Electric Fence Rope Gate

Different Gate Setups for Electric Fencing

When it comes to keeping your livestock or pets safe, a good gate setup can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with sheep, goats, hens, or horses, choosing the right type of gate and connecting it to your electric fence safely ensures your animals stay contained — and you stay stress-free.

Here’s a guide to the most common gate setups, with practical tips, safety reminders, and ideas to make your fencing work smarter.

1. Running Power Under the Gateway

One of the most popular setups is to run your electric fence wires under the gateway. This keeps the fence live even when gates are opened frequently, which is ideal for busy access points.

Key Tips:

  • Use insulated wires or cable protectors under gravel or tracks to prevent wear and shorts.

  • Always bury or shield cables deep enough to avoid accidental contact by vehicles or livestock hooves.

Safety Reminder: Never leave live wires exposed. Ensure all underground or track-level wires are properly insulated and that earth rods are installed correctly to maintain a safe and effective circuit.

2. Electric Fence Gateways with Gate Handles & Anchors

Gate handle and anchor gateways provide a strong, reliable opening in an electric fence while keeping power flowing through the rest of the fence line. This setup is ideal for paddocks, strip grazing systems, or walk-through access points where stock and people need regular entry without dismantling the fence.

The spring-loaded gate handles hook securely onto anchor points, maintaining good tension and consistent electrical contact when the gate is closed. When opened, the handles safely isolate the live wires, allowing easy access with no risk of shorts or power loss elsewhere on the fence.

Installation Tips:

  • Fix anchor points or gate insulators firmly to the wooden post on either side to take the strain of the stretched wire and to enable the current transfer.

  • Attach gate handles to the live fence wires using proper crimps or knot connections for good conductivity.

  • Use insulated line to line connectors (as shown) to carry power across fence lines so the rest of the fence remains energised when the gate is closed.

  • It is also possible to create a gate handle and anchor gate set up and also include an under gate lead out cable.  This way when the electric fence gate with handles and anchors is undone the power will still continue around the fence.

  • Keep both gate lines evenly tensioned to prevent sagging and reduce wear on handles and insulators.

Safety Reminder:

Always use insulated gate handles—never bare wire—to open or close an electric fence gate. Make sure handles, springs, and anchor points are free from corrosion or damage, and regularly check connections to ensure the gateway remains safe, effective, and fully live when closed.

3. Three-Way Gates

A three-way gate is ideal when you have multiple paddocks meeting at one point. They allow you to control access to several areas from a single gateway.  Each handle clips in to the three way gate anchor.

Tips:

  • This insulator can be used to create three way gates or for T junction installations.

  • The galvanised hook plate allows the current to transfer

Safety Reminder: Three-way gates can be more complex, so always double-check that tye are well insulated and that no wires cross each other making the system messy and tricky to undo.

4. Netting Gates

Netting gates are perfect for temporary/permanent electric netting system set ups. They’re easy to move and ideal for small animals like hens and ducks.

Tips for Netting Gates:

  • Can be attached in the middle of a netting circuit or at the end of a netting strip.

  • Make sure the netting is fully tensioned to prevent sagging and shorting. 

  • These gateways create an easy access into a netting enclosure - easy to open and opening and closing them doesn't mark the ground.

Safety Reminder: When using temporary netting, check that energiser leads are connected safely and that the netting is properly tensioned. A sagging net or loose connection can reduce the fence’s effectiveness.

General Gate Safety Tips

No matter which gate style you use, these safety reminders are essential:

  1. Check energisers regularly to make sure the current is running correctly.

  2. Inspect insulators and posts for wear or damage — even small cracks can lead to shorts.

  3. Keep vegetation clear around the fence and gates to prevent earthing.

  4. Always follow manufacturer instructions for connecting wires, leads, and earth rods.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed gate setup not only keeps your animals safe but also makes daily management easier. Whether you’re running power under a gateway, using two-way or three-way gates, or relying on temporary netting, the key is simplicity, durability, and safety.

Investing in high-quality energisers, insulators, and cables ensures your fencing works efficiently and lasts for years.

 

For further information and help with gateways - get in touch - Contact Us