Friday, May 11, 2012

Netting tips

During this time of year we receive a number of questions on how to (and how not to) use electrified netting. Here are a few of the tips we provide:

How to connect two separate rolls…


The end posts of the two separate rolls should be inserted into the ground next to one another. With one of the provided strings (used to tie the roll together), tie the end posts together near the top.
Clip the metal clips together or use a PowerLink to connect the clips (this makes a handy gate option).

What to do with the metal clip…


If you have a length of net that has an unused clip (one that is not carrying power to another fence), it can be connected to one of its strands. This keeps the clip from potentially contacting a grounded wire or fence.


Do not attach clip to an un-energized fence for support. This will cause a dead short.

What to do with extra netting…
If you find you have a few extra feet of netting and need to terminate your fence, guide the extra length around a PowerPost or FiberRod (1/2" to 11/16") to make a U-Turn .

Common mistakes:
More often than not, when someone returns a roll of net, it has been rolled up incorrectly. Some folks roll the entire net (like a carpet) instead of folding (via the posts) then rolling the net. Folding then rolling is faster and easier than rolling. An improperly rolled net causes numerous (avoidable!) headaches.

Not energizing the net. Electrified netting must be properly electrified in order for it to be fully effective (and safe). Un-eletrified netting encourages bad habits in livestock and can be lethal.

Sometimes the bottom electrified strand (2nd horizontal wire from the bottom) can get caught around the ground spike of the net post. This causes an instant dead short in the fence. Make sure when installing netting, that the spikes haven't caught any errant strands.


Make sure the fence is well tensioned (by hand). If not, sagging can occur which may lead to the lower strands causing the fence to short out.