Which is the best option for your horse farm?
There are a range of fence chargers on the market to suit your individual needs. The most popular types are plug-in and solar chargers. A fence charger is the power source for your electric fence. It produces short, high-voltage pulses.
Electric fences are highly effective with horses and other animals. The fence provides a shock that deters the horse from touching it again. They keep your horses in and other animals like loose dogs out. Your fence is only effective if it actually works, which is why your charger is so important.
Plug-in Chargers
A plug-in charger relies on electricity from your home or barn. It ties directly into the electrical grid. RAMM provides a wide selection of Plug-In Chargers from 24.0 joules all the way down to 0.30 joule. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons to this option.
Pros
- Because it ties directly into your electrical grid, you basically have unlimited power.
- They’re low-impedance and can push through tall grass and weeds a little better than solar.
- Cheap upfront and affordable to run. Most cost just a few dollars a month.
- They require very little maintenance.
- Plug-ins are very reliable. You don’t have to worry about cloudy days.
- They can last a long time, typically 10 to 20 years.
Plug-ins are not without their cons though. They can be harder to install if your fence isn’t near an electrical outlet. If the power goes out, your fence will also go down. They can be susceptible to lightning strikes. Lastly, the shock is harder, which can prove problematic for animals that become entangled.
Solar Chargers
Solar chargers are a great option for those looking to conserve energy costs. They’re energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They convert sunlight into electricity and store it in batteries. The Solar Fence Chargers at RAMM can provide coverage from 5 to 100 acres. They have many pros and a few cons.
Pros
- They’re highly portable and can be used in remote areas.
- There are no ongoing electrical costs.
- The chargers retain power, so even on cloudy days the fence will remain on.
- They provide one pulse of shock per second.
Unfortunately, they are more expensive upfront and often need to be replaced every
three to five years. They can also lose power during prolonged cloudy weather.
Furthermore, some prefer a fence with a stronger shock.
The decision is usually based on where your fence will be built and how close it is to an
electrical outlet. Ultimately, you’ll have to make the best decision for your unique needs.
Both can be useful for containing animals.
