The insulator keeps the material whether that is rope, wire or tape connected to the fence post and prevents the current from becoming grounded; they usually jut out from each and every fence post. If one of your insulators has been broken, or is faulty in any way then the electric current could be choked at this point compromising the integrity of your fence.If you are having trouble with your electric fence, perhaps it’s not working in certain sections or it’s very weak, then one of the first things to check is whether the electric fence insulator on each post is intact.

Step 1: Replace Insulator

Now you can replace the broken insulators. When replacing them it is advisable to add additional coils to ensure a safe fit.

Step 2: Check the perimeter

Your first action should be to walk the line of your fence to investigate where the possible break is located. You should be checking for any broken, chipped or fractured insulators. Breakages are common due the intense environment in which most fences are erected whether you use porcelain, plastic or ceramic insulators. You can also use an electric fence tester kit to identify weaker or broken sections.

Step 3: Disconnect power

Once you have identified the broken links, make sure to mark them (especially on larger fences) and then return to your power source and ensure it is completely disconnected. Double check that every power source has been turned off before returning to the broken insulators or your will risk being electrocuted by the fence, it sounds obvious but happens all the time.

Step 4: Remove broken insulators

Now that the power is no longer passing through your fence you can safely start removing those broken insulators. Once removed inspect the wiring as well as the insulator cover, if the wiring has been damaged then this will also require repairing or replacing as could the post itself.

Maintaining an electric fence is easy if you have a system for checking and repairing any broken links periodically. Changing elements of the fence such as insulators is something you can do yourself and once you have completed one or two you will find it a quick and painless task.

If you are changing an porcelain insulator for the first time and need advice or simply need replacement parts then try visiting composite insulator.