Horse Fence Voltage: Ensuring Safety and Security (Updated)

By Zunnun Ahmed •  Updated: 05/20/23 •  6 min read

If you’ve horses, then you need electrical fences to ensure your horses stay in place! But too much of the fence voltage can prove fatal for your horse. So, how many volts is an electric fence for horses?

Well, if your fence has adequate amperage, then 2000 volts would be the minimum electric horse fence voltage requirement. However, if you want to make the fences easier to maintain, then 3000 volts would be the cherry on top!

So, want to know more about horse fences and the voltage? Then read on till the end of this blog!

What voltage kills a horse?

Well, it’s not entirely the voltage that takes down a horse, but the overall amperage plays the key role here. So, if your electric fences have around 15-30A, then 110V will be lethal enough to kill your horse.

However, there are other factors that can also prove fatal for your horse. For instance, the duration of the shock, the overall health condition of your horse, and the current type (DC or AC).

Therefore, consider all the safety precautions before setting up your electric fences for your horse!

electric fence voltage.

Can I use a car battery on my electric fence?

Yes, it’s possible to use your car battery on electric fences, but it’s not recommended since car batteries aren’t designed for such use. Moreover, electric fences usually require such batteries that can be discharged and recharged without damage.

Plus, car batteries are designed only for short bursts of high-flowing current to start your car engine and aren’t meant to be discharged regularly.

That’s not all; using car batteries on electric fences may initially work, but slowly it can degrade the battery’s lifespan. This can make the fence performance less reliable.

How many volts is lethal for your livestock?

The severity of a voltage varies a lot on the animal types and the conditions in which they are in contact with the electric fence. However, the recommended voltage is around 2000 to 5000 volts, which can also prove fatal depending on the amperage.

Nevertheless, it’s essential that you use an electric fence controller to limit the voltage output for the safety of your livestock. And do make sure to read the user manual for proper installation. If you still have concerns, you can consult with an expert electrician for proper guidance.

Related: Learn how to protect your animals from electric fence shocks with these 7 tips. Get the facts and advice you need on dealing humanely with electric fences!

How many volts is a 10-mile electric fence?

The voltage required for a 10-mile electric fence will depend on different factors, like the kind of animal being held, the fence quality, and the security level required.

However, an average electric fence should have 9.5 KV (Kilo Volt) for a 10-mile electric fence. However the amount can vary depending on the wire quality, fence post spacing, and the fence charger output.

Therefore, it’s always recommended that you consult with an expert first before adjusting the voltage in your electric fence.

How many volts is a 15-mile electric fence?

The 15-mile electric fence is undoubtedly ideal for controlling horses and many other livestock. It’s designed to electrify up to 15 miles of uninterrupted fencing (vegetation-free).

Therefore, a 15-mile electric fence should have a 12-volt battery operation to keep up with the design. Fencing with this setting should be enough for controlling your horses for prolonged hours without facing any major issues.

How many volts is a 5-mile fence charger?

A 5-mile fence charger usually comes at 6 VDC (voltage direct current). However, the power might not appear that strong. But it can still do you the trick to keep your livestock in place!

Yet, there are ways through which you can increase the voltage (mentioned later in the blog). Remember that certain factors must be in check while increasing your voltage. Read the next section to have a better understanding.

Related: Are you frustrated with your electric fence clicking? Discover the 5 steps you need to take to stop it quickly and easily!

How do I increase the voltage on my electric fence?

Now, here in this section, you’ll know the best possible ways to increase the voltage on your electric fence without much of a fuss! So, don’t skip any of it and read till the end.

Check if your power source is working smoothly

The very first thing you need to do is ensure that your power source for the electric fence is operating perfectly. You can do this by looking at the battery or even at your AC power source for any symptoms of wear or damage.

Increase the fence strand numbers

One of the effective ways to increase your electric fence voltage is by adding more strands to your fence. You can easily do this by adding tape or wire to your existing fence strands. In a nutshell, the more strands you’ll have, the more voltage you’ll have through your fences.

Increase the fence length

The length of your electric fence also plays a crucial role in affecting the voltage. So, to increase the voltage through your electric fence, you can increase the length of the fence.

However, know this, just increasing the length doesn’t assure you’ll have a spike in the voltage being passed! Your power source must also be pretty robust to handle this fence length increase.

Install a voltage booster

If none of the steps work, installing a voltage booster will ultimately increase the fence voltage. A voltage booster is an electrical device mainly designed to ensure your fence has a voltage spike through the wires. However, you must follow the instruction manual to ensure it works fine.

FAQs

Are 2000 volts enough for an electric fence?

Yes, it’s pretty much enough since it’s usually the minimum electricity requirement in an electric fence.

Are 5000 volts enough for an electric fence?

Well, 5000 volts is enough, and most fences mainly need the maximum electricity flow!

How long does a 12-volt battery last on an electric fence?

A 12-volt battery should last for around 200 cycles, which is 2 to even 7 years if taken properly.

Conclusion

So, after going to this blog, you should now know all the ins and outs of the volts in a horse fence. You can easily increase the voltage in your fence by increasing the fence strand numbers, increasing the fence length, and getting a voltage booster installed. Yet, if you still face challenges with electric horse fence voltage, you can always consult with an expert!

Meta Description: Discover how many volts an electric fence is for horses and know the best ways to increase the electric horse fence voltage!

Zunnun Ahmed

We are a group of horse enthusiasts. We want to provide information and tips to help others learn more about horses, how to care for them, and how to enjoy them.

Keep Reading