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Lightning Protection

Wellscroft highly recommends the use of lightning protection products when installing
a perimeter electric fence or offset wire.

Lightning can affect the energizer in two main ways. The most common is in the form of a voltage surge when the utility wire is hit and the energizer is a plug-in. If present, unplug the unit, and for the times when that is not possible, install at least a 1,000 joule surge protector which should reduce the impact of the surge.

Lightning can also damage the energizer if the fence or an object near the fence is struck and inductively the voltage is carried along the fence wire and through the energizer on its way to the ground. Putting separate lightning diverters on the fence at different prominent locations and attaching them to separate ground rods can greatly reduce the damage. Also, putting a lightning choke and diverter at the beginning of the fence and attaching it to the energizer ground or a separate ground field at least 40' away will help.

Wellscroft does not recommend detaching the lead out wires from the energizer if a storm is near, but a double pole cut-out switch may be installed and the fence thrown to ground in advance of a storm. Wellscroft also recommends the installation of a fence alert to remember to turn the fence back on after a storm.

For additional protection, an extra induction loop can be made by making seven 8" loops in the lead out wire between the fence and switch, and optionally the same in the ground lead out.

Typical 110 Volt Energizer Installation with Lightning Diverter