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Tru-Test Limited Postal address:
25 Carbine Road P O Box 51078
Mt Wellington Pakuranga
Auckland 1006 Auckland 1730
New Zealand New Zealand
XED05006 Issue 3 10/04
Electric fencing and your
Speedrite energizer
Congratulations on your purchase of a Speedrite battery
energizer. This product has been constructed using the latest
technology and construction techniques. It has been
engineered to give superior performance and many years of
service.
It is important to read these instructions carefully and
thoroughly. They contain important safety information and will
assist you in ensuring that your electric fencing system gives
maximum performance and reliability.
Note:
- This product has been designed for use with electric
animal fences.
- Keep this manual in a handy location.
Warning!
- Do not connect to mains-operated (line-operated)
equipment.
- Switch the energizer off before installation or performing
any work on the fence.
- Read all the safety considerations carefully. See Safety
Considerations on page 9.
- Check your installation to ensure that it complies with all
local safety regulations.
- Do not connect simultaneously to a fence and to any
other device such as a cattle trainer or a poultry trainer.
Otherwise, lightning striking your fence will be conducted
to all other devices.
Symbols that may be on your energizer
To reduce the risk of electric shock, the energizer
should be opened or repaired only by qualified
Speedrite-appointed personnel.
Read full instructions before use.
How does an electric fence work?
An electric fence system comprises an energizer and an
insulated fence. The energizer puts very short pulses of
electricity onto the fence line. These pulses have a high
voltage, but are of very short duration (less than 3/10,000ths of
a second). However, a shock from an electric fence pulse is
very uncomfortable and animals quickly learn to respect
electric fences. An electric fence is not only a physical barrier,
but is also a strong psychological barrier.
What are the benefits of an electric fence?
An electric fence has many benefits over conventional fencing:
Requires less labour and material to construct than
•
conventional fencing.
•
Flexibility to change or add paddocks when required. The
use of strip grazing techniques can allow temporary
fencing to be quickly and easily erected or removed.
•
Controls a broader range of animals.
•
Minimises damage to expensive livestock when
compared with other fencing mechanisms, for example
barbed wire.
1
Installation
Solar installation
Read all of the safety instructions in this manual carefully
before installing the energizer.
There are two types of installation:
•
Solar installation
•
Battery-only installation
Battery-only installation
Exterior installations
For exterior installations, ensure that the energizer is protected
from animals and the environment. If necessary, house the
energizer in a protective box. Consider site access, proximity to
a suitable area for earthing and whether the energizer is safe
from human interference. For mounting on a post, use the post
mounting slot on the back of the energizer case. Try to position
the energizer as near as possible to the centre of the electric
fence. To avoid possible damage to the energizer, ensure that
the battery is at least 1 m (3') away from and not directly below
the energizer. Attach the red (+) energizer clip to the positive
terminal of the battery, and the black (–) clip to its negative
terminal.
Solar panel selection, assembly and positioning
Refer to the Speedrite website www.speedrite.com for
information about selecting components, assembling and
positioning a solar energizer system.
Interior installations
For interior installations, make sure the energizer and battery
are level. Mount them above floor level and out of reach of
children. For wall mounting, use the template printed inside the
back cover of this manual. To avoid possible damage to the
energizer, ensure that the battery is at least 1 m (3') away from
and not directly below the energizer. Attach the red (+)
energizer clip to the positive terminal of the battery, and the
black (–) clip to its negative terminal.
Operation
Select the output setting using the Power Output switch (see
Power Output switch on page 3).
One of the three output performance indicator lights will flash
with each pulse. The lights indicate the approximate voltage at
the Fence output terminals, except when the Power Output
switch is set to Full Power with Battery Test.
Note: If at any time all the indicator lights flash for more than 10 seconds, turn off the energizer for approximately 10 seconds, then turn it
on again. If the indicator lights continue to flash, return the energizer to the nearest authorised service agent.
2
Recommended.
Indicates a load on the energizer. Attention
required to ensure reliable animal control.
Fence is heavily loaded and needs urgent
attention.
The energizer functions according to the position of the Power Output and Pulse Speed switches. See the diagram of the energizer on
page 1.
