Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help!
Ask    ||    Answer
 
Advanced  
 

Ask QuestionsprogressAnswer QuestionsprogressBuild ReputationprogressBecome an Expert
 
Free Answers in 3 Easy Steps

Register Now
3 Steps

At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you will be able to:
  • Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+ topics.
  • Accept money for answers that you provide.
  • Communicate privately with other members (PM).
  • See fewer ads.

Home > Home & Garden > Pets & Animals > Dogs   »   Finding a break in invisible fence

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Question
 
 
#1  
Old Mar 25, 2009, 01:52 PM
Ann S
New Member
Ann S is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
Ann S See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
Finding a break in invisible fence

I have about 5 acres in an invisible fence for my dogs. It is not buried but just laid on top of the ground, but several years worth of leaves have covered the wire. It is no longer giving a signal even with new collar batteries. Is there any inexpensive way to find out where the break in the line is? I can't visually find all my connectors. Thanks, Ann S

Reply With Quote
 
     

Answers
 
 
Old Mar 31, 2009, 06:52 AM   #2  
New Member
stingRay18 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
stingRay18 See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ann S View Post
I have about 5 acres in an invisible fence for my dogs. It is not buried but just laid on top of the ground, but several years worth of leaves have covered the wire. It is no longer giving a signal even with new collar batteries. Is there any inexpensive way to find out where the break in the line is? I can't visually find all my connectors. Thanks, Ann S
I have no specific experience in doing what you are asking, however, I like to try to solve problems and since no one has posted a response let me have a go at it.

Extech DV30 AC Voltage Detector - instrumart.com

This voltage detection device seems to operate at low voltage (down to 12v AC). Safety is of course a concern so you must act accordingly. If you get a low voltage energy limiting transformer, like the ones that are used in your furnace to supply voltage to the thermostats, then this can act as a source of safe low voltage.

So the plan would be to:

-1- purchase this or a similar low voltage detection device.
-2- purchase a 24vAC energy limiting transformer
-3- have someone who is capable of wiring electrical devices disconnect the invisible fence wire from the system
-4- safely connect the 24vAC supply to the invisible fence wire with one end also connected to earth ground (get an electrician if you don't have the experience).
-5- then, staring on the hot side of the circuit (the one not connected to earth) walk out half way and find the fence wire and see if voltage can be detected.
-6- if not, the break is before that, so divide that first half in half again and repeat -5- and -6- until you find the break.

I hope this helps or at stimulates someone who has done this before to supply a more refined solution.

Be well.
  Reply With Quote
 
     
 
 
Old Mar 31, 2009, 09:21 AM   #3  
New Member
stingRay18 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
stingRay18 See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
I forgot to list the last steps:

-7- after finding the break, disconnect the 24 VAC
-8- then fix the break
-9- then reconnect the fence wire and re-test the system
-10- if OK emit a little "woo who"

Be well
  Reply With Quote
 
     
 
 
Old Mar 31, 2009, 09:28 AM   #4  
Senior Member
amricca is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Vail, Colorado
Posts: 855
amricca See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
Seems to me the easiest thing to do would be to rake the leaves away to find and expose all of the connectors and restore the signal?
  Reply With Quote
 
     

Your Answer
Email me when someone replies to my answer
Join Login





Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

 
Similar Sponsors


Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Show Printable Version
Email this Page Email this Page

Similar Threads
Chain link fence into wooden fence
(0 replies)
Finding the transition to single life a little tough, after a recent break up
(1 replies)
Adopted dog afraid of invisible fence
(3 replies)
wood privacy fence with steel (metal) fence
(2 replies)
Invisible dog fence electric use
(3 replies)

Search this Thread

Advanced Search

Bookmarks

Sponsors



Copyright ©2003 - 2009, Ask Me Help Desk.
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:49 PM.