Electric fencing is usually considered a “temporary” fencing solution; not a permanent fencing solution like barbed wire or woven wire fences.
NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!
Electrified high tensile fencing is a permanent fencing solution and is a better choice when compared to barbed wire, woven wire and other permanent, non-electrified barrier fences.
Why Electrified High Tensile Fencing is Better
Electrified high tensile fencing is the best way to contain or keep out animals. It’s economical, easy to install and maintain and offers better control than conventional barrier fences such as barbed wire and woven wire fences. It’s also less harmful than barrier fences, which routinely cut, gouge and scrape livestock, leading to expensive vet bills and production losses.
1. Costs Less
A permanent 5 strand high-tensile electric fence will cost approximately 43% less per foot than a 5 strand barbed wire fence and 53% less per foot than a combination single strand of barbed wire on top of a 48” woven wire fence (Iowa State University, 2005).
2. Looks Great and Stays that way, when Well-Built and Maintained
Barbed wire and woven wire fences almost immediately begin to sag and wear due to animal pressure; the act of animals using the fence as a “back scratcher”. Electrified high tensile fences, shock the animal upon contact. This electric shock keeps the animal off the fence; electrified high tensile fences are not susceptible to animal pressure.
3. Lasts Longer
- An electrified, high-tensile fence can last 25-40 years
- A low carbon, barbed wire or woven wire fence will last 7-12 years
The class lll galvanization used on a 12-1/2 gauge, high carbon, high tensile fence wire inhibits rust from forming for years and years.
4. Easier and Faster to Install
Rolls of barbed wire and woven wire are heavy and cumbersome; just loading and unloading these rolls of fencing onto a work truck require back-breaking labor. Unrolling these rolls of fence down the fence line as you affix them to the fence posts is very hard work. Tightening/stretching these fences to get the sag or slack out of them is a laborious, time-consuming process.
Electrified, high tensile fences are much less cumbersome and laborious to install. The smooth, 12-1/2 gauge fence wire doesn’t snag and cut like barbed wire and woven wire when you handle it during installation. Simple fence tools like a de-reeler/spinning jenny make the work much easier.
When it’s time to build a new, permanent fence or replace an existing barbed wire or woven wire fence, please consider building an electrified, high tensile fence…you’ll be glad you did.
