FENCING MANUAL - Thunderbird
Electric FencingSystemsFENCINGMANUALIncludesinstructions for modelsBD20, B20, B60, B120,M25, M60, M120, M250, M350,M650R, M1150R, M1680R,MB65, MB130, MB250, MB350,MB550R, MB1050R, MB1750R,S15B, S25B, S20B, S40B, S65B,S70, S1502012 Edition1.
TopicContentsPageIntroduction. 4Warnings. 4Regulations. 5How an Electric Fence Works. 7Installation. 8Fence Layout. 8Fence Design. 9Post Spacing. 9Wire Spacing. 9Wire Size. 10Upgrading Existing Fences. 10Fence Corners. 10Earthing.11Gateways.11Strip or Cell Grazing. 12Signs. 13Floodways. 13Energiser Mounting. 13Instructions. 15BD20. 15Specifications. 17B20, B60, B120. 18Specifications. 19M25, M60, M120, M250, M350. 20Specifications. 21M650R, M1150R, M1680R. 22Description. 22Mounting. 22Fence Connections. 22Remote Control. 23Operation. 23Fence Condition. 24Specifications. 25MB65, MB130, MB250, MB350. 26Specifications. 28MB550R, MB1050R, MB1750R. 2916 Character x 2 Line Display. 29Intelligent Adaptive Control. 292.
Contents (Continued)TopicPageRemote Ready. 29Alarm and Siren Outputs. 29Adjustable Output Voltage. 30Adjustable Pulse Rate. 30Adjustable Alarm Level. 30Earth Sensing. 30Mounting. 31Fence Connections. 31Strobe and Siren Connection. 32Power Supply. 32Battery and Solar Panel Selection. 32Operation. 33Monitoring Fence Condition. 33Battery Monitoring. 33Specifications. 34S15B, S25B. 35Mounting. 35Operation. 36Solar Power. 36Specifications. 37S20B, S40B, S65B, S70, S150. 38Mounting. 38Operation. 39Solar Power. 39Specifications. 40Remote Control. 42Operation. 42Security Coding. 42Interference. 43Battery. 43Trouble Shooting. 44Fence Voltage. 44TV or Radio Interference. 44Remote Control. 45Phone or Internet Interference. 46Warranty. 473.
IntroductionThank you for purchasing this product. Thunderbird has had over20 years experience in manufacturing electric fence equipment. AllThunderbird energisers are manufactured in Mudgee, NSW, and wepride ourselves on being 100% Australian owned.Thunderbird not only manufacture energisers, but a whole range ofaccessories for electric fencing. Please refer to Thunderbird’s productcatalogue to see the range of electric fence accessories availablePlease read the warnings, regulations, fence installation, and instructionsspecific to this model energiser before attempting to install this energiser.Warnings Read the relevant sections of this instruction manual fully beforeinstalling or operating the energiser. Regular inspections of electric fences must be undertaken to ensurecontinued operational safety and compliance with Australian StandardAS/NZS 60335.2.76:2003 and AS/NZS 3014:2003. Persons coming into contact with high voltage pulses may have theirnormal physiological functions interrupted. Young children and infirm persons should not be left unsupervised in thevicinity of an electric fence energiser or fence. Extended periods of sunlight and excessive heat on any liquid crystaldisplay will cause deterioration over time. This is not covered by warranty. When using high power energisers, a power reducer device must be inseries with the live wire where young children or infirm persons are likelyto contact the fence, such as around house yards. The mains cord on mains power energisers must be repaired by a qualifiedelectrician if it becomes damaged. Only use the power supply provided by Thunderbird for MB energisers.Damage to the energiser may result otherwise. Any energiser that operates from mains power must be installed in a dry,well ventilated location such as a shed or building out of the weather.4.
