Best Electric Fence Chargers Reviews & Buying Guide

Are you troubled by predators that attack your livestock or pets wandering from your compound? Often pets or farm animals fall victim to predators. The best way to protect them is to invest in an electric fence for cattle that will surround your farm and keep all the animals inside safe.

To put it in a few words, an electric fence charger for cattle is a source of electric current that flows through wires. A brief high voltage electric pulse deters any creature that tries to get into or outside the fenced area.

If set correctly, the electric pulses have a low current, and you don’t need to worry about your pets getting hurt, however, it will sting them enough to learn to avoid it. The same goes for predators as regardless of their size they won’t like the sensation and will stay away from your farm.

These are our top seven choices:

Top 7 Best Electric Fence Chargers Reviews

Electric fencing needs to be paired with a good quality durable charger that will serve the purposes of your farm.

Farming is hard work that revolves around constant investments. An electric fence can come in very handy and give you peace of mind while ensuring that your livestock is safe from predators at all times.

There are many good electric charges to select from. However, to help you find the one that fits your farm’s purposes perfectly we spent some time analyzing the market. After detailed research, we have selected the top 7 electric fence energizers for cattle available on the market.

#1. Zareba EDC5M-Z Electric Fence Charger

Zareba is well-known when it comes to the production of superior quality agricultural structures and hardware. The EDC5M-Z electric fence is ideal if you are just starting your livestock farm or have moved to a remote location where the main power supply is nonexistent or unreliable.

This direct current powered energizer features 0.25 joules output which is sufficient to deter short-haired animals such as horses, pigs, and cattle. It comes with connection cables to help you hook up your 6-12 battery. Mount it on the hanging holes that are built into its rugged, compact, weather-resistant case.

The EDC5M-Z can push electric power through all the common types of fencing wires, including steel, poly wire, poly tape, and poly rope wires. Its coverage is limited to 5 miles. This may reduce depending on whether the wires run through foliage and other impediments. With light weeds, it can power up to 2.5 miles.

To make installation effortless, the EDC5M-Z is equipped with easy-grip screw-on terminal knobs. These easy-grip terminals are colored green and red to avoid confusing the positive and negative terminals. The purpose of the knobs is to help you connect your ground rods and your live fence wire. Connect the ground line to the green knob and the fence line to the red terminal.

Furthermore, you can easily monitor your fence status by inspecting the intuitive ‘Fence OK’ light. The light is red when the charger is powered, and the fence is live. Otherwise, it will not produce any light. This will ensure you know when your fence is charged and your livestock is safe from predators.

What we liked:

• Good quality fence charger for cattle
• Offers good value for money
• Easy to install and use
• Highly portable for use in remote areas
• Compact design and durable construction

What could be better

• On/off switch, or quick-release battery clamps are necessary
• Ideal for smaller farms only

#2. Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak

Parmak has made its mark in the electric fence market by producing high-quality, affordable, and eco-friendly electric fence chargers. They are the first to manufacture and sell solar electric fences.

Solar electric fences are a very great solution for many reasons. Consider investing in the Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak, and save money in the long run. Besides keeping your cattle safe from predators, this solar electric fence charger will keep the electricity bill low too.

This electric charger can work perfectly for you if you have just taken up livestock farming. The starting investment is lower compared to other models and is just enough for a smaller farm. This charger generates 1.4 joules of power which is surprisingly powerful for a solar-powered charger. It’s even more potent than some solid-state electric fence energizers we sampled.

The Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak charges during the day, while a sealed 12-volt rechargeable battery powers the electric fence. It features low impedance for optimal power to extend battery life. A charger like this one can cover up to 25 miles of electric fence.
The charger is designed with a durable material that can withstand outdoor elements for years. Besides, the design is waterproof, meaning inner components are protected. Check it out. You’ll love it.

What we liked:

• Solar-charged and energy-efficient
• Durable metal body
• Waterproof casing
• 1.4 joules and a 25-mile fence coverage
• Easy to install with readily accessible battery

What could be better:

• Low performance in freezing temperatures
• Requires bigger initial investment

#3. Zareba EAC50M-Z AC-Powered Electric Fence Charger

Zareba is a proven brand when it comes to electric fence chargers. They offer a selection of chargers to pick from. We have selected the EAC50M-Z charger which does a terrific job at keeping predators at bay.

The EAC50M-Z has several highlights, including moisture resistance internal components, a rugged all-weather-resistant case, a fuse-less design, and a pulse indicator. This charger will protect your farm at all times.

Using alternating current (AC), the EAC50M-Z can deliver 2 joules of electric power at 75 ohms. That’s enough power to shock and deter predators such as bears and wolves away from your farm. It’s a good choice when it comes to safeguarding larger farm animals like cows, horses, pigs, or lamas.

This electric fence charger is exceptionally versatile. You can use it with the commonly available fences on the market, including poly wire, high-tensile, and poly-tape. For the typical aluminum or steel wire, the AC charger can push the current through 50 miles. For poly fences, it will power up to 25 miles.

