Electric Fencing - Standard Wire vs. Electro Braid

[rmonio]

Hello -

I'm looking to install electric wiring with my 3-rail PVC around my horse corral. The fence manufacture, Gardner Fence, has supplied me with some pictures of fencing that has Electro Braid wire installed (see attached). I've purchased standard wire but like the looks of this configuration - does anyone know the durability of the Electro Braid and whether it wlll hold up as well as the standard wire does? Also - is this Electro Braid the same as Polywire?

I live in MN and I'm looking for something that can handle the weather. I believe I will definately put in a 2 wire configuration (top two rails), but having something durable will be key.

Thanks for your help and insight - Merry Christmas everyone!

-Bob

 

[Jimbrown]

I think electro braid is just a brand name the stuff in the picture looks exactly like the poly rope the I buy. The stuff is very durable I have some that has been up over 5 years. It is tough stuff. I like it far better than wire or the tape. It is basically nylon rope with strands of steel wire woven into it.

 

[rmonio]

Thanks, Jim. It does look like Polyrope and I've seen that sold at TSC and Fleet Farm up here in MN. I'm wondering, however, what the durability is in the winter time (especially now up here).

The polyrope is cheaper than the Electrobraid (about 2x from the website). I think it looks better than the standard wire and is easier to see for the kids.

-Bob

 

[dirtydan]

I have had Electrobraid up for 5 years now. I am sold on it. It has a 25 year guarantee on it. The wire in it is copper where most other brands are made of other metals. It is somewhat more expensive but I feel it is worth it in the long run. They have a very good website explaining everthing. I have post spacing up to 50 feet and the ice storm we just had it sagged quite a bit but snapped right back after it melted. You will not have that problem with your type of fence.

Dan

 

[SteelDust]

I've been using the poly rope electric fencing for quite a while. I can't remember the name of the product that I have up now, it's similar to the electrobraid in appearance, just half the price and available at the local farm store. It also has a copper conductor...which is one of Electrobraids big selling points. I had a sample of the Electrobraid sent out, the only difference between it and the "off brand", that I noticed, was that the Electrobraid was a bit more flexible.

The current stuff has been up for 4 years now and shows no signs of failing. I have it spaced on 50 foot intervals with no problems. I used a come-a-long hooked to a rope grab to stretch and install it. The tighter you can put it up the better....especially living in an area that gets wet snow or ice.

I would would worry about how it stands up to summers more than winters. UV radiation plays **** with those types of materials.

 

[rmonio]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I've sent for a sample so I can compare it to the polyrope at TSC/Fleet Farm. As it sounds like the quality is good and can hold up in the winter, I think I'll go with this type instead of standard wiring as it also provides more visibility for the kids, etc. near the fence.

Thanks again for the help.

-Bob

 

[EddieWalker]

Bob,

What is the website that you are looking at for the electric fencing? I'm considering doing the same thing when I eventually finish my fence and want to learn about as many options as I can.

When you decide on what you are going to use, would you please start a thread on it with pics and detailed information. What you decide to use, where you got it and what it cost? Updates on how it works would also be really helpful.

Since we both have the same fence, from Gardner, how's your impression of it been so far? Mine is holding up great and I'm very happy with it. I'm probably a year away from buying another thousand feet to finish off my front pasture, so there's no rush. I've seen a few fences using other brands and still like Gardner the best.

Thanks,
Eddie