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TOOLS REQUIRED
1. Post hole digger
2. Shovel
3. 1000’ String Line
4. Screwdriver--Phillips
5. Cordless Drill & Bits
6. Scissors
7. Measuring tape
8. Level
9. Gravel
10. Post driver--if using T-posts
11. Concrete Mix
STEP 1: INSTALL FENCE CHARGER AND GROUND
SYSTEM
Locate fence charger close to beginning of fence and
install under cover (install solar fence chargers outside facing south). Install three
six-foot long ground rods spaced 10’ apart (where animals cannot step on them). Using
a ground rod clamp, attach insulated cable to each ground rod and run insulated cable to
the ground terminal on fence charger. Attach insulated cable to the fence (hot) terminal
on fence charger and run insulated cable to a cut-off switch on closest post. Turn on
fence charger and check voltage with a fence tester (for more information see fence
charger instructions).
STEP 2: INSTALL END, CORNER AND GATE POSTS
We recommend using 4 x 4 square or 5”+ (diameter)
round treated posts at ends, corners, gates and in low / high places. Also install in
middle of spans exceeding 825’. For a very attractive fence use SAFE-FENCE 4X4 vinyl
sleeves over 4X4 posts.
| For best results dig a threefoot deep hole that is
9” wide at top and 12” wide at bot- torn. Put in three inches of gravel and
center post in hole. Use level to straighten and add three more inches of gravel. Add
concrete to within six inches of surface. Fill hole with soil and mound extra soil around
bottom of post to keep water away from post. Allow concrete to set 24 hours before
attaching SaleFence Tensioners. |
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STEP 3: INSTALL LINE POSTS
Line posts can be wood, steel “T’ posts, pipe, plastic or
our attractive Sale-Tee Sleeves that fit over T-posts. Stretch string between corner posts
approximately 12” high to install posts in a straight line. Recommended spacing is
eight feet to 16 feet apart (in heavy snow regions space no more than 12’ apart).
Install line posts perpendicular to the ground to keep polytape from binding or curling.
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STEP 4: INSTALL SAFE-FENCE TENSIONERS AND INSULATORS
| Determine polytape spacing and mark corner posts and
line posts from top of post down. Recommended spacing is 10” to 13” apart. For
four stands install top strand 50” high and space 10” apart. For three strands
install top strand at 50” and space 13” apart. Drill a 1/8” pilot hole in
post for each Tensioner and attach with lag screw. |
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| Attach R-16 wood post insulators with 11/2” zinc
deck screws. For SafeTee Sleeves attach R-16 insulators with 1/2” #8 stainless pan
screws. Do not tighten screws—allow for expansion and contraction. |
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STEP 5: INSTALL SAFE-FENCE POLYTAPE
| Attach polytape to top Tensioner on first end/corner ~
post. Run tape through insulators but don't close insulators. Attach to Tensioner on
second end/corner post and pull hand tight. Go back to first line post and pull tape tight
with one hand while closing insulator with other hand (do not close insulator with a
hammer or install in temperatures below 45 F). Repeat procedure for each insulator and
then tighten tape at second Tensioner. |
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| NOTE: Do not overstretch polytape. Just hand-tighten to
eliminate sagging between fence posts. |
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Tip: Use R-24 Splicer buckles to connect polytape at
end of spools.
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STEP 6: POWER UP!
Attach Safe-Fence R-59 Wire Connector to top Tensioner
and run insulated cable to cut-off switch or fence terminal on fence charger. Use Wire
Connectors to attach all Tensioners together.
Make sure all insulators are closed and ground rods are connected properly. Turn on fence
charger and check voltage at end of fence. Walk the fence to look for arcing, broken
insulators, loose polytape, vegetation touching the fence, etc. Check voltage regularly.
Use a low-impedance fence charger only. |
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VERY IMPORTANT
Power up each section of Safe-Fence as you build it.
Never put horses behind a Safe-Fence that is not electrified. In very dry areas you might
need a hot/ground fence where the second strand (from the top) is attached to the ground
rods.
In areas with lots of vegetation you might need to
disconnect the bottom strand at times to keep grass from arcing to the tape. This will
allow livestock to graze grass away from fence. If applying herbicide do not spray on
polytape.
GATES
To run power across a gate attach insulated cable to all “hot” tensioners with
R-59 Wire Connectors and run through plastic pipe buried under the gate. Attach the same
way on the other side of the gate. Safe-Fence Polytape makes an excellent gate, install so
gate is “dead” when open.
Tip: Locating gates in corners makes handling
animals easier.
Things to Consider
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