Hotline Electric Fence Tester and Fault Finder

Electric fences are essential tools for farm management, livestock and predator control. But to keep your fence system working properly, you need one critical tool: the electric fence tester.

Whether you're a farmer, backyard farmer, or landowner, knowing how to test your electric fence and troubleshoot problems can save time, protect animals, and improve safety. In this blog post, we’ll explore what electric fence testers do, the different types available, and how to use them effectively.

What Is an Electric Fence Tester?

In basic terms an electric fence tester is a handheld device designed to measure the voltage running through your electric fence. It helps you determine whether your fence is delivering the proper charge and alerts you to faults like shorts or power loss.

Why Do You Need an Electric Fence Tester

Without a tester, you're essentially guessing whether your fence is working.  And touching your electric fence to find out if it is working is not the answer... ouch! Here’s why using an electric fence tester is essential:

  • Prevent Escapes: Low voltage may not deter animals, allowing them to escape.
  • Troubleshoot Issues: Easily find broken wires, poor connections, or vegetation causing power loss.
  • Save Time: Pinpoint problems quickly rather than checking the whole fence manually.

Types of Electric Fence Testers

Here are the most common types of fence testers and what they’re best used for:

  1. Basic Neon/LED Light Testers
  • Show a range of voltage levels using lights.
  • Inexpensive and easy to use.
  • Ideal for small farms or hobby setups.
  • Often with an earth probe - can be self earthing
  1. Digital Fence Testers
  • Display precise voltage readings on a screen.
  • Some models also show amperage and direction of faults.
  • Best for professionals, larger fence systems and equestrian set ups.
  1. Fault Finders
  • Combine testing with fault-finding features.
  • Help you locate shorts quickly by showing direction and distance of the fault from where you are stood.
  • Great for large systems, zone fencing or complex fence networks.

How to Test Your Electric Fence

  1. Turn On the Energiser/Fencer: Ensure your energizer is functioning.
  2. Place the Ground Probe: Some testers come with a metal probe to insert into the ground.
  3. Touch the Fence Wire: Use the tester contact point or band to contact the live wire - don't use your fingers or a blade of grass!
  4. Read the Voltage: A strong fence usually runs between 5,000–9,000 volts, depending on its purpose.
  5. Check Multiple Points: Test different areas of your fence to identify any weak spots or faults.

Top Tips for Using an Electric Fence Tester

  • Avoid testing during heavy rain unless your tester is weatherproof.
  • Regularly test your fence—especially after storms or when adding new animals.
  • If using a fault finder, walk the fence in sections to isolate the problem area.

What to Look for in the Best Electric Fence Tester

When shopping for the best electric fence tester, consider:

  • Voltage Range: Make sure it can handle your fence's output.
  • Durability: Water-resistant and shockproof models last longer.
  • Ease of Use: Clear displays and intuitive controls make a big difference.  Neon light testers can be tricky to see in the daylight.

Final Thoughts

An electric fence tester is more than a handy tool—it’s a must-have for anyone managing electric fencing. From simple voltage checks to advanced fault-finding, having the right tester ensures your fence does its job: keeping animals in, intruders out, and operations running smoothly.

Whether you're maintaining a backyard setup or a multi-acre farm, investing in the best electric fence tester will pay for itself in peace of mind and time saved.

Our favourite testers are below:

LED KV10 Fence Tester

FF10 Electric Fence Fault Finder & Tester

DD15 Electric Fence and Battery Tester

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