You need an electric fence to control livestock or domestic animals, or maybe you simply need to keep wildlife and pests away from your property. An electric fence is a less harmful option than barbed wire, giving a small shock to any animal that touches it. But there can’t be a shock without a charger for your electric fence, which provides the current that runs through the fence. Picking the right charger can be cumbersome, with all the research involved to make sure you get the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together these reviews of the best products and a buyer’s guide so you know everything you need before buying your electric fence charger.

Best Electric Fence Charger Reviews

Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak 6 Battery-Operated Electric Fence Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BWZB74

Check carefully because…

If you are looking for a charge with a constant current, this energizer may not be for you. The Parmak Solar Pak 6 gives a pulsing, intermittent shock.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Parmak DF-SP-LI Solar Pak 6 Electric Fence Charger

This energizer is ideal for livestock control in small- to medium-sized pastures. It charges up to 25 miles of fence with .075-1.4 joules of solar battery output.

This product comes with a three-year warranty, so if you need a repair or replacement for any reason, Parmak will help fix or replace your part or unit with no issue.

What to watch out for with this product?

This charger has a very powerful pulse, but it may not be powerful enough to contain some larger cattle. The grounding and setup of the fence itself may contribute to how well your livestock respect the fence.

Crucial Tips

This charger can be connected with electric tape or any type of conductor. Copper wire also works very well for carrying the charge.

Be sure to ground the fence properly in order to get the strongest results from this product. If you want to test the charge of the fence, using bare feet (where skin is the toughest) may be a good option, according to some users of this charger.

Benefits and Features

1. Made in the USA
2. The solar battery comes included with this product
3. Strong enough to keep bears away with the proper grounding
4. Installation is quick and it’s easy to change out your old charger for this one.
5. Users of this product report a long life and good durability in all types of weather. If you buy this charger, it will likely last you a while.

Things to Watch Out For

1. You may need some additional hardware to mount it, as there are few mounting options for this product.

Conclusion

Zareba EAC50M-Z AC-Powered Electric Fence Charger

This low-impedance energizer will keep your electric fence free from weeds and brush without impacting the performance of the fence. The Zareba AC-Powered Charger has a range of up to 50 miles, making it a great option for your medium- to large-sized pasture or property.

Check carefully because…

This charger is designed to be powerful enough for containing all types of animals, from pigs to horses, as well as keeping moose, wolves, and other unwanted guests or predators away. Animals are deterred from trying to pass through the fence with a mild but powerful shock.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Zareba EAC50M-Z AC-Powered Electric Fence Charger

This charger has a two-joule output at 75 ohms. It is full-load tested in the USA after manufacturing, which is also in the USA.

This charger features moisture-resistant internal components and is designed without a fuse. Its rugged case is engineered to be weather-resistant, so it should not short circuit with the first rainstorm you get. It also features a pulse indicator light to make it easy to check on the performance of the charger.

What to watch out for with this product?

If you have smaller animals, such as cats, wandering your property, beware that this charger is not recommended for use on animals under 10 pounds and may seriously injure any smaller animal that comes in contact with your fence.

Crucial Tips

Zareba offers a two-year limited protection warranty plan, which even covers damage caused by lightning, with this product. The warranty is extended to three years with the registration of the charger, however, so it may save you money and hassle to register your energizer online for the three-year warranty.

Every electric fence requires a good grounding rod in order to operate at its maximum capacity. If your soil is rocky, however, driving a rod into the ground can be difficult. It is important to be mindful of this when choosing the placement of your electric fence.

Benefits and Features

1. Build and tested in the USA
2. This charger is energy efficient and, according to the manufacturer, should not raise your electric bill more than $5 each month
3. Easy to install
4. The shock is strong enough for larger, thick-skinned and thick-coated animals, such as bears. One user even reported the current being strong enough to get through their Scottish Highland bull’s dense fur.

