Wood posts provide maximum strength compared to other fence posts, such as metal posts. But the main thing is how to attach an electric fence to wood posts.
Electric fence wires should not touch any object outside the circuit, whether a conductor or insulator. We’ll attach(install) an electric fence on the wood post with the help of fence insulators to prevent power loss.
This post will discuss how to install(attach) an electric fence on wood posts.
How to attach an electric fence to Wood Post?
Fence post insulators are used to attach electric fence wires to Posts. Post-insulators are usually made of plastic(nylon) or ceramics that are nonconductors hence preventing current leakage from the electric fence. Post-insulators keep the electric fence wires in place, preventing them from touching posts or other stuff and draining the fence power.
Different post insulators are available for wood posts that are directly driven or installed with screws or nails. You can also choose extended insulators if you want to keep fence wires farther from posts.
Corner post insulators(donut insulators) are also used at corner wood posts to terminate & tension fence wires.
A pack of 100 wood post insulators usually costs around 30-50$. However, extended posts insulators cost more
Choose the right post insulator:
Fence insulators are available in different shapes, sizes, strengths, fence wires thickness & budget. Wood post insulators are also available in extended lengths but they cost more.
Below are different types of post insulators according to installation method & purpose:
1: Screw-in Insulators
These insulators are screwed directly into the wooden post. They typically have a plastic bracket with a threaded rod that gets driven into the post. The wire is then passed through the hole in the bracket.
Screw-in insulators include ring post insulators that usually cost around 28-35$ for a pack of 100.
2: Nail-on Insulators
Nail-on insulators are attached to the wooden post using nails or staples. A pack of 100 costs around 40-50$.
They have a plastic or ceramic body with nails or staples built into the design. The wire is hooked through the insulator, and then the insulator is nailed into the wood post, providing both insulation and wire support.
3: Tape Insulators
Tape insulators are designed specifically for electric fence tapes. They are usually made of durable plastic and have a slot or groove where the tape can be inserted.
The insulator is then attached to the wooden post using nails or screws, holding the tape securely and providing insulation.
Depending of purpose & duribility tape insulators for wood posts can cost from .5 to 7$ per piece.
4: Wrap-around Insulators/ Tube insulators
Electric fence tube insulator are made of plastic & rubber. They are flexible & doesnt breaks . They are great inexpensive option for high-tensile wire & hard metal wires as they easily bend around the wood.
Electric fence tube insulators are usually used at the corner posts. A roll of 50 feet electric fence insulator tube costs around 30$.
How to install ring insulators?
The ring insulator has a long screw that gets screwed into the posts.
- Take a drill adapter, place the ring end inside the adapter, push the drill and insulator toward the wood post, and press the drill button.
- The fence wire insulator will be driven (inserted) in the wood post.
- If you are using a wood Post claw insulator(nail on electric fence insulators), you have to drive nails through the insulator holes using a hammer.
Tip: An measuring tape, it would help to install insulators at the same distance on each post.
How to install an electric fence tube insulator?
- Cut even pieces of insulator tube that can easily wrap (fit) around the wood posts.
- Paas the end of the electric fence wire through the piece of insulator tube.
- Adjust the tube insulator around the wood post. Pull the fence wire tight. Make sure that the fence is not touching the posts.
- Tie off the end of the electric fence wire back to the fence wire.
How to electrify a wooden fence?
You can also attach an electrified wire at the bottom and top of your wood(privacy) fence. It’ll keep the animals from digging a hole below the fence or jumping through your fence.
Dogs and cats only get shocked once or twice, and they learn to stay away and sense an electric fence.
At the top of the fence, install a ground wire with the live wire. Someone trying to jump over the wooden fence will touch the ground and live wire.
The ground surface is quite below, and the person is not in contact with the earth’s surface. Touching live and ground wire at the same time will deliver a shock.
Conclusion
Any fence insulator that is attached to a nail/screw nail can be used on wood posts. I suggest using a ring insulator, as it is easy to install and has a greater life span.
An insulator tube is also a cost-effective option as a wood fence insulator.
Hopefully, you’ve learned how to attach an electric fence to a wood post.