Why is my electric fence clicking? Explained

Normal fence operation includes clicking, which occurs as a charger discharges energy that travels down the fence’s length. It is almost entirely due to a spark or arcing of the electrical current across the fence hardware that most radio noise created by electric fencing is caused.

It is true that electric fences can make noise even when they are operating properly.

There are two sorts of noise that are common: clicking and radio noise. 

When a charger discharges energy that moves along the fence, you will hear a clicking sound. This is standard fence operation.

Radio noise, even if it does not interfere with fence operation, is not normal and must be addressed in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations since the sounds can interfere with radio and television reception, as well as telephones and other communication equipment.

It is almost entirely due to a spark or arcing of the electrical current across the fence hardware that most radio noise created by electric fencing is caused.

This form of interference generates a distinctive tick-tick-tick sound that can cause communications to be disrupted over distances of up to a mile in length.

Arcing is commonly caused by faulty splices in fence wire and gate hooks, among other things. The arc is sent through the fence wire, which acts as an antenna.

What is the source of my fence charger’s clicking sound?

If it is on and clicking, turn off the charger and unplug the fence lead line from the charger. Start the charger and check the voltage to make sure it is working properly. If the voltage is high (as it was when the fence was purchased), the fault is with the fence. 

The problem could be caused by a broken wire, a faulty splice junction, or anything else that prevents voltage from passing through.

Whatare the causes for the clicking Noice

Simple Induction happening:

That is likely simple induction. If the hot wire runs parallel to the woven wire and is reasonably close, a voltage will be induced into the woven wire. 

Other examples of induction are the standard AC transformer, such as sits on a power pole, and a radio tower and your radio antenna at home. 

In all cases, the voltage is not directly connected with a wire, but induced over a space that insulates. Induction issues are why a cable tv line has an outer shield and an inner conductor. Induction is what allows electric motors to turn.

Humidity and dirt play a part

In whether the charge gets drained and you hear snapping. Moist air is more conductive and will pass more charge. Lightning likes to travel in straight lines to the ground. 

To protect your unit you can have the feed line go within an inch or so of the ground rod, with the line from the fence pointing down directly at the ground rod, then make a 90-degree turn at the closest point, with the lead curving back up to the charger.

Solution: Add a couple of 18″ loops in that section of wire to create a choke coil. When lightning strikes the fence, it’ll run along the line towards the charger, meet up with a false leader from the ground rod, form a connection to the ground there and discharge into the ground.

The choke loops will cause any lightning that does continue towards the charger to run into an EMF blockade of its own making.

Leakage of Current:

You likely have leakage of the current through the insulator tube.

Use stand-offs to hold it away from the tree, otherwise the ants will eventually cause a direct short. The tree may appreciate not getting zapped as much as well.

Can Cattle hear the clicking Noice ?

Cattle can either hear or smell electric fencing. I have a couple of on/off switches on mine so I can work on a section without having to turn off the entire fence.

Neighbour’s young bull was ‘appraising’ one of my cows obviously in heat. Kept away from the fence until I shut that section down and within a minute had jumped the fence.

Why Do Electric Fences Make a Whirring Sound?

Interference is a significant source of noise when it comes to electric fencing.

When preparing a fence for usage, it is critical that nothing interferes with the fence’s electric line or grounding. Even grass may create havoc. Gate hooks can also be a cause of your electric fence producing noise.

When an object blocks the flow of electricity from one end of the fence to the other, it not only causes noise but also increases the chance of igniting a fire.

Occasionally, vegetation has been known to burn off a fence and regrow, causing the same problem to recur repeatedly.

Splicing is another reason for a noisy electric fence. This can occur when one of the cables connecting two connected wires is not completely connected.

Because electricity must travel from one end of a wire to the other, it is critical that nothing interferes with the transmission.

Best Non-Harmful Alternatives to Electric Fences

1. The first, and arguably most obvious, an alternative way is to construct a physical fence:  Visible fencing does not have to be made of white pickets or unsightly wire. There are numerous thin plastic or wire materials that can assist in keeping your dog contained in your yard.

2. No-Dig Garden Fence: Portable dog fences are a popular choice for physically separating your dog/s from an area you don’t want them to enter or traverse.

They are low-maintenance, lightweight, moveable fence panels that do not require digging.

Simply drive a spike into the earth. They can be constructed in a variety of ways.

They are usually more suited to larger or more powerful dogs that will not attempt to knock them over, unless they are securely fastened to the ground.

3. Install wireless E-Fences: It is usual to see wireless electric fences constructed for the purpose of training pets. They are safe, simple to instal, and some models are even portable. When someone trespasses on the fence, they receive an electric shock. 

Choose one based on the quantity of pets to be controlled and the setting in which they will be used. A wireless fence can be erected both indoors and outside, depending on your needs.

References…

Scientific Studies About the Effects of Electric Fences:

• Considerations for shock and ‘training’ collars: Concerns from and for the working dog community (Overall) Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2007) 2, 103-107
• Training Dogs With the Help of the Shock Collar: short and long term behavioural effects(Schilder, van der Borg) Applied Animal Behaviour Science 85 (2004) 319–334
• Can aggression in dogs be elicited through the use of electronic pet containment systems? (Polsky) Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 2000 Vol. 3 No. 4 pp. 345-357
• The Use of Shock Collars and Their Impact on the Welfare of Dogs (Blackwell, Casey) Department of Clinical Veterinary Science University of Bristol 2006

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