Things to Watch Out For

1. Some users of this charger reported losing power from its maximum of 12000 volts down to about half that in a relatively short period. In case of product dysfunction, contact the manufacturer about having your unit taken care of under the protection plan.

Conclusion

Parmak Super Energizer 5 110/120 Volt Electric Fence Controller SE5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YUWHA

This charger is also low-impedance to keep the wires free of resistance from weeds and plant growth; it just shocks right through them. This product, built with advanced computer-controlled circuitry, can charge up to 50 miles of high-tensile fence with 6.3+ joules, making it a great option for large plots of land.

Check carefully because…

Unlike some other electric fence chargers, the Parmak Super Energizer 5 is built for an indoor installation and it not water or weatherproof.

This fence charger can work with shorter fences, but the charge will stay very powerful and will be concentrated in whatever length of fence you have. Be mindful of this as a short fence could cause more damage to the plants and smaller animals that come into contact with it.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Parmak Super Energizer 5 Electric Fence Controller

This charger comes with a digital performance meter built in, so you can always know the condition of your electric fence as well as the voltage it’s outputting. It puts out more than 8,000 volts of holding power with 500 ohm load.

This new design has color-coded fence and ground terminals. The fence terminal is red and the ground terminal is black, helping make setup easier. It also features fuse protection with built-in lightning arresters. In case of lightning damage, this product also comes with a full two-year warranty.

What to watch out for with this product?

There is a warranty on this product, but some users reported the process to return faulty chargers as being less straightforward than it could be. It is also important to note that the warranty does not cover product or part replacements, only repairs.

Crucial Tips

As is true with all electric fence chargers, proper grounding is key for a good, powerful current. This charger will put out between 1.5-6.3+ joules when grounded properly.

You may also want to pick up some additional hardware depending on where you want to mount your energizer. Multiple users have reported some issues with mounting their chargers.

Benefits and Features

1. This charger can work for either single-wire or multi-wire high-tensile fences
2. This product is UL Listed in the US and Canada
3. Powerful enough to contain horses and protect against bears
4. Users report this charger to be durable and powerful

Things to Watch Out For

1. This product is not waterproof
2. The power cord that comes with this charger is a little on the short side

Conclusion

Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS Solar-Powered Electric Fence Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZA1ZWC

This energizer is designed for shorter fences with a two-mile range. It is engineered with low-impedance technology to keep the wires free from weed shortages and reduce battery drain. It uses 4 VDC input voltage and can be used with aluminum, steel, poly tape, poly rope, and poly wire.

Check carefully because…

The MUST Know, True Facts About Fi-Shock ESP2M-FS Electric Fence Charger

The solar-powered battery in this energizer can hold its charge and continue operating without sunlight for up to two weeks. It comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers malfunction and damages, including lightning damage.

The current emitted from this charger is not constant. It has a one-second interval pulsed output, which is safer for animals that come in contact with it. This energizer has an output of .04 joules and no more than 8,000 volts, no load.

What to watch out for with this product?

If you have netting for your chickens and are looking to electrify it, this product is not the right one for the job. It is not intended for use with netting. Contact the netting manufacturer for their recommendations for a netting energizer.

It’s also important to note that this charger is not low impedance, meaning weed and brush growth can affect how well the energizer runs. Keeping your fence clear of growth will help maximize this charger’s power.

Crucial Tips

Be sure to allow the solar battery in your electric fence energizer to charge before turning it on. For this model, leave the charger in the sunlight for three full days while the switch is set to the “off” position. This is necessary for ensuring the internal rechargeable battery is charged to its maximum capacity.

If you are having trouble keeping deer out of your garden, you may be able to use this charger with proper grounding and fence lines at varying heights to keep the deer from jumping over your fence.

