A guide to Gateways and Pathways

A gate provides a safe break in electric fencing for access. An electric fence gate requires several components:

1. Gate Hook - fully insulated to allow user to open the gate without receiving a shock
2. Tape or Spring - provides the barrier and carries the electrical current
3. Gate Insulator - to latch the gate hook onto and maintain the electrical connection from the fence to the gate
4. Insulator - on the opposite post prevents the power from the gate leaking back to ground

You can buy these components separately, or in a kit form such as our Spring Gate Kit or Tape Gate Kit. These contain everything you need to make a gate in any temporary or permanent electric fence line.

In a permanent electric fence you should use heavily insulated underground cable to provide the power link across the gateway. When you open the gate, the power is disconnected from the gate line itself, but remains connected to the fence line via the underground cable.

Don't use ordinary electrical wire as the insulation is insufficient to withstand heavy traffic, and will perish over time. If the cable could be damaged by sharp stones, bury it in a rigid plastic pipe and bury it at least 30cm deep.

Turn the ends of the pipe down to keep out water. In temporary electric fencing, you should have one gate only, and place it at either end of the fence line. This means that the electric fence is always energised regardless of whether or not the gate is open, and the gate itself is energised only when closed.