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Energizer Ground Systems should be tested at least once a year during the height of the dry period and, if necessary, improved by adding more grounds rods.

Before testing the ground system, you will need to place the fence system under heavy load to simulate a fence under heavy vegetation. You can load the fence by placing several steel stakes between the live fence wires and the ground at least 330 feet from the Energizer. The fence voltage should be reduced to 2kV if possible.

Using a Digital Volt Meter, measure the voltage between the ground wire which is connected to the Energizer ground terminal and an independent ground at least 3 feet away from any Energizer ground rod. The independent ground can be metal rod over 8” long.

Ideally there should be no reading, however, a reading of up to 200 volts is acceptable.

For a Ground Wire Return System, it is also important to test the ground return wire. This should be done as close to the end of the fence line as possible.

Establish an independent ground. An independent testing point should be installed at least 8” into damp soil.

Measure the voltage with a Digital Volt Meter between the live and ground return wires.

Then measure the voltage between the live wire and the independent ground. The voltage should not be more than 0.2kV greater than the reading between the live and ground return wires.

If it is, then ground rods should be installed along the fence line and coupled to the ground wire.

Check the ground system and the ground return wires, as well as the live ones. If anyone gets shocked where they shouldn’t, such as on gates, check the insulators. Induced voltage from the fence line can cause this to happen. Ground the wires behind the end insulators and improve the groundings.