A better name might be earth moisture connection.
In theory, and particularly with mains-powered energisers, you would need an earth rod 6 metres long and 20 mm in diameter—showing just how important proper grounding really is.
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In moist, conductive soil: a 1.5 m rod driven fully into the ground is usually sufficient.
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The earth rod is connected to the earth terminal of the energiser using a simple galvanised wire, which does not need to be insulated.
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All connections must be tight and secure, and o
f course kept well out of your horses’ reach.
Eight times out of ten, if your fence lacks power,
the problem lies with the grounding..
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The earth rod does not need to be installed directly beside your energiser. Choose instead the easiest location for you—ideally the dampest spot with soft enough soil to drive it in. Connect it to the energiser’s earth terminal with galvanised wire, uninsulated, and firmly clamped between the nut and bolt provided.
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In dry soil conditions: drive one or more earth rods of 1.5 metre into the ground (the drier the soil, the more rods you’ll need). Space them about 2 m apart and link them with galvanised wire.
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Never connect your energiser to your house earth:
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Why you should never connect your energiser to the same earth as your house
Connecting an electric fence energiser to the household earth rod may cause a range of electrical issues that are often difficult to trace. The return currents from the fence can interfere with the domestic earthing system and create unexpected problems, such as:
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Radio and television interference (buzzing, crackling, or lines on the screen)
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Disturbances on telephones or internet connections
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Malfunctions or reduced accuracy in sensitive electronic instruments
Because these problems may appear intermittently and are hard to identify, it is always essential to install a dedicated earth system for your energiser, separate from the house supply.
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How to check if your earth is effective?
Simply touch it. If you feel current, the earth is insufficient and another 1.5 m rod should be added—or a longer one if possible.
If the rod is too short and remains only in the dry top layer of soil, your horse is effectively insulated. The earth must reach the naturally moist subsoil. Just pouring water over the top of the rod is not enough to carry current all the way to your horse’s hooves—sometimes up to 2 km away.