Acresafe Electric Horse Fencing
Installation Instructions
Electric horse fencing using 40 mm electric tape provides excellent visibility and safety for horses while creating a strong psychological barrier. Correct installation ensures reliable performance and long service life.
Tools & Materials Checklist
- Fence energiser
- 40 mm electric tape
- End and corner posts
- Line posts
- Tape insulators
- Tape connectors
- Tape tensioners
- Underground cable
- Gate handles
- Earth rods
- Earth clamps
- Fence tester
- Post hole digger
- Drill or driver
- Measuring tape
Step 1
Plan the Fence Layout
Mark your fence line before installation.
Consider:
- Corners
- Gateways
- Power supply location
- Earth system location
- Straight fence runs where possible
Recommended Heights for Horses
Tape Position | Height |
Top tape | 1200–1400 mm |
Middle tape | 700–900 mm |
Bottom tape | 400–600 mm |
Most horse fences use 2 or 3 tape lines.
Step 2
Install End & Corner Posts
Corner posts carry the strain of the fence.
Recommended:
- Treated timber posts
- Minimum 150 mm diameter
- Set 600–900 mm into ground use concrete for stability
Install:
- End posts
- Corner posts
- Gate posts
Brace longer fence runs where required.
Step 3
Install Line Posts
Line posts support the tape between corners.
Spacing:
- Every 3 – 4 metres
- Closer in windy areas
Suitable post types:
- Timber
- Steel
- Fibreglass
- Plastic horse posts
Step 4
Fit Insulators
Attach tape insulators to every post.
Ensure:
- Tape sits flat
- No metal touches the tape
- All insulators line up evenly
Correct insulation prevents power loss.
Step 5
Run the Electric Tape
Starting at one corner:
- Feed tape through each insulator
- Keep tape untwisted
- Pull tape firm but not overstretched
- Fit tensioners if needed
- Use proper tape joiners only
Do not knot the tape, as this reduces conductivity.
Step 6
Install Gateways
Each gateway should include:
- Insulated gate handle
- Gate anchor
- Underground cable under the gate
This keeps power flowing through the entire fence.
Step 7
Install the Energiser
Mount the energiser:
- Under cover
- Out of weather
- Near a power source
- Close to the earth system
Connections:
- Positive terminal → fence tape
- Negative terminal → earth rods
Recommended fence voltage:
6,000 – 8,000 volts
Step 8
Install the Earth System
Proper grounding is essential.
Install:
- 3 galvanised or copper earth rods
- 1 – 2 metres long each
- 3 metres apart
- In moist soil if possible
Connect rods with:
- Earth cable
- Ground clamps
Poor grounding causes most fence problems.
Step 9
Test the Fence
Use a digital fence tester.
Check:
- Energiser output
- Voltage at corners
- Voltage at the furthest point
- All tape lines are live
Target voltage:
Minimum 6,000 volts
Step 10
Introduce Horses Safely
When introducing horses:
- Supervise closely
- Keep fence powered
- Ensure tape is highly visible
- Allow horses to investigate calmly
Most horses quickly learn to respect the fence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor grounding
- Weak energiser
- Overstretched tape
- Knotted tape
- Incorrect post spacing
- Too few live wires
Ongoing Maintenance Checklist
Inspect regularly:
- Vegetation touching tape
- Broken tape
- Loose insulators
- Gate handles
- Voltage level
- Earth connections
About Acresafe
Why Choose Acresafe?
Acresafe supplies premium electric horse fencing systems designed for:
- Maximum horse safety
- High visibility
- Long-term durability
- Easy installation
- Reliable performance in Australian conditions
Our team can help you select the right fencing system for your property.
Need Expert Advice?
A correctly installed electric horse fence improves safety, reduces maintenance, and gives horses a secure boundary.
For best results, always use quality components designed specifically for horse fencing. Please call us for advice or guidance we are here to help!
Customer Installation Checklist
- Fence layout planned correctly
- Corner posts installed securely
- Line posts spaced evenly
- Insulators fitted properly
- Tape tension correct
- Energiser connected
- Earth system installed
- Voltage tested
- Gateways operating correctly
- Horses introduced safely