Regulations Regarding Electric Fence InstallationsThe following information is taken from the Australian Standard AS/NZS60335.2.76:2003 Amendment 2. Refer to AS/NZS 3014:2003 for the full details onelectric fencing. Electric fences must be installed and operated so that they do not cause an electricalhazard to persons, animals or their surroundings. Construction of electric fences that is likely to lead to entanglement of animals orpersons is to be avoided. An electric fence must not be supplied from two separate energisers or fromindependent fence circuits of the same energiser. For any two separate electric fences that are supplied from separate independentlytimed energisers, the distance between the two wires must be at least 2.5 metres. Ifthis gap is to be closer, it must be effected by means of an electrically non-conductive(insulating) material and/or an isolated metal barrier. Barbed wire or razor wire must not be electrified by an energiser. A non-electrified fence incorporating barbed or razor wire may be used to supportone or more offset electrified wires on an electric fence. The supporting devicesfor the electrified wires must be constructed so as to ensure that these wires arepositioned at a minimum distance of 150mm from the vertical plane of the nonelectrified wires. The barbed or razor wire must be earthed at regular intervals inaccordance with Country Electronics earthing recommendations. (See chapteron earthing) A distance of at least 10 metres must be maintained between the energiser’searth electrode and any other earthing system connected parts - eg, mains powerprotective earth or telecommunications system earth. Electric fence connecting leads located inside buildings must be effectively insulatedfrom the earthed structural parts of the building - use suitable high voltage insulatedcable. Important: always ensure metal parts of the building are effectively earthed. Electric fence connecting leads located underground must be run in a suitableconduit of insulating material, or high voltage insulated cable be used. Care mustbe taken that the effects of animal hooves or vehicle wheels sinking into the groundcannot damage the connecting leads. Electric fence connecting leads must not be installed in the same conduit as mainssupply wiring, communications cables or data cables. Crossing with overhead power lines must be avoided wherever possible. If such a5.
crossing cannot be avoided, it must be made underneath the power line and nearas possible right angles to it. If electric fence connecting leads and wires are installed near an overhead powerline, the clearances must not be less than indicated in the table below.Power Line Voltage - VClearances - MetresUp to 1000V31000V - 33000V4Above 33000V8 If electric fence connecting leads and wires are installed near an overhead power line,their height above the ground must not exceed 3 metres. This height applies eitherside of the orthogonal projection of the outermost conductors of the power line on theground surface, for a distance of:- 2 metres for power lines operating at a voltage not exceeding 1000V- 15 metres for power lines operating at a voltage exceeding 1000V Electric fences intended for deterring birds from roosting on buildings, no electric fencewire shall be connected to an earth electrode. A warning sign must be fitted to everypoint where a person or persons may gain access to the conductors. Where an electric fence crosses a public pathway, a non-electrified gate must beincorporated into the electric fence at that point, or a crossing by means of stiles must beprovided. At any such crossing, the adjacent electrified wires must carry warning signs. Any part of an electric fence that is installed along a public road or pathway must beidentified at frequent intervals by warning signs securely fastened to the fence postsor firmly clamped to the fence wires. The size of the warning sign must be at least 100mm x 200mm. The background colour of both sides of the warning sign is to be yellow. The inscription on the sign is to be black and shall be either the symbol shown below,or the words “WARNING - ELECTRIC FENCE”. The lettering on the sign must be indelible, be on both sides of the sign and in lettersnot less than 25mm in height. Ensure at all times that mains operated ancillary equipmentconnected to the electric fence circuit provides a degreeof isolation between the fence circuit and the mains supplyequivalent to that provided by the fence energiser.6. This energiser must be installed in accordancewith the standard AS/NZS 3014:2003.
How an Electric Fence WorksAn electric fence energiser delivers a high voltage pulse, typically 8000 volts,every 1 - 2 seconds. The high voltage is required because most animalshave a high resistance to electricity due to thick skins and fur or wool, aswell as cloven hooves. Although the voltage is high, the pulse is very short,typically 20 - 300 microseconds depending on the size of the energiser. Thisshort pulse in itself will deliver a painful shock, but does not last long enoughto stop bodily functions.The diagram below shows a typical electric fence and how an animal receivesa shock.An animal needs to simultaneously touch both an electric fence live wireand an earth of some sort to receive a shock. The high voltage pulse mustreturn to the energiser through the earth system before a shock is delivered.The ground is not always a good earth, as it needs moisture to be able toconduct electricity. Therefore it is highly recommended that 1 or more earthreturn wires be installed.7.
