Electric fences can be lethal under rare, uncommon circumstances. These fences are primarily designed to deter animals and people through a startling shock, rather than to cause serious harm. Modern electric fences prioritize deterrence while minimizing the risk of severe injury.
How Electric Fences Operate
Electric fences deliver a brief, deterrent electric shock upon contact. An energizer converts power into high-voltage electrical pulses lasting milliseconds, typically sent at regular intervals, often several times per minute. This creates a psychological barrier rather than a purely physical one.
When an animal or person touches the fence wire and the ground simultaneously, they complete an electrical circuit. This causes electric current to flow through their body, resulting in a short, sharp shock. The pulsed nature of the current is a key safety feature, allowing an affected individual to withdraw from the fence between pulses. Unlike continuous current, which could cause muscles to contract and prevent release, pulsed current helps prevent this “grabbing effect.”
Factors Determining Danger
While electric fences deliver high voltages (often thousands of volts), the actual danger to a person primarily depends on the current, or amperage, that flows through the body. Standard electric fences are designed with very low amperage, typically ranging from 15 to 500 milliamperes, a small fraction of household current. It is the current, not the voltage, that can cause serious harm, with even low levels of current being dangerous if they pass through vital organs.
The path the current takes through the body is a significant factor in determining the severity of an electric shock. Current passing through the heart, for instance, can induce ventricular fibrillation, a dangerous irregular heartbeat that can prevent the heart from pumping blood. Prolonged contact with an electric fence increases the risk of injury, as it allows more current to flow over a longer duration. Victims can sometimes fall unconscious while in contact with a fence, leading to extended exposure.
Environmental conditions greatly influence the conductivity of a shock. Wet conditions, such as rain or damp ground, can significantly increase the conductivity of the electrical current, making a shock more severe. Improper grounding of the fence system can also create unexpected hazards. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or pacemakers are particularly vulnerable, as the shock can interfere with heart rhythm or device function. While standard agricultural fences are designed for deterrence, faulty installations or non-standard, higher-power systems could pose a greater risk, with voltages above 10 kilovolts potentially being fatal to humans.
Staying Safe Around Electric Fences
Ensuring safety around electric fences begins with proper installation and regular maintenance. Following manufacturer guidelines for energizer placement, grounding, and wire tension is important to prevent unexpected hazards. Regular inspections for damage are necessary, and any damaged components should be replaced immediately.
Clear, visible warning signs are important to alert people and animals to the fence’s presence, especially in public areas. Avoiding contact with electric fences is the most direct way to prevent shocks, particularly in wet conditions or when unsure about the fence’s operational status. Children and pets should always be supervised around electric fences to prevent accidental contact. In the rare event someone becomes stuck or severely shocked, disconnect the power source immediately and seek medical attention.