Before installing the energizer make sure you have read all the instructions provided with your energizer. We recommend that you always install the energizer out of reach of children and animals.
Inside Installation: Mains Powered Energizers (We always recommend that you install plug-in mains units under roof and in a dry location)
Locate the unit near a power point or outlet. Preferably, connect it to a dedicated outlet line, separated from a series of outlets. Install a surge protector in the outlet then, plug your energizer into the surge protector. These surge protectors may be purchased at most hardware stores or electric supply. They will vary in price from $5 upward.
Follow the instructions that came with your energizer. As a generalization, there will be two or more terminals. Normally the red terminal is the output terminal that goes to your fence line. The other terminal is normally green (or black) and it goes to your ground rods (see grounding how to articles). Some energizers also have a third terminal that is referred to as a low output terminal. This terminal may be used as a separate fence in which you prefer to have less voltage on, such as around your back yard where children may be playing. On some energizers such as Speedrite, this third terminal may also be used for hooking up bi-polar systems, but that is another article in itself.
Grounding note: you may use either copper or galvanized ground rods, but do not mix them. In other words, if you use galvanized ground rods, then use galvanized wire back to the energizer. If using copper rods, then use copper wire back to the energizer. You will normally need about 3 feet of ground rod per output joule. Example: a 6 output joule charger will require about 18 feet of ground rods. That could be accomplished by using 3 six foot rods. The ground rods should be spaced no less than 10 feet apart. If you are routing your lead-out wire from the energizer to the fence line and you will be going through a wall, then we recommend that you route it thru conduit when going through the wall. We also recommend that you use insulated wire as your lead out from energizer to fence line.
Outside Installation: Battery or Solar Energizers Although battery energizers are generally made to handle the weather, rain, snow, etc. we would recommend that you build a roof shed or box to additionally protect it from the elements. It must however be ventilated so as not to over heat the electronics of the energizer. Keep this away from animals and out of reach of children. If necessary, build a small fenced enclosure around the energizer to keep livestock and animals away. Solar panels should be tilted in the direction where you will receive the most sun, and may need to be seasonally adjusted. We find that in Midwest USA, we get more intense afternoon sun and tend to tilt to the SW sky. This suggestion may vary depending on your location. Although most energizers have a warranty that includes damage from lightning, we highly recommend that you install lightening protection on your fence line. Read more about lightning protection in another article. These are some general comments on energizer installation please feel free to call us with any questions you may have at 417-741-1230.