Mastering Parmak Fence Charger Usage on Your Property
If you’re wondering how to install a Parmak fence charger on your property, then you’re in the right place. Here’s how you can find the best model to suit your needs, what to look for when buying, and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Installing a lightning arrester
A lightning arrester is a great way to reduce your power bill and protect your investment. This high-voltage device is affixed to your power lines and is designed to divert electricity away from your home. It’s the best way to keep your family safe. You may need a licensed electrician to install it. The costs are reasonable if you’re willing to take the time to do it right.
Lightning is no joke. During a lightning storm, the electrical current can wreak havoc on your electronics. In fact, lightning-related losses have been on the rise since 2015 and may continue to rise. While most homeowners are unlikely to be hit with a direct strike, the power line of lightning can reach far and wide. Even if it is miles away, a direct hit can ruin your electronic devices.
The name of the game is ensuring that you don’t get the short end of the stick. For example, you should also be installing a lightning arrester at each of the entrances to your home. This should be the highest priority for your house or business.
There are two types of lightning arresters to consider. The first is the standard ESE (electric service equipment) air terminal, and the second is a more complex affair. The latter requires a more elaborate installation, namely a mast mounted on your property.
In addition to the actual installation, you need to maintain your lightning-proof equipment and ensure that it is performing at optimum levels. If you have a new home or business, ask your prospective contractor if they offer maintenance agreements. This way, you can avoid having to pay out of pocket for a lightning strike.
The most common problem is static buildup. Using a good quality anti-static paint or an air-cooled unit will keep your equipment functioning at its best. With a little TLC and your savvy contractor, you should be in the clear in no time. Make sure that you are able to enjoy a glass of champagne during the holidays without having to worry about a lightning strike causing a fire.
GFCI triggers
If you have an electric fence charger, you may be wondering how it works. A GFCI, or a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, is a device used to detect a difference between the current in and out of the electrical circuit. It can shut off the circuit when the difference is five milliamps or more.
Unlike other electrical appliances, an electric fence charger is disconnected from the mains. Instead, it is charged by the use of a capacitor or autotransformer. These devices work by discharging a small amount of voltage into the fence.
In order to use the GFCI properly, you need to know the proper way to connect the fence charger to it. You will also need to plug the charger into a surge protector.
As you can imagine, a GFCI will trip when there is a small voltage difference. This is why it is important to get the correct readings on your meter. For example, if your meter is showing 10.0, then your fence charger is doing something right.
But what is the smallest possible voltage that you can safely use to power an electric fence? There are many different options. Some models have a built-in performance meter, which tells you how much power the unit is generating. The digital model is the best choice.
However, you should be careful not to overdo it. Using a surge protector will ensure that you don’t have a spike in the voltage.
Another thing to consider is that some fuses will damage your fence charger. They can be slow-blow type fuses, which can be damaging to the unit. So, make sure you use a 3AG or 1 AMP fuse.
Finally, you might want to look into an Electro-Gard to protect your electric fence from future lightning strikes. During a storm, lightning will likely hit your fence charger.
One way to test the GFCI is the grass method. In this method, you will need a long stem of green grass. While you are testing your GFCI, you should not be able to feel any zaps. The grass is a good conductor of electricity and it should be dangling against the fence.
Choosing the best model
If you are looking for a low-impedance fence charger, you may want to consider the Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak. This charger is durable and offers a three-year warranty. It is also built with a performance meter, which allows you to check the voltage of your fence.
In addition to being low-impedance, the Parmak DF-SP-LI has effective resistance to alternating current. The charger can operate for more than five miles of power fences.
Parmak is known for its quality products. They provide fencers that are easy to install and maintain. All of their models are UL-listed. You can also purchase a surge protector for added protection.
These models are compatible with aluminum or poly wire fences. Most of the models are non-pulsing. But some of them are equipped with a digital meter, like the Mag-12-UO. Moreover, there are some fencers that have two lightning arrestors on the AC line.
This product has a power range of 30 miles. It is ideal for use in areas with limited or no electricity. Besides, it features an innovative design. A 360-degree mounting system is also included.
Parmak fencers are also a good choice if you have small animals. Some of the models are designed for use with poly tape and high-tensile multi-wire fences.
Another important feature of these models is that they come with an exclusive performance meter. This meter is designed to give the customer real-time information on the condition of their fence. This eliminates unnecessary returns and helps prevent unneeded damage.
If you are looking for a fence charger that can be used in the field, you should consider the Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12. It is a low-impedance model that uses solar power for increased shock power.
You can also choose the Parmak HS-100. It is designed for large properties. It is also a solid-state charger that can be used with poly tape. Among its other features are lightning arrestors on the AC line and an analog meter.
There are a number of other models from Parmak. They include the EM-200, Mark 8, and the HS-100.
Troubleshooting
If you’re using a Parmak fence charger on your property, you may be experiencing some troubleshooting. Some problems can be easily fixed and others will require service. You can also take advantage of the warranty offered by the Parmak charger manufacturer. It’s a good idea to perform regular maintenance and tests to ensure your charger is working properly.
The first thing to do is to test the voltage. You can use a digital voltmeter or a neon fence tester. To test the voltage, you need to unplug the wires from your fence and the charger.
Once you’ve determined that your fence isn’t having any problems, you should turn it back on. If the charger is still making the clicking sound, you’ll need to disconnect it from the fence and check it for proper voltage.
There are a number of causes for electric fence problems, including faulty splices, bad gate hooks, and broken wires. A faulty splice junction can cause arcing, which is a type of short.
If the energizer isn’t working, you’ll need to get to the root of the problem. Faulty insulators can affect the meter’s readings, so make sure they’re free of corrosion or cracks. Other factors that can cause low readings include poor grounding, dirty insulators, or vegetation around the charger.
If you need to replace the fuses or PCB, you’ll need to check the circuit. This can be done by plugging another electrical device into the outlet.
Another thing to check is the battery. Your battery may be drained by animals testing the fence. Also, your battery should be monitored for electrolyte fluid level.
If the meter is reading more than 400 volts, you may have a leak. Alternatively, the energizer is defective and you need to take it to the local MFA for repair.
In addition, you may need to replace the fence wire if it isn’t functioning. You can also make a choke coil, which will prevent future damage.
In addition to this, you’ll need to perform a number of safety checks on the fence. Performing these tests will help you diagnose and fix the fence.