The reason for an Electric Fence Tester.

An electric fence tester is essential if you have, or are planning to install an electric fence. The fence is there to prevent a hungry predator from feasting on you favourite animals. Similarly, if it is there to keep your domestic stock in an area you need to know the fence is working.

What Is an Electric Fence Tester?

In basic terms an electric fence tester is a handheld device designed to measure the voltage running through your electric fence. It helps you determine whether your fence is delivering the proper charge and alerts you to faults like shorts or power loss. Without a tester you are guessing if the fence is working. The only proper alternative is for you to touch the fence and that hurts.

1. Safety Check

• It ensures the fence is working properly, delivering the correct voltage to deter animals or intruders without harming them.
  

2. Troubleshooting

• If the fence isn't working (e.g., animals are getting through), the tester helps pinpoint where the problem is—like breaks, shorts, or grounding issues.

3. Maintenance

• Over time, vegetation growth or weather conditions can reduce the effectiveness of your fence. A tester helps you quickly assess and maintain performance.

4. Peace of Mind

• A solid reading will confirm your fence will do it's function.

5. Efficiency

• Instead of guessing, you get accurate, instant voltage readings. Some advanced testers even locate faults along the fence line.

In short, an electric fence tester saves time, increases safety, and ensures your electric fence is operating at peak performance. Without one, you're essentially flying blind.

NOTE: A standard electrician's voltmeter or electronic multi-meter will not work with electric fences. The very short duration pulses will not register on instruments like these and will read 0 energy flow.
Many people touch a fence and say it is not working – forgetting that they are wearing wellies which insulate them from the ground. A fence must be tested with bare feet.

Types of Electric Fence Testers

Here are the most common types of fence testers and what they’re best used for:

1/. Basic LED Light Testers.

These show a reaading by lighting a row of lights. They are inexpensive but are difficult to read in daylight. It is important to know the reading is the highest light irrespective how bright it may be. Ideal for hobby installations.

2/. Digital Fence Testers.

These display accurate digital readings on a screen. Very easy to use and very prcise without the guess work. Quite frankly the best option for any set up.

3/. Fault Finders. 

These combine accurate reading with a fault fiding feature. These read the direction a current is flowing indication the direction of a fault. Great for large, complex systems.

Short Wave Radio.

Whilst not a tester, these can help with locating a fault. An electrical short on a fence will generate an electrical discharge with the short. These generate radio waves which are picked up by the radio as a "click". These get loader the closer you get to the fault. I have used a radio on a motor cycle on extensive fences to locate faults.