Ask The Expert - What Type of Energiser Do I Need?
Which Energiser Do I Need for My Electric Fence?
It's hands-down the most common question we get asked at www.electricfencing.co.uk: "Which energiser do I need for my electric fence?" Whether you're a smallholder, hobby farmer, poultry keeper, or seasoned livestock owner, choosing the right energiser is key to keeping your animals safe, keeping predators out and your fence working reliably.
But don't worry – we’re here to break it down in plain English!
What Does an Energiser Do?
An energiser (also known as a fence controller, electric fence unit or fencer) is the heart of your electric fence. It converts power from a mains supply, battery, or battery/solar panel into a high-voltage (low amp) pulse that travels through your fence line every second. When an animal touches the fence, it gets a sharp, memorable zap – enough to deter without harm.
Start with These 3 Questions:
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What animals are you fencing in (or out)?
Chickens, pigs, sheep, horses, goats, cattle, rabbits or foxes – all have different fencing needs. -
What type of fencing are you using?
Tape, rope, wire, or netting? Each has different resistance and power requirements. -
How long is your fence line?
Not just the perimeter – count every strand and total it up. A 100m fence with 3 lines is 300m of fencing.
Types of Energisers
1. Mains Energisers
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Plug into the mains
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Ideal for permanent fencing
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Consistent power, low running cost
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Best for farms and smallholdings with a power source nearby
Popular choice: Hotline Gemini 120 – can run off mains or battery for flexibility!
2. Battery-Powered Energisers
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Run off 12v leisure batteries or D-cell batteries
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Portable and great for strip grazing or temporary fencing
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Check battery charge regularly (especially in winter)
Top pick for poultry keepers: Hotline Falcon – portable and reliable.
3. Solar Energisers
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Eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run
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Perfect for remote locations
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Works off daylight and trickle feeds energy into the 12v battery
Staff favourite: FireDrake 67 Solar Energiser – brilliant for smallholders or paddocks.
How Much Power Do You Need?
As a rough guide:
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Poultry & pets: 0.2 to 0.5 output joules
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Goats, pigs, horses: 0.5 to 1.5 joules
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Sheep & cattle: 1 to 3 joules
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Fencing out foxes, deer, badgers: 2+ joules
Remember, the longer your fence and the more vegetation it touches, the more out put power you'll need.
Netting? Choose Carefully!
If you’re using electric netting (especially for chickens), make sure your energiser is powerful enough to power all that wire. Underpowered netting is one of the top causes of fence failures.
Still Not Sure? Ask the Experts
Choosing an energiser isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your setup, animals, and plans. If in doubt, give us a call or drop us a message – we love to help.
Email: [email protected]
Use Our Contact Form: Contact Us
Why Buy from ElectricFencing.co.uk?
We only stock energisers we trust (and use ourselves). You'll find expert support, speedy delivery, and plenty of helpful advice to keep your electric fencing safe and stress-free.
Ready to choose your energiser?
Browse our full range here: Energisers
P.S. Don’t forget to check our special offers page – we’re always running deals on energisers and accessories!
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