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A Complete Guide on Electric Fencing Cost

September 6, 2023
A Complete Guide on Electric Fencing Cost

Electric fencing can cost around $800 to $1,500, depending on the materials used, the fence’s size, labor cost, and more. Fences costing $800 are typically made of low-end materials, while the $1,500 ones include several features.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the factors affecting the total cost for those planning to get one for their property.

What are the factors that can affect the cost of installing an electric fence?

Type of Electric Fence

Type of Electric Fence
Type of Electric FenceCost
Invisible electric fences$900 to $2,200
Above-the-ground electric fences$1,700 to $2,500

There are two types of electric fences: invisible electric fences and above-the-ground electric fences.

Each of these types of fences has its own merits and disadvantages. Their functionality also differs from each other, so it’s important to determine what you’ll use the fence for before choosing.

Invisible Electric Fence

Invisible Electric Fence

Invisible electric fences use electric signals to keep livestock and pets within a defined area without using visible wires. These are commonly used to create boundaries for animals without sacrificing the property’s aesthetics.

Invisible electric fences typically cost $900 to $2,200. But they can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the type of invisible electric fence you’ll use, the size of the area, the number of animals, and other factors.

There are three types of invisible electric fences, namely: wired fences, wireless fences, and GPS fences.

Wired Invisible Electric Fences
Wired Invisible Electric Fences

Wired invisible electric fences use wires that are buried underground. These wires emit a signal on the pet’s collar when it gets close to the fence, causing the pet to be shocked.

These types of invisible fences usually cost $1,325 on average. It’s a bit more costly than other types since it uses more materials, but it’s considered the most effective type.

Wireless Invisible Electric Fences
Wireless Invisible Electric Fences

On the other hand, wireless invisible electric fences use a central transmitter, which communicates with the pet’s collar to create a circular boundary around a specific area. 

The collar provides the warning and correction shock when the pet approaches the boundary.

On average, wireless invisible electric fences cost $300. These are commonly the cheapest invisible fences available in the market.

GPS-Based Invisible Electric Fences
GPS-Based Invisible Electric Fences

GPS-based fences are like wireless invisible electric fences, but the collars connect to satellites instead of transmitters. The collars have a GPS that helps the satellites determine the pet’s location and see if it gets too close to a pre-determined boundary.

They offer more flexibility in boundary shaping compared to wireless fences, as the latter can only make circular boundaries. That said, they’re slightly more expensive, costing $450 on average.

Above-the-Ground Electric Fence 

Above-the-Ground Electric Fence

As the name suggests, an above-the-ground electric fence is installed above the ground and is typically supported by posts or insulators. 

Unlike invisible electric fences, this type of fence is not just used to contain animals in an area but also as a security measure against intruders.

When a person or an animal comes in contact with the electrified wires, they receive a short, harmless electric shock that stops them from crossing the boundary.

An above-the-ground electric fence can cost anywhere between $1,700 and $2,500, but it can go higher with more wire you use.

Materials

Materials
MaterialsCost
Energizer$50 to $500
Fence wires$10 to $400
Wire connectors$9 to $45
Fence posts$15 to $55
Insulators$17 to $52
Collars$100 to $200

Energizer

Energizer

Energizers are responsible for generating high-voltage electric pulses and sending these pulses to the fence wires, creating an electrified barrier. This is an essential component of an electric fence, as it won’t function as intended without them.

Depending on the brand, type, and size, they can cost anywhere between $50 and $500.

Fence Wires

Fence Wires

Wired electric fences wouldn’t work without wires. They are the material that carries the electric current that stops animals and people from crossing a boundary.

The cost of fence wires typically ranges from $10 to $400, depending on the type of wire, number of wires to be used, size, and brand.

Wire Connectors

Wire Connectors

Wire connectors ensure that the electric current flows smoothly throughout the entire fence by joining two separate fence wires together. These are essential components of every wired electrical fence, especially those that cover a wide area.

These connectors can cost anywhere between $9 and $45.

Fence Posts

Fence Posts

Fence posts act as support for the fence wires above the ground. They can be made of different materials, including wood, metal, fiberglass, and PVC.

These posts usually cost $15 to $55 per box, depending on the number of posts, height, and materials used. PVC posts are typically the cheapest options, so you might want to check them out if you’re tight on budget.

Insulators

Insulators

Insulators hold the wires and prevent them from coming into direct contact with the fence or other conductive material that can cause the electric current to ground. They play a crucial role in ensuring the electric fence’s safety and effectiveness.

Insulators are relatively cheap, costing an average of $17 to $52 per box. Each box can contain 50 to 200 insulators.

Collars

Collars

If you’re using wireless invisible electric fences or GPS-based invisible electric fences, you’ll also need to prepare collars for your livestock and pets. These will be essential in making the fence work.

