Best Wire for Electric Fence
If you’re planning to install an electric fence, you’ve probably already realized that there’s no such thing as a one size fits all specification. In fact, there are nearly endless combinations of materials and equipment you can use to construct the right electric fence for your project and site.
One of the more common questions people ask while in this design phase is the best wire for electric fence. Like most things fence related, the answer is that it depends. Here’s what you need to know.
What Kinds of Electric Fence wire Are There?
The first thing you need to know when trying to select the best wire for an electric fence for your project is your options. There are several types of wire that might be used for electric fencing, and these include:
- Galvanized mild steel wire
- Galvanized high tensile wire
- Stainless steel wire (usually grade 304 or grade 316)
- aluminum wire
- Braided wire
- “Turbo” wire
- Poly tape
Some of these types of wire are more commonly used for permanent electric fences, while others are more frequently used for temporary fence systems. There might also be different types of electric fence wire available in your area, so it’s a good idea to do some investigating before you choose the right wire for your project.
What Makes It the Best Electric Fence Wire?
The next important thing you need to know about electric fence wire and what is the best for your project is what makes a good one. Here are some important factors to take into account:
- Cost – is always a factor in every fence project, so be sure to consider the cost of your different electric fence wire options
- Conductivity – electric fences are circuits, and that means the wire needs to be conductive
- Corrosion resistance – rust won’t stop your electric fence from working for a while, but over time it can be a problem, so choose an electric fence wire type that is as corrosion-resistant as possible
- Malleable and workable – electric fences usually have loops and other features that require wire to be bent, joined and manipulated, so you want a wire that is workable without being too soft
Other factors could influence your choice of electric fence wire, including whether it can be reused in the case of temporary electric fences. Be sure to consider all of your options and measure them against the factors that matter on your site and fence project.
How to Get the Best Electric Fence Wire for Your Project
If you’ve done all the research and are still unsure which electric fence wire is the best for your project, the professionals are the best place to turn.
Electric fence suppliers or installers will be able to steer you in the right direction and can usually give you several quotes for different options. So you have all the facts and figures you need to make the right decision.
Remember that electric fences are a fairly big investment, and you want them to last. So while you should always include cost in your investigations, it should never be the only consideration.