Power output switch
This switch controls the power output setting of the energizer.
Setting
Description
Full power The energizer is operating at full output power.
Full power with battery test The energizer is operating at full output power, but indicator lights show the battery
level. See Battery test setting on page 4 for an explanation of the indicator lights.
Half power The energizer is operating at approximately half the output power of the Full Power
setting.
Off The energizer is off and is not operating.
Pulse speed switch
This switch controls the output pulse speed and behaviour of the energizer. There are four settings:
Setting Description
Fast The energizer will pulse fast at all times.
Auto The energizer will adjust its pulse speed to conserve battery power, depending on
the battery charge level. See the table below.
Fast - nocturnal The energizer will pulse fast at night and slow speed during the day (used where
stock or predators are nocturnal). However, if the battery charge level is Low, the
pulse speed during the day will change to being very slow.
Slow - nocturnal The energizer will pulse at slow speed at night and fast speed during the day.
However, if the battery charge level is Low, the pulse speed during the night will
change to being very slow.
Note: In all switch positions, the energizer will stop functioning before the battery discharges completely. This helps to prevent battery
damage.
Auto setting
When the Pulse Speed switch is set to Auto, the pulse speed varies according to the battery charge level.
Battery charge level
Pulse speed
Optimal Fast – approximately 1½ seconds between pulses
Medium Slow – approximately 2½ seconds between pulses
Low Very slow – approximately 3½ seconds between pulses
3
Battery test setting
When the Power Output switch is set to Full Power with Battery Test, the indicator lights show the charge level of the battery and other
battery information. The battery test is only relevant when a lead-acid battery is used. The table below explains what the indicator lights
represent and any action required for each installation.
Lights
Green light on Optimal battery charge level:
Yellow light on Medium battery charge level:
Red light on Low battery charge level:
Green light flashing Not applicable. Battery connections may be faulty:
Red light flashing Battery may be faulty:
Battery-only installation Solar installation
Optimal battery charge level. (Readings for a solar
•
No action required.
Monitor battery charge level.
•
Recharge the battery to avoid long term
•
battery damage.
• • Recharge the battery immediately.
•
Recharge the battery and monitor battery
performance for seven days.
•
If the light flashes within seven days, the
battery should be checked by a battery
specialist and replaced if necessary.
installation are only accurate in the early morning or late
evening when the solar panel has been out of the
sunlight for several hours.)
Low to Medium battery charge level:
Recharge the battery immediately.
•
•
Check the solar panel wiring is connected properly
and is intact.
Check that the solar panel is installed correctly and
•
is clean.
If the problem recurs, the panel may be inadequate or
faulty.
Take the entire system to an authorised service agent for
assessment.
Low battery charge level:
See Low to Medium battery charge level above
•
Check that the battery clips are connected properly
and that the wiring is intact.
Battery may be over-charged or faulty:
•
Disconnect the solar panel for 24 hours
•
Reconnect the solar panel and monitor for seven
days.
If the light flashes within seven days, there may be
something wrong with the system.
Take the entire system to an authorised service
•
agent for assessment.
Battery may be faulty:
•
Recharge the battery and monitor battery
performance for seven days.
•
If the light flashes within seven days, the battery
should be checked by a battery specialist and
replaced if necessary.
4
Battery selection and management
This section refers exclusively to rechargeable, lead-acid batteries, for example car, tractor, truck, marine or specialist deep-cycle
batteries.
The battery you select will depend on whether your installation is a battery-only or a solar installation. For both types of installation, the
position of the energizer selector switches will determine the size of battery and solar panel required. Refer to Operation on page 2 for an
explanation of the function of the selector switches.
Battery selection for a battery-only installation
As a guide, the amp hour (Ah) rating of the 12 V lead-acid battery required for each model is shown below. This table is based on a 21
day operating period between battery charging. Although operating time can exceed 21 days, this is likely to cause battery damage and
will necessitate frequent replacement of the battery. For best system reliability and long term battery life, the preferred battery and
charging regime is to use a deep-cycle, lead-acid battery and to recharge it when it has discharged to Medium charge level. For more
information on testing battery charge level, see Battery test setting on page 4.
