Get the shocking truth

2009-07-01
The simplest but least reliable system is to hold the ground wire or end ground peg with one hand and touch the ground with the other hand. If you feel a shock, you can be sure the earthing is inadequate. However, even if you don't, it still may be less than perfect.

For a more indicative and reliable indication:

• At least 100 metres away from the energiser, short out the fence with steel standards or similar. The fence voltage should be reduced to at least 2kv. Keep adding standards and shorting out more severely until this is achieved.

• At the energiser, measure the voltage between the earth wire connected to the energiser and an independent earth rod placed at least 200mm in the ground and at least one metre away from any energiser earth (ground) peg - the further away the better. Ideally the reading should be zero, but it is generally accepted that anything less than 200 volts is satisfactory. Above this, earthing must be improved.

It is recommended the system be tested under both wet and dry conditions.