A properly built electric fence is one of the most cost-effective stock management tools on any Queensland property. Done right, a single electrified wire can control cattle more reliably than a four-wire barbed fence. This guide covers energiser sizing, earthing, wire layout, and common mistakes.

Step 1 — Plan Your Fence

Before purchasing anything, determine total fence length, stock type, power source availability, and soil type. Browse our Electric Fencing range to compare options.

Step 2 — Choose Your Energiser

Energisers are rated in joules and km of fence. Key rules: halve the km rating for multi-wire fences or heavily vegetated lines; halve again for sheep. Always size up. Voltage requirements under load: cattle minimum 2,000V; sheep minimum 4,000V; horses 2,000–3,000V.

Step 3 — Earth Your System Properly

Poor earthing is the most common cause of electric fence failure. Minimum 3 x 1.2m galvanised earth stakes spaced 3m apart in permanently moist soil. In dry or sandy soils, run a separate earth return wire along the fence line.

Step 4 — Wire Height and Number of Wires

Single-wire cattle fence: 750–900mm. Two-wire: 400mm and 900mm. Three-wire: 300mm, 600mm, 900mm. Sheep (4–5 wires): 150mm, 300mm, 500mm, 700mm, 900mm alternating live and earth.

Step 5 — Wire Type and Insulators

Polywire and polytape suit temporary fencing. High-tensile steel wire (1.6–2.5mm) is best for permanent fences. Use UV-stabilised insulators — never standard plastic which degrades quickly in Queensland sun. Browse our Wire & Fencing accessories.

Products at TGRM

We stock a full range of energisers, earth stakes, insulators, polytape, polywire, high-tensile wire, and testers. Our team can help size your energiser for your specific fence length and stock type.

Call (07) 5482 1692 or visit 55 Tozer St, Gympie for electric fencing advice.

Related reading: Choosing the Right Energiser | Gallagher vs Thunderbird | How to Build a Barbed Wire Fence