Energizer Model
Delta 1B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Delta 2B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Delta 3B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Selector Switch Positions Current Required Battery Capacity
Half Power-Fast Pulse
Half Power-Fast Pulse
Half Power-Fast Pulse
70 mA
35 mA
140 mA
70 mA
340 mA
170 mA
70 Ah
35 Ah
140 Ah
70 Ah
340 Ah
170 Ah
Battery selection for a solar installation
The battery and solar panel must be selected carefully to suit the energizer's electrical current consumption. This will depend on the
position of the energizer selector switches, the energizer model being used and the amount of sunshine at the location of the installation.
As a guide, the minimum amp hour (Ah) rating of the 12 V lead-acid battery required for each model is shown below. This table is based
on average usage over seven days with no sunlight. It takes into account the variety of solar panel and regulator types that could be used
in a solar installation. For more detailed information, refer to the Speedrite website www.speedrite.com.
Energizer Model
Delta 1B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Delta 2B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Delta 3B Full Power-Fast Pulse
Selector Switch Positions Current Required Minimum Battery Capacity
Half Power-Fast Pulse
Half Power-Fast Pulse
Half Power-Fast Pulse
70 mA
35 mA
140 mA
70 mA
340 mA
170 mA
60 Ah
60 Ah
60 Ah
60 Ah
120 Ah
60 Ah
Battery management
Warning! Batteries contain harmful chemicals and when used incorrectly, may cause injury. Observe the guidelines for battery care,
maintenance and safety in this manual and in the documentation supplied with your battery.
5
Battery charging
Warning!
- Ensure that the battery is disconnected from the energizer
before connecting the battery to any mains-operated
(line-operated) battery charging device. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in damage to the
energizer and possible electrocution.
- When charging, ensure that there is adequate ventilation
to allow gases to disperse.
A battery-only installation has unique requirements. Regular
recharging of the battery is essential. Use a suitably rated
battery charger to recharge the battery. Refer to the battery
manufacturer’s recommendations.
1 Disconnect the battery from the energizer.
2 Attach the positive (+) battery charger lead to the
positive terminal of the battery, and the negative (–)
battery charger lead to the negative terminal on the
battery.
3 Insert the battery charger's input power plug into a mains
or line socket and turn on the power supply.
4 After the battery is charged, disconnect it from the battery
charger before connecting it to the energizer.
Caution! Over-charging the battery will reduce its life. Do
not exceed the recommendations of the battery
manufacturer on recharging the battery from a mainspowered (line-powered) source.
A correctly installed solar energizer system requires very little
battery maintenance. The solar panel selected should be
sufficient to maintain the battery at full or near-full charge.
Battery care and maintenance
•
House the battery in a suitably designed battery box, if
the battery is likely to be exposed to the weather.
•
When not in use, keep the battery as fully charged as
possible.
•
Recharge a discharged battery as soon as possible.
•
Batteries should be stored fully charged and recharged at
regular intervals (every 8 weeks)
•
Inspect the battery regularly to ensure that the electrolyte
level does not fall below 12 mm (½") above the surface
of the battery plates.
•
Fill using deionised, distilled or rain water. Do not
overfill. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s
recommendations for more information.
Battery safety
•
Ensure that the battery is well ventilated when recharging.
•
Avoid temperatures greater than 50 °C (120 °F).
•
Ensure the battery is not exposed to naked flame or
sparks.
Building a permanent electric
fence
Components of an electric fence
An electric fence system comprises the following elements:
An energizer.•
•
An earth system. This comprises a number of metal rods
inserted into the ground, which are connected to the
Fence earth terminal on the energizer.
•
Speedrite insulated underground cables. Used to connect
the energizer to the earth and fence.
•
An insulated fence. Connected to the Fence output
terminal of the energizer. Fences can be made to a variety
of designs (see below).
Other useful components that can be added:
Cut-out switches. Installed at regular intervals, these
allow you to isolate sections of the fence for repair.
