Updated on December 29th, 2022
Miscellaneous Electric Fence Components
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Recommended Electric Fence Components
Fence chargers are the most critical component for you electric fence. Find our recommended energizers here.
In this article, we’ll recommend some other items you’ll need to set up you bear-deterrent fence.
Plastic Fence Insulators
Plastic fence insulators separate electrified wire from wood or metal fence posts. If the wire were to touch the post, it would ground the system making it ineffective. Insulators usually come in black or yellow, if you have a preference.
Make sure you get insulators designed for the type of post you’re using.
For additional information, see our article Deter Bears From Beehives (How To Set Up An Electric Fence).
Zareba IWTPLB-Z Wood Post or T-Post Insulator, Black
ZarebaSystems is the largest manufacturer of electric fence systems in North America.
We used these particular insulators on our new fence and are quite happy with them.
Key features of these Zareba IWTPLB-Z insulators are:
- Can be used on either wood posts (nailed or screwed) or clipped onto metal t-posts
- For 9 gauge through 22 gauge high-tensile, steel and aluminum wire, all polywire and polyrope up to 1/4 inch in diameter
- Molded pin holds the wire tightly
- Locations for 2 screws or nails (not included) for secure attachment to wood posts
Amazon sells these insulators in 25 or 250 unit packages.
Gate Handle Components
Zareba AWPA-Z gate Handle Anchor, 5 Pack
ZarebaSystems is the largest manufacturer of electric fence systems in North America.
Gate handle anchors provide an insulated location to connect your gate handle.
These anchors screw into wood posts only. For t-post anchors, check below. These are the ones we use.
Zareba ATPA-Z T-Post gatehandle Anchor, 5 Pack
ZarebaSystems is the largest manufacturer of electric fence systems in North America.
Gate handle anchors provide an insulated location to connect your gate handle.
These anchors are designed for t-posts.
Zareba Black GHPB Plastic Gate Handle
ZarebaSystems is the largest manufacturer of electric fence systems in North America.
These gate handles are insulated so that you can grab them safely. These are the ones we use.
American FarmWorks 16 ft. Electric Fence Spring Gate Kit, GHKS16-AFW
ZarebaSystems, the largest manufacturer of electric fence systems in North America, makes American FarmWorks products as an exclusive line for Tractor Supply.
Each package includes everything you need to attach an electrified spring gate that can expand up to 16 feet.
The gate hangs neatly in place on the fence post when you are not using it.
Fence Line Tester
Use a fence line tester to check your initial installation and periodically after that to make sure it’s working correctly.
Zareba DEFT Digital Electronic Fence Tester
This is the test we’ve been using for several years. It’s comparatively expensive but gives a fairly precise voltage reading.
American FarmWorks 8-Light Electric Fence Voltage Tester, RSVT8-AFW
This less expensive fence tester gives less precise readings to the nearest 1,000 volts.
Gallagher North America Live Fence Indicator
Connect this indicator to the fence line and ground it. A flashing light, visible from a distance,to know the fence is working properly.
Optional Items We Like
Gallagher North America G60731 Fence Cut Out Switch
A cut-out switch lets you disconnect some, or all, of your fence without access to the energizer. This Gallager switch is fully enclosed in plastic. Many other switches are exposed increasing the chances of being shocked when you use it.
Zareba 07110-96 Galvanized Line Clamps
We used these simple joint clamps to create a secure connection from our Gallagher cut-out switch to all the fences lines.