Planning A Fence
Sketch a diagram and measure the distance of the area you would like to fence.
Include in your plan:
- Location of buildings/ barns enclosed by or sitting adjacent to your fence
- Location of your fence energizer and electrical source (if required)
- Location of your earth system. This is critical as your earth system is the most important component of your electric fence system.
- Trees, hills, low and/or wet areas or other obstacles
- Water supply and feeding locations
- Gate locations
- Fence termination points
As you are sketching your layout consider:
- What type of posts to use: wood, steel, rod (permanent), fibreglass (semipermanent), pigtail or tread‑in posts (temporary)?
- What type of gate(s) do you plan on using?
- What type of earth system do you need?
Check out our Fencing Checklist page just to make sure you have all the necessarry items for your new fence installation.
Selecting Your Fence Type
The answers to those questions will help you determine whether you need a Permanent, Semi Permanent or a Temporary portable fence. We have listed below the various features and benefits of each installation. The 3 main types of electric fence structures are a starting point to help you identify which fence type best suits your needs.
Type of Fence your planning
In selecting a fence type you need to consider these 5 questions.
- Do you have existing fences?
- What is the size of the area to be fenced?
- Is this a perimeter or interior fencing?
- Is there a 110V power source?
- What type of livestock or wildlife are being controlled?
Permanent Fence
Length of Fence
20 years +
Ease of Construction
Medium – Requires special tools or fencing contractor
Recommended for
Deer, horses, cows sheep, goats, pigs, exotic animals, predators.
Containment Area
Unlimited
Primary Need
Boundary and internal fencing
Key Benefits
Optimum strength for livestock management.
Longer fence life with minimal maintenance.
Post Type
Wood posts, steel posts
Wire Type
Galvanised high-tensile wire
2.5 mm (12.5 ga) – 4 mm (8 ga)
Energizer Type
Mains, Unigizer™, battery
Semi-Permanent Fence
Length of Fence
Up to 10 years*
Ease of Construction
Easy to medium
Recommended for
Deer, horses, cows sheep, goats, pigs, exotic animals
Containment Area
Unlimited
Primary Need
Pastures and internal fencing
Key Benefits
Can use any combination of post and wire types
Post Type
Wood posts and battens, steel posts, fibreglass posts
Wire Type
Poliwire, tape or rope, steel or galvanised fence wire
2 mm (14 ga) – 2.5 mm (12.5 ga)
Energizer Type
Mains, Unigizer™, battery, portable solar
Temporay Fence (Portable)
Length of Fence
Short-moves frequently
Ease of Construction
Simple
Recommended for
Horses, cows, pets, domestic animals
Containment Area
Short/Small
Primary Need
Temporary containment, strip grazing
Key Benefits
Easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Offers greatest flexibility and portability
Post Type
Tread-ins, pigtails or fibreglass posts
Wire Type
Poliwire, tape, rope or braid
Energizer Type
Portable solar, small Mains / battery, Unigizer™