Lightning diverter kit. Used to minimise the damage
to your energizer from lightning conducted down the
Typical installation
The animal receives a shock when it completes a circuit
between the fence and the earth system. The fence below has
all live wires and requires conductive soils. These fences are
often referred to as 'all-live' or 'earth-return' fences.
fence line.
6
Alternative installation
For poor conductivity soils (dry or sandy), a 'fence-return' or
'earth-wire-return' system is recommended. On these fences
the Fence earth terminal is connected directly to at least one of
the fence wires. The animal gets maximum shock from
touching a live and earth wire at the same time.
Sheep, goats, cattle and horses
10 m (33') spacing, posts only
15 m (49') spacing with droppers
Fence designs
Fences can be constructed to suit the type of livestock and
materials available. Discuss with your Speedrite distributor
which design best suits your needs. Some suggested fence
configurations are below.
Cattle and horses
10-15 m (33-49') spacing, posts only
15-20 m (49-65') spacing with droppers
Wild animals
7 wire, 10 m (33') spacing with droppers
End assemblies
Angle stay
Suitable for field gate, high-tension strainer.
After firmly setting the footed strainer in the ground, dig in the
stay block just below ground level, at a distance to ensure the
angle stay will be held snugly in position. The stay can be
levered into position with a spade.
7
All-live system
Earth-return system
Horizontal stay
Suitable for field gate, high-tension strainer.
Very simple to erect and most suitable as a high tension
strainer, excellent in areas where the soil gets very wet or
where heavy frost occurs.
Installing and testing an earth system
Select a suitable site for the earth system. Sites need to be:
•
At least 10 m (33') from other earth systems (e.g.
telephone, mains power or the earth system from another
energizer).
•
Away from stock or other traffic that could interfere with
the installation.
•
At a site that can be easily observed for maintenance.
•
Ideally at a site that has damp soil (e.g. a shaded or
swampy location). Note that the earth does not need to be
directly adjacent to the energizer installation.
Drive Speedrite earth rods into the ground. Use high-voltage,
insulated cable and earth clamps to continuously connect the
earth rods and the energizer's Fence earth terminal. Make sure
the insulation is stripped back to ensure good contact between
the wire and the earth rod. The table below specifies the
minimum number of 2 m (6'6") earth rods recommended for an
earthing system:
Energizer
Earth rods
Delta 1B (0.5 J) 1
Delta 2B (1.0 J) 2
Delta 3B (2.5 J) 3
Test the earth system, using the following procedure:
1 Turn off the energizer.
2 At least 100 m (330') away from the energizer, short
circuit the fence by laying several steel rods or lengths of
pipe against the fence. For best results, the fence voltage
should be lowered to 2000 V or less. In dry or sandy
conditions, it may be necessary to drive the rods up to
300 mm (12") into the earth.
Note: It is not acceptable to short-circuit a fence return
system to the earth wire of the fence.
3 Turn the energizer back on.
4 Using a Speedrite Digital Voltmeter, ensure that the fence
voltage is below 2 kV.
5 Check your earth system. Insert the voltmeter's earth
probe into the ground at the full extent of the lead, and
hold the hook against the last earth rod. The tester should
not read more than 0.3 kV. Anything higher than this
indicates that better earthing is required. Either add more
earth rods or find a better ground area to drive in the earth
rods.
Note: When earthing energizers located in dairies, earth at
least 20 m (65') away from the dairy using double-insulated
wire to avoid touching the dairy building or equipment.
8
Temporary electric fencing
Speedrite offers a range of products that allow the farmer to
construct a temporary electric fence. A temporary fence that
can be quickly erected and easily moved allows the farmer to:
•
Make smaller paddocks (fields)
•
Keep herds of animals separated
•
Ration feed
Note: Use more wires for smaller animals and wild animals.
Politape should be used when greater visibility is required (e.g.
horses).
An example of a temporary fence is shown below.
Safety considerations
Definition of special terms
Energizer – An appliance that is intended to periodically deliver
voltage impulses to a fence connected to it.
Fence – A barrier for animals or for the purpose of security,
comprising one or more conductors such as metal wires, rods
or rails.