The coverage of the charger will be reduced if the charger has to power through thick weeds on the fence line. If there are any obstructions on the line, more energy will be required for the EAC50M-Z to charge the fence.

This UL-listed energizer is designed to plug into any standard two-prong electrical outlet. However, keep in mind that this electric fence charger isn’t weatherproof and you would need to keep it protected. By purchasing this product, you will get a 2-year warranty on damage due to natural causes.

What we liked:

• High-quality, durable construction
• Delivers powerful yet mild electric impulses
• Deters small and large animals
• Wide 50-mile coverage
• It can be used by high-tensile and poly fences
• Low impedance for use in heavily weeded farms

What could be better:

• High priced compared to competitive brands
• The indicator light could be improved

#4. Gallagher S10 Solar Electric Fence Charger

The Gallagher S10 Solar Electric Fence Charger may work for your property if it’s located off the grid or has limited electricity access.

It powers up to 3 miles of single-wire fence and can power up to 5 to 15 acres of land.

The S10 is portable and rugged, making it ideal for temporary grazing in remote areas. The Gallagher electric fence energizer can rotate 360 degrees allowing you to install it on a single pole. If directed towards the sun, you will get the maximum output from this model.

It features a built-in solar panel with a robust backup 6V battery capable of producing 0.1 joules of electric current. Even though 0.1 joules may seem low, it can still protect your ranch from being invaded by predators.

Gallagher designed their S10 Solar Electric Fence Charger for rough environmental conditions. The case is waterproof and features a built-in lightning arrester.

One of the worries people have when deciding to purchase solar equipment is their reliability in cloudy conditions. Such concern is valid, and Gallagher took care of it when designing the S10. The energizer is equipped with battery-saving capabilities that can power the fence for up to 21 days of continuously overcast weather.

Besides being easy to set up, this fence charger is also easy to use. It has a color-coded adjustment, a battery-powered indicator, and large on/off controls. It also has a portable carry handle. If you opt for this electric fence charger, you will get a three years long manufacturer warranty.

What we liked:

• Fast and easy to install
• Unique and reliable battery-saving technology
• Tough weather-resistant case
• Easily portable
• Built-in lightning arrester

What could be better:

• Power is not sufficient to deter large predators
• Reduced power during the night

#5. Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS 2-Mile Solar-Powered Electric Fence Charger

The Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS can provide your small farm with a barrier that will keep predators out and your livestock in. Solar-powered, compact and durable, this is precisely the kind of electric fence charger you need if your property is situated in a difficult-to-access area without AC mains.

A single full charge can power 2 miles of electric fence for up to two weeks. This is especially handy when the weather is continuously overcast. Besides, its compact, rugged construction gives it high levels of durability and resistance to elements.

Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS 2-Mile Solar-Powered energizer can power all the types of materials commonly used for fencing. This will give you more freedom to choose between the fence material.

The charger’s low impedance technology slows battery drain and ensures it maintains optimal coverage even if the fencing wires pass through weedy areas. It can deliver up to 8000 volts without load. This voltage reduces slightly with the load.

Use the charger to keep your small livestock such as poultry and bunnies within the farm and small wild predators like foxes, raccoons, skunks, and possums outside. The Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS has 1-second interval pulse output, which allows for a pause for the safety of your animals. A fence OK indicator light blinks when the fence is live.

Lighting can be destructive to electric chargers. Fi-Shock provides a year-long limited warranty that covers lightning in addition to other types of damage.

What we liked:

• Operates for up to 14 sunless days
• Delivers powerful yet safe electric impulses to ward off animals
• Low impedance for use in weedy areas
• Versatile and highly portable
• Easy to install and use

What could be better:

• More expensive compared to the rest
• Requires further clarification on the battery information

#6. Parmak MAG12-UO 12-Volt Magnum

The MAG12-UO Magnum is one of the most potent battery-powered electric fence chargers on the market.

Powered by a 12-volt battery, this barrier energizer can provide electric power to cover up to 30 miles. It also features low impedance to ensure that the battery does not drain quickly. Another improvement compared to the rest is that weeds, shrubs, and long-haired animals don’t affect their power. On a full battery, the charger can energize a 30-mile fence for up to 3 months before you would need to charge it again.

The MAG12-UO Magnum features a built-in performance meter through which you will know if the fence is currently charged or not.

The charger is weather-resistant and equipped with a lightning protector.

It weighs just 5 to 7 pounds and is compact. Although small, it delivers enough power to discourage even larger animals. A purchase comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers many aspects of damage, including lightning.

What we liked:

• High quality, made in the USA
• User-friendly meter
• Small, lightweight, and compact
• Delivers strong voltage kick
• Offers good value for money

What could be better:

• Performs well in bad weather but is not strictly weatherproof
• Lacks mounting bracket for metal fences

#7. Gallagher M1100 Electric Fence Charger

Gallagher M1100 Electric Fence Charger is a prime choice for you if you have a livestock farm and reliable access to the main power line. It makes a perfect choice for experienced farmers who have to manage large farms with numerous animals. The charger is also ideal for ranchers who have large predators to deal with.