InstallationFence LayoutGood planning will ensure a reliable electric fence system. There are a fewthings to keep in mind when designing your fence layout: Have a main lead out feeder wire or wires that individual paddocks canbe tapped off from. The main feeder wires should not be run parallel within 100m of phone orcommunication lines, irrespective of above or below ground. The electric fence wires should not run parallel and/or in close proximityto power lines. Avoid making complete loops around paddocks. Terminate the wire withan end insulator close to the another live wire or gateway instead. Thiswill make fault finding easier. Install a cut out switch at every tap off from the main feeder line. This willalso make fault finding easier. Put underground cable in poly pipe when running the cable under theground for protection. Never run live and earth wires in the same pipe. No two separately powered electric fences can be closer than 2.5m apart.Ask your neighbour if you can power his side of the fence if they are closetogether. It won’t cost you any more in electricity. All joins should be done with joint clamps for reliability.Below is a suggested basic fence layout.8.x cut out switch; underground cable under gates; end strain insulators at ends
Fence DesignPost Spacing - Post spacings can be further apart for electric fences. Below are themaximum recommended spacing for flat land. Distances will need to be reduceddepending on the terrain.30m maximum with 2 droppersin between15m maximumSteel and wood posts require insulators for the live wires. There are a variety ofinsulators to choose from depending on the application.Wire Spacing - Wire spacings vary depending on the animal to be containedand other conditions. Live and earth wire spacings closer than 200mm apartwill affect the distance that the energiser is effective due to capacitancebetween the wires. Wires should be strained to around 90kg (200lb). Multiplelive wires and earth wires should be linked together at the start and ends ofthe fence and at gateways. Below are recommended spacings for mm150mm3 wire pigfenceEarth3 wire 0mmLiveEarth150mm125mm125mmLiveEarthBoundary orferal fence9.
Wire Size - Generally 2.5mm or 3mm galvanised wire will work well in mostsituations. For large installations, the main feeder wire might need to be4mm or 2 x 3mm wires in parallel over long distances. 1.6mm wire is OKfor small areas, but can be hard to see. Most poly wires and poly tapes areonly suitable for short distances.Upgrading Existing Fences - Offset insulators are used to attach electricfence lives wires to existing fences. They will extend the fence life andreduce damage due to stock. They can be installed on 1 or both sides ofthe fence. The existing fence must be earthed. Below are recommendedoffset heights.Horses 900mmCattle 750mmSheep and Goats150-250mmKangaroos, Pigs,Wombats and WildDogs 150-200mmFence Corners - Live wires should not be touching wood posts, as thewood can conduct electricity to the ground in wet weather. Below is therecommended way of taking electric fence wires from one side of thepaddock to the next.End straininsulatorJoint clamp10.Live wireEarth wire
EarthingGood earthing is just as important, if not more important, as the live wire.The earth system must conduct the electricity back to the energiser in orderfor the animal to receive a shock. Things to keep in mind are: Earth stakes must be driven at least 1.5m into the ground. Only use galvanised or stainless steel earth stakes. Do not use copper ortar covered fence posts. Electric fence earth stakes must be a minimum of 10m from any existingelectrical or communication earthing. Position earth stakes in a permanently moist area if possible. Earth return wires in the fence are required for good earthing. Ground returnearthing is only suitable for strip grazing with moist soil. A minimum of 1 earth stake is required at the energiser for power levelsbelow 1.5 joules, 2 earth stakes for power levels below 4 joules, and 3 earthstakes for power levels above 4 joules. Additional earth stakes are required every 1.5km along a fence. Use wirejoint clamps to connect the earth stakes to non-electrified wires and to anyexisting fences. Use Thunderbird Super Earth Kits in dry soils such as sandy or rocky areas(bentonite type).GatewaysElectric fence cables that need to cross a gateway can be buried underground. Use double insulated underground electric fence cable for both liveand earth wires and run inside poly pipe for protection. The cables shouldbe buried 300mm underneath the ground. Do not put both live and earthwires in the same pipe.The ends of the poly pipe should be bent over to face the ground so thatrain doesn’t fill the pipe. It is highly recommended that a cut out switch beused in the live wire supply side entering the pipe so that it is easier to locatea fault should a short occur under ground.Illustration on next page shows a typical gateway installation.11.
End strain insulatorCut out switchStrip or Cell GrazingElectric fences are ideal for selectively grazing pastures, in that they can bemoved in minutes. Strip grazing typically only uses 1 or 2 live wires and noearth wire. These wires can be tapped off an existing electric fence, or asmall battery or solar powered energiser can be used to power the fenceseparately. The ground must be reasonably moist for the fence to workeffectively if there is no earth wire. Below shows a strip grazer installation.Post Spacing: Approx. 15m (flat ground)Wire height1 wire cattle: 800mm2 wire cattle: 450 and 900mm3 wire sheep: 250mm, 500mm, 800mmEarth stake 900mminto the groundThunderbird have a large range of posts and accessories suited for rapidre-location of strip fencing. Please refer to Thunderbird’s product brochure.12.
