How Much Power Does Your Charger Need?

The power of your charger will largely depend on the job required. Fence size, animal type and vegetation growth are all things that should be kept in mind when you are choosing which Power Supply is best for your fence system. Below, we will discuss a few different chargers and in what situation they are best used.

230V Power Supply

When you have an available outlet, a directly connected 230V power supply is the best and first choice. Why? These power supplies have no downtime (so long as your power stays on!) and do not need to be constantly charged. They are available in all capacities and supply the necessary energy to your fence. 230V mains power supplies can provide anywhere from 0.5 – 14.5 Joules of output energy, insuring your long or overgrown fence consistently has the zapping power it needs.

12V battery Power Supplies

For fence systems where there is no available power outlet, or for mobile systems that are constantly being moved, a battery powered supply is a great choice. They can often have energy outputs comparable to that of 230V power supplies and perform very well in areas with thick vegetation. Speaking of “thick vegetation”, 12V battery supplies are also a good choice for more animals and long fence lines, supplying between 0.5 – 5 Joules of output energy.

You should expect to recharge 12V battery supplies every 2-4 weeks. In order to insure no power failure, a backup power supply is often suggested. (see solar options below)

9V Dry battery Power Supplies

For shorter fences where there will be very little vegetation growth, a 9V dry battery supply is more than capable. These battery supplies are a great choice for mobile paddocks because they are much lighter than the 12V battery supplies and can run for several months at a time! The downside to 9V battery power supplies is that once they are completely drained they can not be recharged. Also, they will not provide as much power as the 12V counterparts, but they do put out between 0.15 – 0.35 Joules. Some high-impact battery supplies can even reach up to 0.55 Joules of output energy.

Hybrid Power Supplies

Want the best of both worlds? Check out a hybrid power supply, like the 12/230V DUO Power Supply. It combines the security of a 230V direct line connection with the portability and mobility of a 12V battery supply. They also often include 230V and 12V adaptors, so it’s “plug ’n go!”

Solar Power Supplies

Similar in power output to a 9V battery supply, a compact solar power supply uses a 12V battery and is permanently charged by solar module within the housing of the device. Because of their lower output energy (between 0.18 – 0.55 Joules), these devices are best used for smaller enclosures and paddocks with little to no vegetation. Worried about those grey, winter months with no sun? No worries. These power supplies can also be recharged with the 230V mains adaptor.

As you can see, thanks to technology, today’s farmer has an option that will fit any and every electric fence charger need. Advances in solar and dry-cell battery power will only provide us with more options in the future.