Should The Wires Be Connected in Series or Parallel For Security Electric Fence?
Whether you choose series or parallel electric fences, depends upon various factors. Some factors include, property size, security needs and reliability.
Which is Better for an Electric Fence to Protect Your Property: Series or Parallel?
Ideally the decision on type of electric fence installation depends on the size of the property. If you have a large property, wiring in parallel circuits are more efficient and will be able to cover longer areas without losing power. To ensure optimal protection, it’s crucial to secure your perimeter effectively with a well-planned installation.
For much smaller properties, series curcuits will work the best where high sensitivity and quick intruder detection will be needed.
Wiring in parallel due to its low sensitivity and low resistance is often used for agricultural fencing, while series wiring ensures high sensitivity clubbed with high resistance which makes it ideal for commercial purposes. However, there are many more differences between the two types of wiring circuits of electrical fences.
Electric fences are believed to be one of the most efficient intruder detection and protection systems with their robust, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective functioning.
They are easy to maintain and can have a long life. Additionally, electric fences can be used in homes to enhance security and provide a reliable barrier.
But every property needs proper electric fence installation to make it a full-proof arrangement and there are several other factors that must be considered to make it happen.
While simple electric fences are efficient enough, they are also connected in series or parallel format to add more to their efficiency.
Both series and parallel electric electric fence installation come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, they are great in their own right.
In this article, we will tell you everything about series and parallel electric fences, the difference between the two, and which one you should choose for complete security installation.
What is a Parallel Wiring Circuit?
Parallel wiring is an arrangement of a circuit electric fence wires are connected together. This arrangement makes the resistance in the fence to a great degree making it possible to protect much longer areas.
While the resistance is low because there are more paths for the current to travel. it provides a powerful shock⚡️. If one of the electric fence wires is cut from between, the electric current will continue to run from the rest of the wires, making it an efficient installation for stopping animals from intruding into the property.
Advantages of Parallel Circuit
- If the electric fence wires are joined in a parallel circuit, the electric current will run through all the wires as it has a circuitry composition. Here are the advantages of the parallel circuit:
- If one wire of the circuit is cut, the rest of the circuit will continue to work. The rest of the fence will continue to function even if there is an intrusion somewhere in the property
- A parallel circuit provides equal distribution of power throughout the fence structure and it can be used for longer distances as well
- A parallel circuit also allows additional elements to be added to the fence without impacting its power or resistance
- Electric fence installation are very reliable and safe
- Less reliable to electric fence wires cut
- Less reliable to give power shock to humans even who is coming with insulated gloves and shoes
- Less accurate in detection of human intrusion
What is a Series Wiring Circuit?
This is different from a parallel wiring circuit as the fence line is connected in one continuous loop. This is a more preferred option for security reasons as if any one of the wires is cut, it will intervene the loop and trigger the voltage monitor.
Advantages of a Series Circuit
As opposed to a parallel circuit, a series circuit has a different set of advantages:
- Series circuits don’t heat up easily, so they are more weather resistant as well as fire-resistant, making them quite dependable, and reliable
- Series circuits are very easy to create and thus you don’t need expert help every time there is a small issue. It can be fixed by anyone with basic knowledge
- more reliable to detect wire cut
- more reliable to give power shock to animals as well as humans even who is coming with insulated gloves and shoes
- more accurate in detection of human intrusion
Which is Better for an Electric Fence to Protect your Property – Series Or Parallel?
Both series wiring and parallel wiring circuits have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Which one will suit you the best will depend on the kind of property you are installing the fence for. It has been often observed that installing an electric fence on larger properties like industrial estates or agricultural farms is a lot more challenging than installing them for residential properties that require lesser area to be protected.
Yet another challenge that large properties pose is that not every nook and corner of the fence can be possibly monitored efficiently even if there are security personnel guarding the land through CCTV. This is why it is important to use an electric circuit type that is best suited for large properties.
In principle, parallel circuits are more efficient when securing a large property as their structure supports fencing longer distances.
In parallel circuits, short wire grids are attached to a single source of power arranged in a parallel design.
This allows the circuit to have a lower resistance. Since the resistance is lower, longer distances of the property can be covered without having to compromise the voltage. Since different wires are attached separately to one source of current, even if one wire is cut, the rest of the circuit will continue to work.
This is a huge advantage for big properties as it might take time for the security personnel to reach a distant point on the property in case of an intrusion. If the entire circuit shuts down, the intruder might get a chance to get away.
Series circuits, on the other hand, are perfect for small property installations. They are designed with one long wire that provides power to the entire fence. The resistance in this circuit is high and so it is unable to provide POWER on long stretches. That is why it is safer to use these circuits in smaller areas as they can be monitored well in case of circuit disruption.
Key Takeaways
Parallel Circuits:
- These are ideal for large properties.
- As they have low resistance, they supports
- longer distances.
- It continues functioning even if one wire is cut.
- There is guarnteed equal power distribution. And its reliable and safe.
Series Circuits:
- These are best for smaller properties.
- These have a higher resistance and are hence unsuitable for long stretches.
- These are reliable in detecting wire cuts and possible intrusions.
- It Provides strong shocks. Its also strong enough for insulated intruders.
Property Suitability:
- If you have a large property, parallel circuits are more efficient and will be able to cover longer areas without losing power.
- For much smaller properties, series curcuits will work the best where high sensitivity and quick intruder detection will be needed.
Installation and Maintenance:
- Parallel: These are Complex but effective for vast areas.
- Series: these are Easier to install and maintain for compact areas.
Our Take
Your property is one of the most prized possessions you will ever own, and ensuring its safety is paramount. While electric fences are by nature quite an excellent source of safety, using the right circuit for your electric fence can add an additional element of safety. While parallel circuits are beneficial for large properties that require robust safety systems, a series circuit can be installed for smaller properties that are a lot easier to guard as compared to the large ones.
At A-1 Fence Products, we understand that the type of electric fences you opt for can differ on the basis of your needs and preferences, and therefore offer both – series as well as parallel security electrical fences. All you need to do is simply get in touch with us, and our fencing experts will take it forward from there! Now doesn’t that sound truly convenient?
FAQs About Security Electric Fences
Is it possible for electric fence wires to touch each other, and still function normally?
No. Ideally, the wires of an electric fence should not touch each other, which is why it is highly recommended that the parallel wires are separated using a fence post. While some people install in-line strainers to avoid this issue, it isn’t ideal.
Does an electric fence have to make a complete loop?
It depends on the application where you are using the EF. If the protection required is from animals then we don’t need a complete loop, but for protection from human intrusion, a complete loop is required.
Can you electrify a fence for security?
Yes, you can. Electrified fences provide protection and a physical barrier that keeps intruders out. The electric shock is strong enough to prevent re-attempt of intrusion but satisfactory mild to not cause loss of human life.
What happens when one touches an electric fence?
The person will feel an electric shock. This may range from a mild one to a strong jolt depending upon the electric DC current running through it.
How do you maintain an electric fence?
Check the fence regularly for wear and tear and report any major damage immediately. If the wires are damaged, broken or corroded, never touch them to put back in place. Initiate a call with the service personnel and they will be there to guide you shortly.
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