Electric fence – A barrier which includes one or more electric
conductors, insulated from earth, to which electric pulses are
applied by an energizer.
Fence circuit – All conductive parts or components within an
energizer that are connected or are intended to be connected,
galvanically, to the output terminals.
Earth electrode – Metal structure that is driven into the ground
near an energizer and connected electrically to the Fence earth
terminal of the energizer, and that is independent of other
earthing arrangements.
Connecting lead – An electric conductor, used to connect the
energizer to the electric fence or the earth electrode.
Electric animal fence – An electric fence used to contain
animals within or exclude animals from a particular area.
Electric security fence – A fence used for security purposes
which comprises an electric fence and a physical barrier
electrically isolated from the electric fence.
Physical barrier – A barrier not less than 1.5 m (5') high
intended to prevent inadvertent contact with the pulsed
conductors of the electric fence. Physical barriers are typically
constructed from vertical sheeting, rigid vertical bars, rigid
mesh, rods or chainwire mesh.
Public access area – Any area where persons are protected
from inadvertent contact with pulsed conductors by a physical
barrier.
Pulsed conductors – Conductors which are subjected to high
voltage pulses by the energizer.
Secure area – The side of an electric security fence where a
person may come into contact with the electric fence, without
the protection of a physical barrier.
Requirements for electric animal fences
Electric animal fences and their ancillary equipment shall be
installed, operated and maintained in a manner that minimises
danger to persons, animals or their surroundings.
This energizer is not intended for use by young children or
infirm persons unless they have been adequately supervised by
a responsible person to ensure that they can use the energizer
safely.
Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the energizer.
Electric animal fence constructions that are likely to lead to the
entanglement of animals or persons shall be avoided.
An electric animal fence shall not be supplied from two
separate energizers or from independent fence circuits of the
same energizer.
For any two separate electric animal fences, each supplied
from a separate energizer independently timed, the distance
between the wires of the two electric animal fences shall be at
least 2 m (6'6"). If this gap is to be closed, this shall be
effected by means of electrically non-conductive material or an
isolated metal barrier.
Barbed wire or razor wire shall not be electrified by an
energizer.
9
A non-electrified fence incorporating barbed wire or razor wire
may be used to support one or more offset electrified wires of
an electric animal fence. The supporting devices for the
electrified wires shall be constructed so as to ensure that these
wires are positioned at a minimum distance of 150 mm (6")
from the vertical plane of the non-electrified wires. The barbed
wire and razor wire shall be earthed at regular intervals.
Follow our recommendations regarding earthing. See Installing and testing an earth system on page 8.
A distance of at least 10 m (33') shall be maintained between
the energizer earth electrode and any other earthing system
connected parts such as the power supply system protective
earth or the telecommunication system earth.
Connecting leads that are run inside buildings shall be
effectively insulated from the earthed structural parts of the
building. This may be achieved by using insulated high voltage
cable.
Connecting leads that are run underground shall be run in
conduit of insulating material or else insulated high voltage
cable shall be used. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the
connecting leads due to the effects of animal hooves or vehicle
wheels sinking into the ground.
Connecting leads shall not be installed in the same conduit as
the mains supply wiring, communication cables or data cables.
Connecting leads and electric animal fence wires shall not
cross above overhead power or communication lines.
Crossings with overhead power lines shall be avoided wherever
possible. If such a crossing cannot be avoided it shall be made
underneath the power line and as nearly as possible at right
angles to it.
If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed
near an overhead power line, the clearances shall not be less
than those shown in the table below.
Minimum clearances from power lines for electric animal
fences
Power line voltage
≤1000 V
>1000 V to ≤33,000 V
Clearance
3 m (10')
4 m (13')
>33,000 V 8 m (27')
If connecting leads and electric animal fence wires are installed
near an overhead power line, their height above the ground
shall not exceed 3 m (10'). This height applies to either side of
the orthogonal projection of the outermost conductors of the
power line on the ground surface, for a distance of:
2 m (6'6") for power lines operating at a nominal voltage
•
not exceeding 1000 V.
•
15 m (50') for power lines operating at a nominal voltage
exceeding 1000 V.