It powers up to 110 miles of single fencing wire or 36 miles of multi-wire fencing perimeter. This can cover a whopping 280 to 650 acres of agricultural land. The M110 delivers 110 volts of electricity, translating to 11 joules of electrical energy on the fencing wires.

From the design perspective, it is easy to realize how sturdy and compact the energizer is. According to Gallagher, M110 is thoroughly tested in extreme outdoor and indoor conditions. Only the units that pass the test are distributed for sale.

The outer casing of the charger features robust, high-impact plastic. Inside, there is a built-in lighting diverter with modern internal circuitry.

A feature that sets this charger apart is the technology that allows it to adapt when conditions change. The technology is built-in and works by increasing the additional power reserve voltage output when fence conditions are altered. This ensures steady electric impulses flow on the wire at all times.

What we liked:

• Very powerful fence charger
• Tough impact-resistant plastic casing
• Adapts to changes in fence conditions
• Easy to install and use
• Durable design backed by 3-year limited warranty

What could be better:

• On the price end but offers value for the money
• Not economical for small farms

How to Choose the Best Electric Fence Charger for Cattle

A poor-quality fence charger is equal to no charger. Without having the right charger, a fence is a useless barrier, especially to determined predators.

On the flipside buying the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Here are a few considerations you can make to guide you into making the right choice:

What Do You Need An Electric Fence For?

When shopping for an electric charger, you need to know where exactly you will use it and if any small animals can come in touch with it.

Do you have a small garden that you need to protect against pests and rodents? Or, do you want a fence that can contain larger livestock within the farm and repel larger predators like bears from gaining access?

The most potent chargers are those that can be plugged into mains 110v or 120 supply. These chargers can deliver continuous power while staying budget-friendly.

However, you can also find battery-powered models which are excellent and may even be as powerful as the corded ones. They make the perfect choice for ranches or farms in remote locations. These models are generally priced and their batteries need to be replaced on time.

The third and last category is solar-powered models. Today, the price of solar chargers has decreased which is perfect for farms that are constantly exposed to sunny conditions.

Solar-powered chargers are ideal in areas that do not have mains supply or suffer from frequent blackouts.

If your ranch is in the part of the country where there are more overcast days than sunny ones, you can invest in a hybrid charger model. These models are battery-powered but also have solar panels that can charge the battery. In this case, the battery stores the power to charge the fence at night.

Level of Impedance Matters

We can define electrical impedance as the measure of the total opposition that an electric circuitry or its part presents to an electric circuit. That’s lots of scientific jargon, but the bottom line is that the lower the impedance, the safer the charger is for your animals, pets, and family.

Low impedance models are both practical and safe. Those with a high impedance may work well, but they can start a fire or even electrocute an animal that comes into contact with it. Keep in mind that low impedance does not equal low power. Find out more about power below.

What Does Power Mean?

Volts, Joules, and Amps, what do these mean? Even more confusing are the numbers given for the joules – stored and output. Simply, the number of joules listed under ‘stored’ is the resident or static energy within the charger.

The number of joules listed under ‘output’ is the amount that reaches whatever needs to be contained. Generally, the output is always about 60 percent of the stored value of joules.
This is because some power will be lost as the electricity passes down the wire.
Therefore, the length of the fencing perimeter of your property has a lot to do with the number of joules. The more fence you have, the more joules you will need to provide sufficient power to the fence. The least you need is a joule per mile.

Voltage, on the other hand, means the amount of energy that flows through the wires. Larger animals, especially those with thick skins and lots of furs, require higher doses. Some stubborn animals such as goats also need plenty of discouragement to give up on their quests.

You need to do lots of balance here because higher voltages can kill smaller animals such as chickens, cats, bunnies, and dogs. However, pay attention when checking voltage. Plugged-in fence chargers always bear labels indicating the recommended socket voltage.

That does not indicate the amount of electrical energy that comes out of the charger. Try to find out the actual voltage output of the charger from the labels. If you aren’t sure, ask the salesperson to help you choose the right one for your specific needs.

Finally, amperage (Amps) means the strength of an electric current measured in amperes. Concerning electric fences, this is the amount of electricity that shocks the animal. It may not be easy to distinguish between voltage and amperage.

Nevertheless, there is an excellent analogy to explain the differences between amperage and voltage. Consider voltage as the water capacity in a pressurized pipe and amperage as the volume of water that comes out of that pipe.

FAQs

Conclusion

Before wrapping up our review of the best electric fence charger for cattle, we must mention one more thing. Keep in mind that electric fences serve as psychological barriers. It means the shock they produce should just be enough to irritate the animal in the sudden spurt.
After a couple of exposures, the animal will associate the fence with discomfort and avoid it altogether. If you do not find an ideal choice among the chargers we reviewed, you can use the guide to make a decision.

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