SignsElectric fence warning signs must be placedat regular intervals along electric fences wherethere is a possibility of the general public cominginto contact with the fence. This is an AustralianStandard requirement. Such situations are wherethe fence runs parallel with or crosses over apublic road, or where the fence comes in proximity to a public pathway. Awarning sign must be placed both sides of the road where an electric fencecrosses the road.FloodwaysAll floodways should utilise a flood isolator. This will prevent high water levelsfrom shorting out the entire fence. Below is one way of installing an electricfence over a floodway:InsulatorFlood IsolatorEarth Wire - Also takesthe strain over floodwayUnderground cableHeavy supportcable insulated atboth endsHang chain or wire150-200mm abovenormal water levelEnergiser Mounting Mains energisers and mains/battery energisers powered from the mains mustbe installed under cover and out of the weather, such as in a shed. Mains/battery energisers operating from a battery, battery energisers and solarenergisers should mounted in the middle of the fence line to be most effective.13.
BD20, B20, B60 and B120 energisers have hanger clips on top, and cansimply be suspended from a fence wire. Solar energisers are designed to sit over the top of a metal star post. Solar energisers and solar panels must face the equator and be in a positionwhere shade cannot block the sun from the solar panel. All energisers should be mounted up out of the reach of children. Do not allow any energiser to operate by sitting it on the ground. Use double insulated electric fence underground cable to connect from theterminals of the energiser to the fence live wire and earth stakes. Thunderbirdprovide leads and clips with small energisers for this purpose. Run the undergound cable inside poly pipe for protection where it has toexit out of a building.The diagram below illustrates a typical energisermounted in a shed.Note that all earth wires in the fence and all livewires in the fence are joined together.End straininsulatorJoint clampJoin wires togetherLive wiresUndergroundcableEarth wiresBend over pipePoly pipe14.Earth stakes1.5m into theground
InstructionsBD20 - Battery Powered EnergiserImportant! Read the warnings, regulationsand installation instructions earlier in this bookbefore installing and operating this energiser.This energiser can be powered from internal ‘D’cell batteries or an external 12V battery. Fit the ‘D’batteries before connecting to the fence if this willbe the power source. The rear cover will slide offas shown in the following pictures. Pull the centrebottom of the cover outwards slightly to release aretaining catch holding the cover down, then slidethe cover upwards. Take note of the polarity of thebatteries when inserting them. When batteries arein position, simply slide the black rear plastic coverback onto the main case and firmly push back intoposition to re-engage the plastic tapered lug.Place the energiser in a suitable position forconnection to the fence, preferably at the middleof the fence line. The energiser can simply hangon the live wire.15.
It’s recommended that bolts or pieces of tie wire be put through the holesin the mounting lugs to make sure that the energiser doesn’t bounce off thelive wire. Drive one or more galvanised earth stakes approximately 1m intothe ground. Refer to the strip grazer section and the earthing section of theinstallation chapter.NOTE: Hot tape and polywire can be used effectively for lengths up to 400mfrom the energiser. Thundertape and Thundercord can be used on runs upto 1km in any direction. Use galvanised fencing wire for longer distances.Refer to the poly tape section in Thunderbird’s product brochure.Make sure the energiser is turned off before connecting the fence wires toprevent receiving a shock. A green earth lead with an insulated clip and aring, and a red fence lead with insulated clip are supplied. Simply undo thegreen earth knob from the terminal at the base of the energiser and place thering over the bolt. Screw the green knob back onto the terminal bolt firmly.Similarly for the red fence terminal and red lead. Clip the green insulated clipto the galvanised earth stake that has been driven into the ground. Connectthe red clip to the live fence wire.If using a 12V battery, connect the red battery clip of the battery lead to thepositive terminal of the battery and the black clip to the negative terminal,then plug the lead into the energiser.The switch on the bottom of the energiser can be switched to high or lowpower for operation. Good quality alkaline ‘D’ cells will last for approximately5 weeks with the energiser running continuously on low power. Low poweris good enough for containing horses and other domestic animals in smallareas, but high power is recommended for longer fence lengths.The top light flashes with every energiser pulse. The bottom light is a lowbattery indication that flashes with every pulse if battery voltage falls below12.0V (nominal). This energiser has intelligent battery monitoring. If thebattery starts getting flat the output voltage will reduce to conserve the battery. If the battery voltage falls to approximately 11.5V the low battery lightwill give a double flash every pulse. Once the battery voltage falls to 11Vthe energiser will stop and the low battery light will be continuously on. The16.
