Understanding Electric Fencing Categories

When it comes to fencing options and uses, there are so many options that you might feel lost. In order to completely understand what type of fence is right for you, you need to do your research. Here at Zareba®, we’ve got your back. Learn about the three main types of fencing, what they are used for, and other useful information that will help you determine what is best for you!

Fence Category Guide

Electric fences are grouped into three general categories, regardless of whether they have been electrified or not. The three categories are temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent.

The table below is a handy, quick guide to figuring out which electric fence types may work for your situation.

	Portable/ Temporary	Semi- Permanent/ Permanent	Permanent High Tensile	Electric Horse Fence
Expected Fence Life	Short term, frequent moves	1 to 20 years	20 to 40 years	5 to 15 years
Ease of Installation	Simple, fast	Easy to moderate	Moderate, special tools required	Moderate
Animals Controlled	Cows, horses, pets, lawn and garden pests	Cows, horses, hogs, sheep, goats, exotics, deer, predators	Cows, hogs, sheep, goats, exotics, deer, predators	Horses
Best Suited For	Temporary fencing, managed intensive grazing	Pastures, cross fences	Permanent perimeter installations	High visibility, horse pasture
Post Type	Step-in posts, steel and rod posts, fiberglass posts	T-posts, rod posts, U-posts	Wood posts, T-posts, U-posts	T-posts, U-posts, wood posts
Wire Type	Poly wire, poly tape, poly rope	Poly wire, poly tape, poly rope, steel wire	12 gauge high tensile wire	Poly tape, poly wire, poly rope
Distance	Short	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Features	Lightweight, reusable, easy to move	Workable with any configuration of posts and conductive wire	Longest life fence system available, minimal maintenance	Affordable, use with vinyl post sleeves for an attractive, white-rail look

Temporary Fencing

Temporary Fencing is used for short periods of time, usually no more than a few days. These kinds of fences are typically only run for a short distance and are quick and easy to install.

Lightweight, easy to move, and reusable, this option is great for short-term occasions. Temporary fencing is commonly used as cross-fencing in rotational grazing systems and to construct portable corrals for livestock and horses. It can also keep animals in a certain spot for a short period of time under supervision.

It is also a great option for keeping people inside an area, deterring people from accessing an area, or simply for decoration. You can also place temporary fencing around your garden or use them as boundary line markers. Our Step-In Fence Posts are a great way to set up your temporary fence, plus they come in different colors to match your outdoor décor.

Semi-Permanent Fences

Semi-Permanent Fences are constructed of a combination of both permanent and temporary components. Often used for pastures or cross-fencing, semi-permanent fences can last up to 20 years.

These types of fences usually take a bit longer to install and require more accessories than temporary fencing. This is great fencing for pastures or cross-fencing. Animals that can be controlled by these fences are cows, horses, hogs, sheep, goats, exotics, deer., They can also be used to deter predators.

Be aware that if you do have a semi-permanent fence, larger animals have a higher chance of escaping or entering.

Permanent Fences

Permanent Fences can be made of wood, barbed wire, pipe, woven wire, vinyl, or high-tensile. A permanent fence is often electrified and, when constructed well, can last more than 40 years.

Although these fences require more maintenance to install and more accessories, permanent fencing can be used for any livestock and last for a long time with low maintenance throughout the years after installation. The way this fence is often set up is based on the animal that you are trying to contain or the predator that you’re keeping out.

There are a lot of factors, like height, strength, and wiring, that depends on the size and type of the animal that the fence is needed for.

electric fence categories horse fencing

Learn More

At Zareba®, we have everything that you need to set your fence up…all you need to do is decide which one is right for you. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered. By visiting our Learning Center, you can everything you need to know, right in one spot. We’d love to hear what kind of fence works best for you on our Facebook Page! Plus, sign up for our e-newsletter to get exclusive deals and the best new information that you need to know about fencing, livestock, and farming right to your inbox!