Electric fencing is erected to keep human or animal intruders from crossing a boundary by administering an electric shock when the fence is touched. At low voltages, this may cause mere discomfort, but higher voltages may deliver a nasty jolt. In some very high security areas, lethal voltages may be used.
Electric fencing is usually energised by a mains supply, but in remote locations, lead-acid battery packs may be used. A fence in good condition does not consume much electricity and a battery pack may last several weeks before it needs to be recharged. A maintenance-free option is to have batteries that are charged by solar power. A typical low-impedance fence works by charging a capacitor, which releases its charge when the fence is touched. An electric fence may be fitted with devices that indicate an alarm condition, like a flashing warning light or an audible alarm.
Mostly, smooth or braided steel wire is used for electric fencing, but rope-like, woven fencing materials are also available; these are usually interwoven with fine, stainless steel conducting wire. Occasionally, barbed wire fences or webbing may be electrified, although a danger exists that someone could become entangled in the material.
Electric fencing material should be insulated from the earth or from any other material that are flammable, may conduct electricity or could cause a short circuit. The wire holders are usually non-conductive porcelain, powder-coated, galvanised or aluminium.
Common uses for electric fencing may be to keep wildlife inside game reserves. It may be used on farms to keep livestock in their camps while keeping wild animals out. Businesses, private residences and security complexes fit electric fencing to keep out intruders.
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