One collar can cost $100 to $200, depending on the brand and its features. If you have a lot of pets or livestock, the cost will be quite high.

That said, some suppliers may offer you a discount if you purchase in bulk.

Size of Area

Size of Area

The size of the area that needs to be enclosed dictates how much material will be used and how long it will take for the job to finish, so it significantly impacts the overall cost of electric fence installation.

The larger the area is, the more materials will be and the longer it will take for the contractors to finish. This means larger material expenses and labor costs for you.

Larger areas are also often more challenging to enclose since you have to take into consideration the entire area’s ground condition.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 per acre.

Condition of the Land

Condition of the Land

Electric fence installation can be more tricky for contractors if the ground is uneven, hilly, or sloped. They’ll have to exert extra effort to properly align the fences and the wires, increasing the labor hours and cost.

Additionally, rocky and compacted soils can be harder to dig. They may even require specialized equipment, so they would naturally cost more.

Contractors may also be forced to remove some trees or bushes if they block the fence and obstruct the installation process.

Power Supply

Power Supply

The power supply provides the power for the energizer to perform its work. Without it, the energizer won’t be able to generate electric pulses and deliver them to the wires.

There are generally two kinds of power supplies for electric fences: batteries and solar panels.

Battery

Battery

Batteries are the most common power supplies for electric fences. Most standard fences need a minimum of 12V battery to function, which can cost $30 to $300.

Batteries offer more portability and flexibility compared to solar panels, as they can be installed anywhere, regardless of the weather. They’re also easier to install.

They are more affordable based on the initial upfront cost, but the periodic replacement and recharging may cost you more in the future.

Solar Panel

Solar Panel

Solar panels have a much more expensive upfront cost compared to batteries. They cost about $100 to $500 during installation but can save you more money in the long run.

Since they generate energy from the sun, they don’t need to be regularly replaced or recharged, decreasing the operational cost. They’re also more eco-friendly compared to batteries.

Property’s Location

Property’s Location

The property’s location can also affect the cost of electric fences. Some regions, especially urban regions, typically have a higher cost of living, so the cost of labor is also higher.

Some materials may also not be readily available in certain areas, so you’ll have to source them elsewhere. This will increase the cost of materials since you now have to account for shipping expenses.

Moreover, cities and states have different rules and regulations regarding electric fences, as they can harm people and animals. Getting permits from the local authorities may further drive the expenses up.

Labor

Labor

Installing electric fences can be a challenging task, so many just opt to hire professionals to do the work for them. However, their services are usually the most expensive part of the installation process.

Labor cost typically makes up more than half of the total cost of installing an electrical fence. Fencing contractors typically charge $45 to $100 per hour, so you can expect to pay anywhere between $450 and $1,000 for labor costs.

It usually takes 10 hours to install an entire electrical fence. It can take longer than that, depending on the type of fence, the ground condition, and more.

Some fencing contractors also charge per linear foot rather than per hour, so the cost will be significantly different. It’s best to contact your local contractors for a better estimate.

Can you install an electric fence on your own?

Can you install an electric fence on your own

You can install an electric fence on your own, but it’s highly discouraged due to potential safety hazards. You need to use electricity and dig the area, which can be dangerous for those who are not experienced in fencing installation.

Some cities may also require you to hire a professional fencing contractor to ensure everyone’s safety.

How do I save money when installing an electric fence?

Compare quotes from different contractors

Compare quotes from different contractors

Contact different fencing contractors before signing a contract with one. Inquire about their offerings and prices to be able to find the one that can provide you with the best value.

That said, it’s also important that you check the contractor’s reputation and portfolio and not solely depend on the price of their service. No matter how cheap the service is, you’ll only suffer more if it’s not done correctly.

Shop around for materials

Shop around for materials

Research different suppliers and retailers for the best prices on materials. This will also allow you to get special offers, promotions, and discounts from the suppliers themselves.

Most contractors will include the material cost on their total quote, so don’t forget to ask for the quote for labor alone.

Optimize wire spacing

Optimize wire spacing

Adjust the wire spacing based on the type of animals you’re containing. Closer spacing might be needed for smaller animals, while wider spacing can save on materials for larger animals.

This also applies if you’re protecting your property from intruders. Ensure that the space between the wires isn’t too big for a person to go in, but don’t also set them too close to save as much money as possible.

Avoid unnecessary features

Avoid unnecessary features

There are several features that can be added to an electric fence, including tensioners, remote controls, voltage monitors, gates, and additional voltage. While many of these features can increase the fence’s functionality, they aren’t really essential.

These additional features will only increase the cost of the fence. Don’t include them if their presence isn’t really necessary for the fence to function.

FAQs about Electric Fences

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