energiser will start operating normally again when the battery voltage exceeds12V. These cut outs are intended to protect your battery.This energiser also has built in self testing. If there is a problem with the unityou will see multiple flashes with each pulse. If the energiser pulse light flashesnormally and there is low or no output, assume that there is a problem with thefence. Refer to the troubleshooting section.SPECIFICATIONSInput Voltage.Input Current.Output Voltage.Stored Energy.Maximum Output.Temperature.Humidity.12.7V nominal on dc input - Maximum 20V15mA at 13V on high power10mA at 13V on low power26mA at 6V on high power16mA at 6V on low power7.5kV (nominal) on high power6.0kV (nominal) on low power0.16 joules on high power0.1 joules on low power0.12 joules into 1000 ohms-10 - 50 degrees CelsiusMaximum 90% non-condensing17.
B20, B60, B120 - Battery Powered EnergisersImportant! Read the warnings, regulationsand installation instructions earlier in thisbook before installing and operating thisenergiser.Place the energiser in a suitable position forconnection to the fence, preferably at themiddle of the fence line. The energiser cansimply hang on the live wire. It’s recommendedthat bolts or pieces of tie wire be put throughthe holes in the mounting lugs to make surethat the energiser doesn’t bounce off the livewire. Drive one or more galvanised earthstakes approximately 1m into the ground.Refer to the strip grazer section and theearthing section of the installation chapter.NOTE: Hot tape and polywire can be used effectively for lengths up to 400mfrom the energiser. Thundertape and Thundercord can be used on runs upto 2km. Use galvanised fencing wire for longer distances. Refer to the polytape section in Thunderbird’s product brochure.Make sure the energiser is turned off before connecting the fence wires toprevent receiving a shock. A green earth lead with an insulated clip and aring, and a red fence lead with insulated clip are supplied. Simply undo thegreen earth knob from the terminal at the base of the energiser and place thering over the bolt. Screw the green knob back onto the terminal bolt firmly.Similarly for the red fence terminal and red lead. Clip the green insulated clipto the galvanised earth stake that has been driven into the ground. Connectthe red clip to the live fence wire.Connect the red battery clip of the battery lead to the positive terminal of the12V battery and the black clip to the negative terminal, then plug the leadinto the energiser.The top light flashes with every energiser pulse. The bottom light is a lowbattery indication that flashes with every puls
Upgrading Existing Fences - Offset insulators are used to attach electric fence lives wires to existing fences. They will extend the fence life and reduce damage due to stock. They can be installed on 1 or both sides of the fence. The existing fence must be earthed. Below are recommended
1 Thunderbird-only colors 2 Thunderbird & Lincoln Continental color 2 A Thunderbird, Lincoln Continental & Mercury colors 3 Lincoln-only color, available on T-bird by special order 4 Ford color, not available on Thunderbird 4 A Ford Spring color, not available on Thunderbird 5 Mercury color, not available on T-Bird 6 Ford Truck only
fencing, which has angle type and corrugated type; but security palisade fencing has only corrugated type. With high strength, sharp prongs and narrow pale spacing, the steel palisade fencing can achieve high level of security to prevent intruders. It's widely used for church fencing, residence fencing, factory fencing, road fencing and so on.
business leaders with ASU's expansive resources. In 2018, Thunderbird relocated to ASU's vibrant Downtown Phoenix campus and constructed a new global headquarters facility that opened in Fall 2021 as Thunderbird celebrated its 75th anniversary. As part of the merger with ASU, Thunderbird transformed its MBA program into an
Chapter 11 Fencing Brian Freking Producers have numerous fencing options for the confinement and protection of livestock. Many traditional materials such as barbed and woven wire fences are suitable for fencing. However, new-er materials including high-tensile wire also should be considered prior to selecting a fencing type. The
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Fencing Wire: Fencing Wire: Low Tensile Small Coils Products Shortname: LACW Size Range Available: Diameter (mm) Length (m) 5kg Coil Nominal Length (m) 10kg Coil Nominal 1.60 317 633 2.00 203 405 3.15 82 163 4.00 51 101 Applications: Diameter (mm) 1.60/2.00 Temporary electric fencing, tying and lacing wire 2.50 Electric fence wire