Benefits and Features

1. Long battery life without sunlight
2. Build and full load tested in the US after being manufactured
3. Solar battery is included with the charger
4. This product is easy to use and if necessary

Things to Watch Out For

1. This charger is not waterproof. Be sure to install it where it won’t be exposed to potentially damaging weather
2. The warranty that comes with this product only covers repairs, not replacements
3. This charger is not as durable as some others on the market

Conclusion

Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 Battery Operated Electric Fence Charger MAG12-SP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00099FAJI

This low-impedance engineered charger clears weeds and brush away for a longer lifespan at maximum power capacity. It can power up to 30 miles of fence with and output of up to 3.1+ joules, perfect for a medium or large pasture that needs to contain livestock and protect against predators.

Check carefully because…

This product comes with a full, two-year warranty that includes damage that may be caused by lightning. However, the 12-volt sealed battery in the unit has only a one-year warranty. This is something to be mindful of in case the battery needs to be repaired or replaced in the second year after purchase.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 Electric Fence Charger MAG12-SP

The built-in 12-volt rechargeable solar battery keeps this charger running all night. Its solar panel is the latest model with an incredible charging capacity that saves money and time by ridding you of the need to recharge the battery. Like other Parmak electric fence chargers, this model features a built-in performance meter so you can always monitor the condition of your fence.

What to watch out for with this product?

As with all the products reviewed here, you may find the mounting options for this charger a bit wanting. Depending on where you intend to install it, you may need to purchase some additional hardware to ensure a secure mount, since this charger is quite large.

Crucial Tips

Per Parmak’s instructions, be sure to charge the battery of your Magnum Solar-Pak 12 in the sun for a few days prior to use. Be sure to charge the unit while the switch is in the “OFF” position.

If you are trying to keep black bears out of your fruit or honey, the strong jolt given by this charger could be effective for that purpose with the proper grounding. One user suggests grounding with up to three large rods for the best results.

Benefits and Features

1. Made in the USA
2. The rechargeable solar battery is included with your purchase of this product
3. This energizer is waterproof and can withstand weather when mounted outside
4. The battery has a long life, and the charge can last up to three days without sunlight before needing to be recharged
5. This product is UL Listed

Things to Watch Out For

1. You may have mounting issues due to the size and weight of the charger

Conclusion

Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before Getting Your Electric Fence Charger

Do I Need to Buy an Electric Fence Charger?

Electric fence chargers (also known as energizers) are necessary components of electric fences. The energizer is what gives your fence its electric quality, sending pulses of energy through the wires of the fence to shock anything that touches it. Without a charger, the fence won’t be able to do much to keep animals either in or out.

How Many Electric Fence Chargers Should I Get?

One powerful electric fence charger can have a range of up to 50 miles, depending on the model. This is usually enough to power a long fence enclosing a lot of land. However, if you operate a working farm, you probably can’t afford to have a non-electrified fence for more than a short period of time.

Sometimes things go wrong with electric fence chargers, and the charger will need to be repaired or replaced. Hardware wears out, batteries die in extremely cold temperatures, and some sellers send used or non-operational units.

In the event of these or any other circumstances that put your electric fence charger out of commission, it may be handy to have a backup charger ready to step in to cover your need. This option may not be financially feasible to all, however, so it is good to be familiar with the warranty and return/repair policies of the seller and manufacturer of your charger.

Is an Electric Fence Charger Dangerous?

However, some electric fence chargers have strong energy outputs that are not intended to shock animals smaller than 10 pounds. Be mindful of the amount of power coursing through the lines of your fence and keep any smaller pets, such as cats or chickens, away from potential harm caused by the fence.

Volts, Amps, and Joules

Volts are the amount of energy running through the fence. The higher the voltage, the more of a shock your livestock will receive. For bigger animals, like cows and horses, or animals that love to escape their enclosure, like goats, you’ll need more volts in order to teach them to avoid the fence. For animal control, you will typically need no more than 7,000 volts of energy. Anything beyond that is excessive and may cause serious harm to the animals.

Amps is short for amperes, and the number of amps represents the amount of energy actually shocking the animals. Amps may not always be mentioned in the specs of a charger, as voltage and joule output are more common.