Electric animal fences intended for deterring birds, household
pet containment or training animals such as cows need only be
supplied from low output energizers to obtain satisfactory and
safe performance.
In electric animal fences intended for deterring birds from
roosting on buildings, no electric fence wire shall be
connected to the energizer earth electrode. A warning sign
shall be fitted to every point where persons may gain ready
access to the conductors.
Where an electric animal fence crosses a public pathway, a
non-electrified gate shall be incorporated in the electric animal
fence at that point or a crossing by means of stiles shall be
provided. At any such crossing, the adjacent electrified wires
shall carry warning signs.
Any part of an electric animal fence that is installed along a
public road or pathway shall be identified at frequent intervals
by warning signs securely fastened to the fence posts or firmly
clamped to the fence wires.
•
The size of the warning sign shall be at least
100x200 mm (4x8").
•
The background colour of both sides of the warning sign
shall be yellow. The inscription on the sign shall be black
and shall be either:
or the substance of "CAUTION: Electric animal fence".
The inscription shall be indelible, inscribed on both sides
•
of the warning sign and have a height of at least
25 mm (1").
Ensure that all mains-operated, ancillary equipment connected
to the electric animal fence circuit provides a degree of
isolation between the fence circuit and the supply mains
equivalent to that provided by the energizer.
Protection from the weather shall be provided for the ancillary
equipment unless this equipment is certified by the
manufacturer as being suitable for use outdoors, and is of a
type with a minimum degree of protection IPX4.
10
Frequently asked questions/Troubleshooting
What voltage is required to control animals?
4 kV is widely accepted as the recommended minimum voltage to control animals. However, you also require a well constructed fence
system to ensure that animals cannot push through electrified wires.
The fence voltage is below 4 kV. How do I increase the voltage?
Check the energizer. Ensure that the energizer is not set to operate at half power. Disconnect the energizer from the fence and earth
system. Measure the voltage across the energizer terminals with a Speedrite Fault Finder, DVM or Lite Tester. If the voltage is less than
6 kV, request your Speedrite service agent to check the energizer.
Check the energizer earthing. Use the procedure described in Installing and testing an earth system on page 8.
Check your fence system for faults. The most common source of low voltage is faults on the fence line.
If the fence, earth and energizer are in good condition and the voltage is still below 4 kV, talk to your Speedrite distributor. They will help
you identify whether recent extensions to your fence, a poor fence layout, or soil conditions may be causing inadequate voltage.
How do I locate faults?
The recommended tool for locating faults is the Speedrite Fault Finder. This combined voltage and current meter allows you to rapidly
locate sources of current leakage. Alternatively, use a Speedrite DVM or Lite Tester. Use cut-out switches to turn off the power to different
sections of the farm. If the voltage on the fence increases when a section of the farm is turned off, then investigate that section for possible
faults.
There are no lights flashing on the energizer.
Check the power supply. Ensure that the power is switched on. If the energizer still does not operate, request your Speedrite service agent
to check the energizer.
Servicing
This energizer contains no user serviceable parts. It must be returned to a Speedrite-appointed service agent for repair. If the supply cord
is damaged it must only be replaced by a Speedrite-appointed service agent, as a special cord is required.
11
Product specifications
Power Supply 12 V battery
Current Consumption
Fast-Full Power
Fast-Half Power
Maximum Output Voltage 7.9 kV 8.4 kV 8.4 kV
Maximum Output Energy
Stored Energy 0.8 J 1.7 J 4.1 J
Dimensions WxHxD 240x200x118 mm
Weight 1.37 kg
Delta 1B
(optional solar panel)
70 mA
35 mA
0.5 J at 700 Ω1.0 J at 400 Ω2.5 J at 200 Ω
(9½x8x4¾")
(3 lb)
Delta 2B Delta 3B
12 V battery
(optional solar panel)
140 mA
70 mA
240x200x118 mm
(9½x8x4¾")
1.37 kg
(3 lb)
12 V battery
(optional solar panel)
340 mA
170 mA
240x200x118 mm
(9½x8x4¾")
1.37 kg
(3 lb)
12
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