We know how challenging it can be to set up a fence, especially if you don’t do it often or aren’t familiar with the process. That’s why we’ve put together a simple five-step guide to help you plan your electric fencing with ease. No extensive prior knowledge is needed – just grab a pen and paper and start planning your own fence!
1. Determine the Purpose of Your Fence
Before getting started, consider what your fence needs to achieve:
- Which animals will it contain? Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, or even wildlife? Each species has different requirements that must be taken into account.
- What level of security is needed? Is the main goal to keep predators out, or simply to contain your animals? This will influence the height and strength of your fence.
- Permanent or temporary fencing? A permanent fence is more expensive initially but lasts for years, whereas a temporary fence is more flexible and easier to relocate—ideal for seasonal grazing or rotational paddocks.
2. Assess the Terrain and Create a Sketch
- Measure your land – Use online maps, a GPS app, or a smartwatch to walk the perimeter. Alternatively, sketch a rough layout or refer to land registry maps to find out the size of the terrain you want to fence off.
- Consider the terrain – Hills, dips, or wet areas can affect your choice of fence posts and conductor materials. Uneven ground often requires more posts and conductors than you might expect, so plan for extra materials.
- Plan for gates and access points – Decide where vehicles and people will need access. If dividing multiple paddocks, make sure to include gates for easy movement of livestock.
- Choose the right fence height – The height depends on the animals you’re keeping. Smaller animals need lower fencing, while larger ones (like cattle and horses) require taller barriers. If deterring wildlife such as foxes, the fence must be high enough to prevent them from jumping over. On sloped ground, extra height may also be necessary to prevent animals from leaping the fence.
Recommended Electric Fence Heights
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Animal Type |
Recommended Conductor Type |
Height of Electric Conductors (in cm) |
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Dairy Cows |
Polywire, Wire, Tape |
60 | 90 |
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Bulls, Cattle |
Polywire, Wire, Tape |
45 | 75 | 105 |
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Small Horses |
Rope, Tape |
45 | 75 cm | 120 |
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Large Horses |
Rope, Tape |
50 | 90-100 | 140 |
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Sheep |
Polywire, Wire, Sheep Net |
20 | 40 | 65 | 90 |
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Goats |
Polywire, Wire, Goat Net |
20 | 40 | 60 | 85 | 110 |
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Pigs |
Wire, Tape |
20 | 45 | 75 |
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Wild Boar |
Wire, Tape, Wild Boar Net |
20 | 50 | 80 |
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Chickens |
Polywire, Poultry Net |
20 | 40 | 60 | 85 |
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Geese |
Polywire, Poultry Net |
20 | 40 | 60 | 85 |
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Large Dogs |
Polywire, Pet Fence Kit |
25 | 55 | 85 |
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Small Dogs |
Polywire, Pet Fence Kit |
10 | 25 | 50 |
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Cats |
Polywire, Pet Fence Kit |
10 | 25 | 50 |
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Herons |
Polywire, Pond Fence Kit |
20 | 45 | 70 |
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Hares and Rabbits |
Polywire, Rabbit Net |
15 | 30 | 45 |
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* These values are guidelines—adjustments may be necessary depending on specific requirements. Also, be sure to check any local fencing regulations. If you need help selecting the right materials, our fencing specialists are happy to assist.
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3. Choose the Right Materials
The materials you choose will depend on the type of fence and the animals you're keeping. Permanent fences require durable, long-lasting materials, while temporary fences should be lightweight and easy to move.
Types of Fence Posts
- Wooden posts – Strong, durable and sustainable solution. Wooden posts blend well in many rural settings, which can be a deciding factor for many farmers. Make sure the posts are insulated as this helps keep the electrical current from flowing through the post into the ground. These posts do require a bit more effort to install, so these are recommended for permanent fencing.
- Metal posts – Strong and sturdy posts to last a very long time. They are heavier to handle compared to other posts, but relatively easy to push into the ground. Metal posts are a great electric fencing solution for permanent fencing.
- Plastic posts – Plastic posts are lightweight and flexible, which make them a popular choice with many farmers and smallholders. These plastic posts are often slightly less durable but very easy to push into the ground. Great for mobile fencing or farmers looking for a cost effective solution.
The length of the post affects its installed height. For example, a 2.5m wooden post will stand about 2m above ground after installation. To make selection easier, we specify both full post length and recommended fence height in our product listings.
Types of Fence Conductors
- Electric fence tape – Highly visible due to the width of the tape and stand out colours. Tape also offers a safer breakaway, ideal for horses.
- Electric rope/cord – Strong and flexible, rope is suitable for cattle and horses. Also offers a safer breakaway to prevent injury.
- Electric metal wire – Suitable for all large livestock but unsuitable for horses. Metal wire is unsuitable for horses because it’s hard for them to see. If they panic and get caught, the rigid wire won’t break, leading to serious injuries.
- Electric polywire – This affordable conductor is commonly used for temporary fencing. Polywire is suitable for sheep, goats, and cattle.
Use our Fence Material Selector (coming soon) to find the perfect option for your needs.
4. Plan Your Power Supply
Depending on your location, you can choose between mains, battery, or solar-powered electric fencing.
- Mains-powered energisers – The most reliable and powerful option, recommended whenever a power source is available. Mains-powered energisers also offer the widest range of accessories, such as app-controlled monitoring. Often used for large scale fencing needs as mains energisers provide a stable and powerful current to the fence.
- Battery- or rechargeable battery energisers – These energisers are portable and flexible, making them ideal for temporary or remote fencing. Best for short-term use, they provide a reliable power source but may not be as long-lasting or powerful as other types. These battery energisers are well-suited for smaller-scale installations or locations without access to mains power.
- Solar-powered energisers – Solar-powered energisers are low-maintenance, drawing energy from the sun to power your electric fence. They are great for remote areas but they tend to be less powerful than battery or mains-powered options. They are best for temporary or smaller permanent fencing projects.
Grounding is essential! Ensure you have enough grounding rods, cables, and connectors based on the energiser’s requirements.
Find the perfect energiser using our Electric Fence Energiser Helper.
5. Don’t Forget the Accessories
For a smooth installation, consider essential fencing accessories:
- Tools – Post hole diggers, rammers, and hammers make installation easier.
- Insulators – Secure the conductor material to the posts.
- Reels – Keep extra fencing material tidy and allow quick setup of temporary fences.
For added security, consider lightning protection, theft prevention boxes, and fence switches to keep your system safe and operational in all conditions. Smart fence technology is also available, allowing remote monitoring and control via mobile apps—saving you time and effort.
Explore our full range of fencing accessories.