Joules measure the amount of power in the charger. As the electric current leaves the battery and travels along the fence wires, it loses power. Therefore, the general rule is that you will need at least one joule of output for every mile of your fence.

Choosing the Right Size Electric Fence Charger for You

The size of your ideal charger will depend on the size of your pasture, the type of animals you need to control, and the length of your fence.

As mentioned above, larger animals require higher voltage in order to receive a shock strong enough to deter them from trying to cross the fence and longer fences require more joules in order to keep a strong current throughout the entire length of the fence. And the bigger the pasture or plot of land, of course, the longer the fence will need to be.

Another factor to consider is the type of fence line you are using to conduct the electricity. Certain materials, such as tape, polywire, and rope have higher resistance ratings than materials like steel wire. This means they require more energy to conduct a given voltage, and therefore will require a charger with a higher distance rating as well.

Here are some industry recommendations for the voltage and fence specifications you may need depending on the type of animal you wish to control:

1. Chickens, turkeys, and other poultry: < 1000 volts with an anti-roost device
2. Dogs and cats (household pets): 700-1000 volts with 3 to 4 wires strung as low as 6 inches off the ground
3. Skunks, rabbits, raccoons, and other pests: 1000-2000 volts with wires tightly spaced to deter them from slipping through
4. Pigs: approximately 2000 volts with 3 to 4 wires strung as low as 6 inches off the ground, to keep them from rooting
5. Cows and horses: 2000-3000 volts with 1 to 3 wires for docile cattle. Horses likely need more containment, with 3 to 5 wires of poly tape or high-tensile wire
6. Bison and bulls: 3000-4000+ volts with no fewer than 4 wires. A bull determined to escape may require an extra jolt to teach him to respect the fence
7. Goats and sheep: 4000-5000+ volts with 4 to 6 wires, as these animals can be a challenge to keep where they’re supposed to be
8. Wolves, coyotes, and other predators: 4000-5000+ volts with wires spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart. A high shock value here is vital for keeping these animals at bay
9. Deer, moose, and other large animals: 4000-5000+ volts with no fewer than 7 wires strung—with high visibility—as high as 6 feet tall to keep deer from jumping over the fence

Which Power Source Should I Use for my Electric Fence Charger?

When it comes to power sources, there are three options: alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), and solar. Here’s what to know about each kind of power source:

AC Power

This is the most popular type of power source for electric fence chargers, as it is reliable and overall easy to use. Some AC-powered energizers have ranges up to 200 miles, providing lots of punch to your electric fence. If you have dependable access to 110 volts of electrical power from the grid, this may be the best option for you.

DC Power (Battery Operated)

Direct current or battery-powered chargers can vary in battery size, from 4 volts to 12 volts or D-cells. This type of power source may be right for your property if you don’t have the option to run AC power to your fence. However, these chargers require a bit more care and attention to ensure the battery is charged and running properly.

DC-powered chargers also don’t typically come with their batteries, which must be bought separately. It is also vital to note the potential costs that can be incurred when using a charger that does not have a rechargeable battery, as the expense of replacement batteries can add up.

It will likely be more cost effective for you to purchase a rechargeable battery for your fence charger. If your property is one that needs its fence to be continually electrified, such as a farm, you may consider purchasing more than one so you can replace install a fully charged battery while the drained one recharges.

Solar Power

The batteries used in solar-powered chargers are called lead acid batteries, which can last up to three years (approximately 1,000 days spent charging in the sun). In the event of your battery nearing the end of its life, it may be wise to have a backup battery on-hand to ensure constant energy pulsing through your fence.

Installing Your Electric Fence Charger

Weather protection

Many electric fence chargers are waterproof or weatherproof, but not all of them. You will still likely need to have some sort of shelter in place to protect your charger from the elements, unless the unit you purchase is specifically designed to be installed outdoors. A shed, barn, or other enclosure will help prolong the life of your energizer.

