The Gallagher S17 Electric Fence Energizer Review
When you are selecting what electric fence is right for your outfit, we know there are many options--one of these is the S17 by Gallagher.
Order the S17 online right here.
Below is an overview of the S17 to help give you a better idea about whether or not this option is right for you.
1. How do you compare units (acres versus miles versus .17 joule)
There is no set standard by which to compare similar products. The same charge, same wire and same grounding set-up will often lead to different types of advertising for those products. For instance, "Company X" [name redacted] tests a single strand of wire under perfect conditions to come up with their advertised numbers.
When Gallagher's S17 is tested, it is tested under field conditions in New Zealand with a multi-wire set ups (including cross fencing) on many different classes of livestock. So when you see the S17 advertised, you know what you are getting. If you are going to be cross fencing your property, you are going to need to get some of these.
When you are comparing products to purchase, keep in mind that everyone's testing conditions are different it depends on the livestock, the regional environment and etc. It is recommended that prospective buyers come in and ask a North 40 employee for the best solution for your region.
2. How important are ground rods?
There are three components integral when considering electric fence as an option for your livestock: energizer, wire and grounding. It is recommended that you utilize three ground rods when building fence for livestock.
Why? The ground rods are the "antenna" that pick up and deliver the electricity being used to effectively keep your animal penned in more rods used, the more efficient the fence will be. More power completing the circuit and delivered to the offending animal.
Check out this article on the perfect electric fence setup.
If you don't use enough ground rods in your fence, your bull will walk right through it. Grounding is one of the most important aspects of fencing that is overlooked you need check to make sure you have the right solution for your fencing needs.
3. What's the capacity of the S17?
The S17 is recommended for small acreage areas. The S17 (17 because it sends a .17 Joule charge down the line) has been proven to work on multi-wire areas up to 1 mile of fence.
The solar power operation is ideal for permanent installations or remote locations. It has been used for bulls, sheep, even to keep bears out of honey bee hives. Another important aspect to consider when selecting an energizer is the wire for instance, some wires have a resistance have 10K Ohms/mi. (ideal for under ¼ mile) and some have a resistance of 209 Ohms/mi.
The S17 is designed for outdoor use and comes with a non-rusting case, plus a two year warranty--that means, "Peace of mind."
The lower the resistance number, the more power is delivered down the line.
You can shop for all your electric fencing needs with us online right here.
Have questions? Use the form below and we'll work to get back to you within 24 hours.
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So I believe the current received on a short fence is not limited by the total distance of the fence. With that said the overall output of your fence will be determined by the power source of your fence and the current you want to provide. There are many factors to consider when it comes to the current given off by your fence. The thickness of the wire, foreign objects touching the wire such as grass and other debris, even the soil around the fence can reduce the ground causing the fence to give false readings.
As it says in the blog above, the most important aspect of electric fencing is the grounding rods which is often overlooked. Proper grounding will deliver the best current, and in your situation you may be limited to how many ground rods you could space in your given area. To determine the overall short circuit current output you will need to test the fence, between the rods to get the proper reading.
Hope this helps!