Electric fences are a popular and effective way to keep livestock and other animals contained, but they rely on a number of electrical concepts to work properly. In this article, we'll cover some of the key electrical terms and formulas related to electric fences.
First, let's talk about resistance. A resistor is an electrical component that offers resistance to the flow of electricity. The degree of this resistance is measured in ohms. Conductivity, on the other hand, is a measure of a material's ability to conduct an electric current. A good conductor allows electricity to flow freely, with less resistance. Conductivity is measured in mhos, which is the reciprocal of the ohm.
Insulators, on the other hand, are materials that do not allow any electrical current to flow through them. Most insulators have a critical pressure for a given thickness, and if this critical pressure is exceeded, the insulating material will puncture.
A short is a low-resistance path between a live wire and a dead wire or earth-return wire. This is commonly known as wire-to-wire shorts and can compromise the reliability and effectiveness of an electric fence.
Volts, amps, and ohms are all units of measurement used to describe the flow of electricity. Volts measure electrical pressure, similar to how pounds per square inch measure physical pressure. Amps measure the electrical rate of flow, similar to how gallons per hour measure physical flow. Ohms measure electrical resistance. The relationship between these units is described by the formulas: Ohms = Volts / Amps, Volts = Ohms x Amps, and Amps = Volts / Ohms.
Coulombs, watts, and joules are other units of measurement used to describe the flow of electricity. Coulombs measure the electrical quantity, watts measure the electrical rate of work, and joules measure the electrical energy. The relationship between these units is described by the formulas: Coulombs = Amps x Seconds, Watts = Amps x Volts, and Joules = Watts x Seconds. One kilowatt-hour is equal to 3,600,000 joules.
Finally, capacitors are electrical components that are capable of storing and releasing electrical energy. The volume of a capacitor is stated in electrical units called farads. The relationship between these units is described by the formula: Farads = Amps x Seconds/Volts Rise.
In conclusion, electric fences rely on a number of electrical concepts to work properly, such as resistance, conductivity, insulators, and shorts. By understanding the key electrical terms and formulas related to electric fences, you can better maintain and troubleshoot your electric fence system.
