All About Insulators
Insulators prevent electrical shorts between the electrified wire and the fence posts. Good-quality insulators are critical to a properly functioning fence. Insulators are made from materials that do not conduct electricity, most commonly plastic or ceramic.
PLASTIC INSULATORS
Plastic insulators are molded from polyethylene, polycarbonate, or nylon and are designed to hold electrified wire near a variety of posts without losing energy through the post.
There are several styles to choose from because the insulator must match both the type of wire and the type of fence 
post being used. Plastic insulators include round post insulators, T-post insulators, wood post insulators, corner post insulators, end post insulators, and chain link fence insulators.
Make sure the plastic insulator you choose is molded from heavy-duty, high-density polyethylene (or harder plastic) with UV inhibitors. This prevents arcing and provides long life with all-weather performance, protecting it from the weather. Most insulators are available in yellow, black and white.
PORCELAIN INSULATORS
Like plastic insulators, porcelain insulators are designed to hold electrified wire near fence posts without losing energy through the post.
When good porcelain insulators are properly installed they should be able to last the life of your fence.
Porcelain insulators are a very good choice for using with your high tensile fence system.
SPECIALIZED INSULATORS
There are specialized insulators that are used for specific purposes. These can be summarized as follows:
Tube Insulators
- The tube clamp insulator attaches to standard tube-type stock to corral panels.
Corner Insulators
- Corner post insulators are designed to withstand fence line tension generated by the fence line pulling from the anchor point or changing directions.
- Corner insulators should also be used at fence line termination points.
- Corner post insulators are available in plastic and ceramic and accommodate steel wire, poly wire, poly tape and poly rope.
Specialty Insulators
- Other insulators allow you to fasten electrified wire or poly products to posts and fences without losing energy through the post or fence.
- There are many specialty insulators to choose from:
• Chain Link
• Tube
• Corner
• U-Post
• Square Post
Benefits and Considerations of High Tensile Fencing
High tensile fence is an excellent choice to safely contain most species of livestock, including various exotic species. It is also equally effective keeping unwanted predators, deer or other wild animals out.
High tensile is an affordable, low maintenance permanent perimeter fence, lasting over 40 years. It works as a simple barrier fence or can be electrified for greater effectiveness and animal safety.
The key to a successful high tensile fence installation is advanced planning, combined with proper tools and quality materials.
We recommend Zareba® high tensile components, which are rugged, reliable and designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, providing long life for your fence.
Zareba® has developed high tensile videos to help design and build your high tensile system. Once you build a high tensile fence you won't want any other type of fencing system.
Expert Tips
Insulators come in many styles to accommodate a wide variety of post and wire types. Choose the correct type of insulator for the type of post and wire you've selected.
If you're using a low impedance fence charger, use an insulator with greater arcing protection, which will prevent the current from jumping to the fence post.
Porcelain insulators may be more expensive than plastic insulators, but they are designed to last a long, long time, usually the lifetime of your fence!
Plastic insulators can be used with all types of wire (and high tension if it is designated for it), while porcelain insulators can be used with all wires except for poly tape.
Corner posts and end posts have to withstand greater tension than other posts along the fence line. Therefore, use insulators at these areas that are designed to withstand the extra stress.
In addition, keep insulators free from dirt, dust and cobwebs.
POST TIPS
Posts for High Tensile Fencing
Because the distance between posts in a high tensile system can be 30’–90’, and the wire is under tension, wood posts are recommended.
Line posts should be a minimum 4” in diameter, with 6-8” diameter posts used for corner posts and gate posts. In some cases T-posts may be used for line posts.
More High Tensile Post Tips»
INSULATOR TIPS
High Tensile Line Post Insulators:
We recommend either pin lock or tube insulators for high tensile fence systems. Both allow the fence wire to move as needed.
High Tensile Corner & End Post Insulators:
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Wrap Around Insulator – Slide wire through tube and wrap insulator around corner or end post. Secure with 2” barbed staple. Durable polyethylene with poly insert for added strength.
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Donut Corner Insulator – made of unbreakable polycarbonate, extremely strong with 5,000-lb. tensile strength.
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High-strain Corner Insulator - made of fiberglass reinforced nylon, engineered for full tension of 200,000 psi wire.
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Porcelain - very strong
HIGH TENSILE TIPS
How to Electrify Your High Tensile Fence
If electrifying your fence, you need to make electrical jumper connections between all electrified fence wires.
Use a length of 12 1/2 gauge wire as a jumper and connect it to a hot wire with one of the extra crimping sleeves placed on the “hot” fence wires prior to tensioning. Crimp to attach.
Then slide a section of insulated plastic tube, or insultube, over the wire to prevent it from touching the non-electric wires. Crimp.
Repeat until all electrified wires are connected. Next, install and connect your electric fence charger to the fence.
More High Tensile Expert Tips»
FAQs about Insulators
Q: Do I need insulators for my electric fence system?
A: Insulators allow you to fasten electric wires near the posts without losing energy through the posts and potentially shorting out your system, so yes, definitely use insulators to maintain the current throughout your fence line.
Q: Which type of insulator should I use?
A: There are several factors to consider when determining which type of insulator you want for your electric fence system. These factors include the type of fence post you will be using, and the type of wire you will be using. For corners and end posts you will need to know how much tension you plan to have on the wire.
Q: Is a porcelain insulator better than a plastic insulator?
A: Porcelain insulators are used with high tensile fences as well as standard electric fences. They will last the life time of the fence and add a nice look to the fence. Their only drawback is their initial cost: Porcelain insulators usually cost more than plastic insulators.
Insulators made from plastic are generally used for standard electric fences only, although there are some designed for use with a high tensile fence.
More Insulator FAQs»
FAQs about High Tensile
Q: What are some of the benefits of a High Tensile Fence?
A: A high tensile fence system is affordable, long-lasting, very durable, easy to install and requires a minimum level of maintenance. Such a fence system can last more than 40 years if maintained properly.
This cost-effective fence system is an excellent way to contain livestock, other farm animals and pets while protecting them some types of predators.
Q: Will a Spinning Jenny work with barbed wire?
A: No. The Spinning Jenny will not work with barbed wire. Barbed wire is not spooled in the same size and shape as smooth high tensile wire is spooled.
Q: Do I need special tools to build a high tensile fence?
A: Yes, there are specific tools you should use to make the installation of a high tensile fence easier. Zareba has a complete selection of specialized tools for building your high tensile fence. Check out High Tensile products in our website store.
More High Tensile FAQs»
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