How to Connect an Electric Fence Energizer

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Farmers, Ranchers, and Beginners

Installing and connecting an electric fence energizer is the most important part of building a safe and effective livestock fencing system. Whether you are using electric fence wire, polywire, polyrope, tape, or netting, the energizer is the heart of the entire setup. It delivers the electric pulse that keeps your animals safe and predators out.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know—selecting the right energizer, grounding correctly, wiring the fence, and testing the system.
Examples here use Lydite’s AC, solar, dual-purpose, and high-power energizers as reference.

1. Choose the Right Energizer for Your Fence

Before connecting anything, make sure your energizer matches your fencing setup.

1. LFL101-1 AC Plug-in Energizer

   • Good for small paddocks up to 8 acres

   • Works with polywire, tape, or netting

   • Output energy: 0.1 J

2. LFR050 Solar Fence Energizer

   • Ideal for remote pastures up to 50 acres

   • Up to 3 weeks without sunlight

   • Output energy: 0.5 J @ 500 ohms

3. LFP30 Dual-Purpose Energizer

   • Runs on AC or 12V battery

   • Good for 200-acre systems

   • Output energy: 3 J @ 500 ohms

4. ADS9000 High-Power Solar Energizer

   • For very large farms up to 150 km fencing

   • Output energy: 9 J @ 500 ohms

2. Tools and Materials You Will Need

1. Lydite electric fence energizer

2. Grounding rod(s) and ground wire

3. Electric fence wire, polywire, tape, polyrope, or netting

4. Fence posts (fiberglass, plastic, pigtail, or metal)

5. Fence tester

6. Insulators and stainless-steel clips

7. Safety gloves

3. Install the Grounding System First

A strong grounding system is the most important part of the whole fence.
Poor grounding = weak fence.

1. Use 1 grounding rod (1.5–2 m) for small fences

2. Use 2–3 rods spaced 3–5 m apart for larger fences

3. Drive rods fully into the soil

4. Connect rods to the energizer’s Earth terminal using insulated ground wire

5. In dry soil, water the ground around rods to improve conductivity

4. Mount the Energizer

1. Install the energizer on a wall, post, or a dedicated mounting bracket

2. Keep it 1 meter above the ground

3. Avoid metal surfaces

4. For solar models, make sure the panel faces direct sunlight

5. Connect the Fence Line to the Energizer

1. Locate the Fence Output (+) terminal

2. Connect a stainless-steel lead-out cable to the terminal

3. Clip the other end to:
   a) top strand of polywire
   b) conductive line of tape
   c) conductor rope of polyrope
   d) top horizontal strand of electric fence netting

4. Make sure the fence wire is tight and not touching metal objects

5. Keep the wire away from grass or weeds to avoid voltage loss

6. Connect the Power Supply

Depending on your energizer model:

1. AC Models (LFL101-1)

   • Plug directly into a 110–240V outlet

2. Solar Models (LFR050, ADS9000)

   • Connect alligator clips to a 12V battery

   • Solar panel will recharge automatically

3. Dual-Purpose Models (LFP30)

   • Use AC power when available

   • Switch to battery when in the field

7. Turn On and Test the Fence Voltage

Use a digital fence tester to check the fence:

1. Turn on the energizer

2. Test voltage at several points

3. Recommended voltage: 3000–8000V

4. Minimum acceptable: 2000V

5. If voltage drops:
   a) Check grounding
   b) Check connections
   c) Remove vegetation touching wires

8. Compatible Fence Materials and Posts

Lydite energizers are compatible with all major fencing conductors:

1. Polywire – Best for long runs

2. Polyrope – Thick and visible for horses

3. Electric fence tape – High visibility

4. Electric fence netting – Sheep, goats, poultry

5. Fiberglass fence posts – Light and strong

6. Plastic posts – Easy to install

7. Pigtail posts – Great for temporary fencing

8. Insulators – Prevents leakage

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using weak or wet grounding

2. Choosing the wrong energizer size

3. Allowing grass to touch the fence

4. Loose wire connections

5. Incorrect post spacing

6. Forgetting to test the fence regularly

10. Final Tips and Conclusion

A well-connected electric fence energizer ensures strong voltage, safe animals, and fewer escapes.
For different needs:

• LFL101-1 — small areas, stable AC power

• LFR050 — mobile solar fencing

• LFP30 — flexible AC or battery use

• ADS9000 — long distances & large farms

Lydite offers complete fencing solutions: energizers, polywire, polyrope, tape, netting, posts, and accessories — trusted worldwide by farmers.