Battery for electric fence...how long before discharge?

[WoodChuckDad]

I ordered a Cyclops fence charger from Valley Farm supply. I ordered the whole solar charger and field box kit. Unfortunately, they sent the fence charger but the solar panel charger and box won't be ready for a few weeks. It appears they have those built by local Amish community when ordered. So I'm wondering, if I hook up the fence with a battery, will it be dead after a day or two? Or will it last a week or more?

 

[oosik]

When I used an electric fence - approx 1/2 mile - a standard car battery would last 3+ months.

 

[aczlan]

I would guess 2-3 days, but if you look at the watts or amps drawn by the fence charger and the amp hour rating for the battery, you should be able to tell.
IE: If the charger pulls 0.5A and it is a 50 amp hour battery, it will run about 100 hours on a charge.

Aaron Z

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I was planning to use a deep cycle battery or large car battery. I've read that deep cycle is better for this application.

 

[Billrog]

I agree a deep cycle would be best.

 

[oosik]

Remember - each time the fencer charges the fence its only on for a micro-second. So, for the fencer to completely discharge a car battery with 50 amp hour capacity will take months. The fencer drawing 0.5 amps is not a continuous draw.

Easy way to check - set the system up with a standard car battery - go out after a week, take off your shoes and grab the fencer wire. Don't be surprised when it knocks you on your butt.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Remember - each time the fencer charges the fence its only on for a micro-second. So, for the fencer to completely discharge a car battery with 50 amp hour capacity will take months. The fencer drawing 0.5 amps is not a continuous draw. Easy way to check - set the system up with a standard car battery - go out after a week, take off your shoes and grab the fencer wire. Don't be surprised when it knocks you on your butt.

I don't think I want to do that. This is a 5 joule charger.

 

[aczlan]

Looking at their website (CYCLOPS Champ Battery Electric Fence Chargers | Energizers) they say 14-30 days on a 100amp hour battery (such as: Amazon.com: Universal Power Group 45978 Sealed Lead Acid Battery: Automotive )

Aaron Z

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Thanks for the input. I had not seen that on their site, but I did email Alex at Taylor fence, the manufacturer and he said the same thing. Recommended a deep cycle battery and said 100 amp hour battery will last 14 days.

 

[JRobyn]

If you use a solar charger, you should be able to save your $ and use a regular (vs deep-cycle) battery. Today's typical amorphous solar panels and charge controller will keep at least a trickle going whenever there is light - it doesn't need to be direct sunlight. So a deep-cycle is really not needed.

My solar gate operator supplier actually recommends using a regular auto battery - get the group size that fits your vehicle so that you can interchange if desired. And buy at wherever has the longest FULL REPLACEMENT warranty. That was Sams when I bought. If your battery shows any deterioration when it's close to the warranty expiration, bring it in for a full, free replacement.