Setup

If you are using an AC-powered charger, the biggest setup challenge will be making sure you have a cord long enough to reach the outlet, if you’re using one. You may also need to purchase some additional nails and other hardware to mount your charger, as many of them are heavy and do not have versatile mounting options built in.

When setting up the electric fence itself, it is most important to have proper grounding. This means the grounding rods are large enough to handle the power of your charger, and they are firmly placed in moist soil. Your fencing and grounding rods must also be compatible with the charger you are using to electrify the fence.

Above all, be sure to follow the instruction manual for your particular charger. Each product will have slightly different needs, especially between different power sources. The last thing you want is to give yourself a nasty shock when setting up your fence.

Electric Fence Charger FAQ

What is the strongest electric fence charger?

Since 2011, the strongest American-manufactured charger on the market has been the AgraTronix Power Wizard 24000 Fence Charger. It is a perfect charger for large-scale fence electrification on farms and ranches that have acres and acres to protect.

This product features ultra-low impedance technology that can keep the fence running through very heavy weeds and growth. It has an output of 24 joules, which is adequate power to send a shock through a perimeter around more than 2000 acres.

Like some other models, the Power Wizard 24000 has built-in technology that allows you to check the condition of your fence. This system is color coded to indicate the amount of voltage: red for 2000 to 3000 volts, yellow for 4000 to 5000 volts, and green for 6000 to 10000 volts. Keep in mind that voltage above 7000 can cause serious harm and injury to humans and some animals.

How many joules should a fence charger have?

It is good to plan for at least one joule of output per mile of your fence. This will ensure the fence does not lose power at its farthest points from the charger.

Who makes the best solar fence charger?

Parmak is a widely known and trusted manufacturer of electric fence chargers with solar batteries. Their products are designed, made, and tested in the United States of America and come with up to a three-year warranty to protect and repair your charger, even if it gets struck by lightning.

How long do electric fence chargers last?

The life of your charger will depend on the power source it uses and the manufacturer of your unit. The chargers reviewed above have warranties of no longer than three years, but many buyers of these products have had their chargers last much longer than that.

The life of the charger is also separate from the life of its battery. As mentioned before, solar-powered rechargeable batteries typically last up to three years. DC batteries may need to be replaced or recharged at different rates, depending on the load of the fence and how quickly the battery is drained.

How much do electric fence chargers cost?

The price of your electric fence charger will vary depending on the power of the energizer and the quality of the manufacturing. They can range in cost from below $100 to above $500 and everything in between. A higher price usually means more power and more resilience and durability.

If you aren’t sure whether to buy two differently priced chargers with the same electricity output, it’s always a safe bet to buy the more expensive product. These will last longer and may save you from repair and replacement expenses in the long run.

Alternatives to an Electric Fence

If your needs for keeping animals contained doesn’t quite call for a full-on electric fence (the household dog, for example, could be injured by a high-voltage fence), you may want to consider one of these containment alternatives.

Wireless Dog Fence

These fences can be adjusted to fit your needs for your pet. It’s easy to train your dog to respect the confines of the fence, which provides a shock from the corresponding collar whenever your pet leaves the perimeter of the fence.

Some products can’t discriminate between your pet leaving and returning, however, and deliver a shock upon re-entry of the perimeter. This poses an obvious problem, as it may teach your pet that coming home is bad behavior. We recommend looking for a model that does not shock your pet when she re-enters the confines of the wireless fence.

GPS Dog Fence

Rather than shocking your pet to train her not to leave, this system allows you to track your pet’s location using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The tracking device can be in a pet collar or harness.

No-Dig Fence

While traditional GPS technology is fairly accurate, connecting the tracking device to a cell phone can help increase accuracy. However, the success of any GPS tracking device is contingent on your pet wearing the collar or device that is tracking her.

No matter your needs for your property or animals, there are lots of containment and protection options. We hope this guide will help you determine the best fencing option for your lifestyle.