How to Splice Electric Fence Wire

Many people elect to use electric fence wire to help keep their animals enclosed within a defined space. These electrical fences also work to keep some of the larger predatory animals away from the herd or other animals. This type of fencing is very easy to work with and install. The electrical fence delivers a small electrical shock to anything that touches the wire. A continuous current circulates throughout the fence when it is on. When there is a break in the wire at any point in the line, the electrical current stops. Another advantage of this type of fence is that they are easy to fix. You can splice the electric fence wire together to get the current going again.

Step 1: Shut Power off to Energizer

There are 2 ways that you can stop the power that is going to your electric fence wire. The first is to shut the power off at the main circuit breaker. You should leave a sign on the breaker that lets anyone else know that you are working on the line and that it should remain off. The other way is to disconnect the cord running to the energizer itself. A combination of both of these is a great fail-safe that will protect you in case of an accident.

Step 2: Determine Location of Break

If you do not already know where the break in the electric fence wire is, you will need to walk around the perimeter of the fence to find the break. It is also a good idea, once you find a break in the wire, to continue walking the fence to make sure there are not any others.

Step 3: Bend Wire Ends

Once you find a break, put on the heavy gloves, and grab the ends of the wire. You will need to bend the wire out in a 45 to 60 degree angle. Grab the other section of wire and bend it in the same manner. If it does not look like there is going to be enough slack in the electric fence wire then you will need to move onto the next step.

Step 4: Add More Wire

In the event that there is not enough slack in the wire you will need to add a small section. Cut off a piece that is a few inches longer, that you will be able to splice into the break. Bend each of the ends as you did with the previous wires. Take one side of the additional wire and twist it onto one side of the wire that is broken. Twist in a clockwise direction. Once the wire is twisted a few times, lay the end down along side the wire. Repeat the process with the other side.

Step 5: Twist Break Together

If there is enough slack in the wire on the fence then you will not need to have any additional wire. You can simply twist the 2 wires together. Use the pliers to twist them if you need to. Lay the ends down in one direction until it is flat against the wire itself.