Fencing 101: How to Properly Ground a Fence

In Part 11 of the Pasture Project’s video series on fencing, we focus on grounding. Fencing failure is often caused by grounding issues, so it is important to carefully consider ground rod placement. Thanks to Kent Solberg (Sustainable Farming Association of MN & Seven Pines Farm and Fence) for his contributions to this video.
Filming and editing by Turned Earth Media.

[@nevermind8694]

Great short and simple right to the point that's how you make a grounding rod for electric fence video well done sir

[@Samar319]

1:46 I don't understand placing a dead short, please explain.

[@sianne3866]

How to you attach the extra ground rods, where do they hook up to?

[@carlciucci8354]

Are you using 10' ground rods?

[@nickmacaroni]

If you put a ground rod near the base of a couple of trees, will it harm the roots/trees over time?

[@WallaceCenter]

In most cases you're probably ok, but would recommend consulting an arborist if you're concerned! Some trees will be able to withstand root impact better than others.

[@gdub14]

If you're using an aluminum fence wire, should you use an Aluminum rod?

[@WallaceCenter]

Aluminum corrodes in soil and should not be used for grounding. Galvanized steel, copper-bonded steel and stainless steel are the most common materials used for grounding rods, See this article for more on common ground rod materials -fyi.extension.wisc.edu/grazres/files/2012/01/ground.pdf

[@DonovanAP]

What if my ground rods only go in 3ft due to rock? I've tried a dozen locations but the same everywhere

[@chadneely4511]

Angle them or in your case bury them flat at 2 or 3 feet deep

[@danielherring9324]

Angling them usually works, if it hits a rock it should slide across the top of it.

[@cmnr8487]

I am installing 360 linear feet of electric fence. I plan on using it for less than 2 years. I am trying to keep deer out of my garden. The sales guy sold me one ground rod, do I need 3? It is a copper ground rod, 6 ft long. How much of it do I put into the ground? Thank you!

[@WallaceCenter]

It really depends on the output of your energizer and the type of animal you're trying to control! Many electric fence systems do require at least 3 rods. This video was created with cattle in mind, so we would recommend referencing guidance specifically for deer fences. Here's a good article to start www.ncat.org/electric-deer-fence-tips-and-resources/

[@cmnr8487]

@@WallaceCenter thank you! I told the guy at the store I wanted something to skin him and cook him on the spot, he sold me something for bulls, elk and I believe there was a picture of a buffalo on the package also. I will check out the link, thank you!