How to Electrify Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing? - Steps and Tips from Our Experts

You are thinking of investing in our premium steel post and rail fencing to create a beautiful property and keep your animals safe. But perhaps you’re concerned that your animals might still test the boundaries, pushing or leaning against the fence, and you’re considering adding an electric element for extra security.  

If you’ve already reviewed our Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing, love the product and wondering if and how it can be electrified, then keep reading. 

Electric fencing is a common consideration in New Zealand and we understand the need to ensure the safety and containment of animals without compromising on the strength and durability of the fencing.  

At Stock and Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to property owners across Australia and New Zealand. Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing is our flagship product. We also specialise in electric fences and have the experience to give you all the information needed to add electrics to your existing or new fencing system. 

In this blog, you’ll learn how to electrify your premium steel post and rail fencing effectively. We’ll cover everything from the necessary equipment and step-by-step installation to choosing the right energiser and placing the electric wire for optimal performance. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to evaluate if electrics are needed on your Premium Steel Fencing system. You’ll also know how to electrify your steel fence ensuring maximum security and peace of mind. 

Understanding When to Electrify Your Fence 

If your paddocks are smaller and your fence is designed to handle the push and shove from animals, you might not need to electrify your premium steel post and rail fencing.  

These fences are typically strong enough to manage the weight and force exerted by animals without additional electrification.  

What makes the Premium steel fencing system different from the rest is that these fences are specially designed for horse safety and at the same time they are extremely durable. It’ll be worth learning more about the engineering and design that goes into making these fences strong and last for over 50 years. Since the steel fencing is strong and much less likely to be chewed than timber, we recommend building your new fence and then only adding electrics at a later date if required. 

However, every property is different and there might be a specific need for electrification on your property. In that case, it’s good to know that electrics can be added to Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing. 

Necessary Equipment for Electrification 

To electrify your premium steel post and rail fencing, you will need specific equipment: 

Insulator Assembly

The insulator assembly is specifically designed to be fitted to steel fence posts as a micro ‘stand-off’ insulator. There are two types, a stainless-steel clasp, great for metal wire and a plastic claw, which works well with plastic-coated wire or Equirope. 

By inserting the insulator into a predrilled hole, using a drill slowly begin to tighten the screw, this activates a two-stage clamping process whereby it secures itself to the post and claps the wire. 

The insulator works on the exact same attaching principle as the mesh clip ensuring the integrity of the steel fencing isn’t compromised.  

Recommended Wires

EquiRope is the preferred electric fence to be added to the Premium Steel Fencing System. It’s the only electric rope in the world that can be properly tensioned without compromising the quality of the electrics. It complements the steel, easy to install, and when tensioning the rope doesn’t put undue pressure on the fence posts like some other systems. 

Tools Required

A step drill to drill holes to the correct size and a screwdriver to secure the insulators. 

Step-by-Step Installation Guide 

Installing electric wire onto steel post and rail fencing is a simple process, thanks to the insulator assemblies that are specially designed for this system. 

Preparing the Fence: Begin by planning where you want to run the electric wire. This will depend on the specific needs of your property and animals. 

Drilling Holes: Use a step drill to create holes at the required points on your fence posts. 

Attaching Insulators: Insert the insulators into the drilled holes and secure them with screws. 

Running and Tensioning the Wire: Run the wire from post to post, clipping it into the insulators as you go. Ensure you tension the wire properly; it’s not left to be loose and becomes an entanglement hazard. Once tensioned, go around and make sure insulators are done up tight. 

Adding Electricity: Finally, connect the wire to an energiser to electrify the fence. 

Choosing the Right Energiser 

An energiser is crucial for electrifying your fence. It’s not part of the steel post and rail package, but it’s essential for adding electricity to fencing.  

We recommend using Nemtek energisers. You should select the specific product based on the total meterage of your fence plus an additional 50% to ensure adequate coverage. 

Placing the Electric Wire 

The placement of the electric wire depends on your specific needs: 

Top Rail: If you want to keep horses from leaning over the fence, run the wire along the top rail. 

Middle Rail: For general deterrence, place the wire halfway up the post. 

Ready to Add Electrics to Your Premium Steel Post and Rail Fence? 

Electrifying your premium steel post and rail fencing can offer added security for your property, particularly if you have specific needs that make it necessary.  

Before deciding to electrify, assess if it’s necessary. Overall, Premium steel post and rail fencing is strong enough to handle the weight of animals and is highly visible so gets the respect of horses and being a metal fence it’s less attractive to cribbers as compared to timber.  

So, we would recommend installing the steel fences first and if they are managing well without electricity, you might not need to add it. But if you find that extra security is needed, our premium steel fencing can easily be electrified to meet your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add an electric component to your existing or new steel fencing system. From the right insulators and wires to the proper energiser, everything you need is available to ensure a smooth installation.  

If your biggest priority is horse safety, we’ve listed down pro tips to check and evaluate the need to electrify your fence. So have a look at the detailed guide or feel free to consult our fencing experts. They will help you make the right decision for your property based on your needs and vision.