 · Mon May 20, 2013 12:34 pm

Malcolm, one thing that you might consider when you put this into operation, is to buy one of the little battery operated devices that clip onto the hot wire and will flash a red light if you lose power or something malfunctions. I think that I paid less than $10.00 for mine
It sure gives me peace of mind when I look out at my site and don't see the red light flashing.

M.Stephens · Mon May 20, 2013 12:53 pm

Mike,
Thanks for the tip about the red light. The charger is equipped with 4 lights to tell you if it is working properly or not. But having a red light clipped to the fence would be easier to see at a distance.

Deb,
I'll leave that type of testing to the dogs!!! When I here a yelp I'll know it's working!!LOL