Good Fencing Makes Good Neighbours
Modern fencing has come a long way from the days of throwing a whin bush and a sheet of old corrugated iron into the gap and hoping for the best. Electric fences, solar powered fences and traditional post fencing have all improved in both techniques and in the tools and materials available for the job. No matter whether you are keeping animals from staying, protecting crops, putting down specialised forestry fencing or just marking out your own area, at The Dandy’s we have all the equipment you need at a really good price. Our friendly, professional staff are happy to assist and advise on all fencing jobs, big or small.
Electric Fencing
An electric fence creates an electrical circuit (a wee shock) when touched by a person or animal. The power energizer component converts power into a brief (very brief) high voltage pulse. The energizer releases the pulse on an insulated fence line about once every second. The pulse, or shock itself only lasts about 150 microseconds long. And if you have ever had a wee blast from the electric fence, you will agree that it feels a lot longer than 150 microseconds and buzzes away for a bit after too.
There is choice of ways to power your electric fence. The Battery system, the Mains and Solar system. Put a bit of thought into which system suits you best and always feel free to ask advice before you invest. Things to consider include the length of the fence and the type of animal to be contained. Electric fencing is not suitable for forestry and you need to use traditional wire fencing there, but more about that later!
Battery & Mains Fencers
A simple battery system is most useful where mains is not an option. Provided you keep an eye on the charge, the battery operated electric fence will do its job efficiently. Talk to our staff about the right battery for your particular task in hand.
A Mains Electric Fence is reliable, cheaper to run and less hassle than a battery powered systems. These energisers are typically able to handle longer fences. It is this simple: plug your energiser into the standard mains socket, the energiser converts the power and the resulting pulse is taken out to your fence through a high volt cable.
Solar Fencing
At The Dandy’s, our bestselling and fastest growing option in fencing is the Solar Powered Fencing System or the Solar Assisted System. For fencing in more remote areas and for the more environmentally aware, this is a particularly great option. The initial outlay is well worth it for the peace of mind and saving the chore of constantly charging batteries and ensures constant supply of power to the fence.
Most solar battery electric fences need only a little sunshine to power them, which is probably just as well, given the Irish climate. A model, such as the Pel portable Solar Fencer 705 S can keep a battery near a full charge on just a few hours a day. These solar fencing systems have been developed with the Irish weather in mind. They are efficient, cost effective and time saving.
Top Tip
A good earth stake and insulator posts are essential to your peace of mind with the fence. The earth stake must be pushed as far into the ground as it will go. It should be away from tree roots and building foundations. We have a full selection of polywire, galvanised wire, screw insulators, reels and cables and anything you could need to make fencing easier and to ensure you need fewer repairs in the future.
No need to go round in circles
One of the myths about electric fences is that it needs to be in a circuit. In theory it could run for hundreds of miles in one direction. The only circuit that is created by electric fencing is when the fence is touched and this creates a loop or circuit by causing the pulse to pass through it and into the ground! So, no, your electric fence does not need to run in circle!
Forestry and timber pole fencing
We stock round creosote and green Latvian posts, along with green barbed wire, coiled wire and sheep wire and everything you need to get that fencing job done. The very best in high quality steel agricultural farm fencing accessories will ensure that strong and sturdy fencing. All grant aided forest projects must fully protected with good fencing from the time of planting. Our Octopost fencing posts are manufactured from redwood timber grown in Sweden in or near the Arctic Circle and this gives added strength due to its very slow rate of growth. The posts are kiln dried and pressure treated with creosote. Octopost offers a 25 year guarantee but the posts themselves have a life expectancy of 30-40 years. Octopost are used extensively throughout Europe in the Agricultural and Equestrian market. This timber is PFSC certified which means that the forest is guaranteed to be replanted, so there is a good level of sustainability in the product.
Good fences mean good neighbours. They also mean you can rest easy knowing animals are not straying on to dangerous roads or unsafe land, and that your crops are protected. The way you decide to fence depends on the conditions, the objectives and the price you want to pay. We have exactly what you need, right here in the yard. Drop in, have a look around and a chat. It will be worth it and you will be more than welcome.
