[farfrumnormal]

Is there anything special about RFA pet fence wire? Can I use regular 14 gage?

[KUXJ]

Hi! farfrumnormal , welcome to AMHD :)

It is specially coated for underground use.

K

[farfrumnormal]

If I understand right the coating is the only differencs? Thank you very much for your reply

[KUXJ]

If I understand right the coating is the only differencs? Thank you very much for your reply

Well... Not the only difference.

1.) Twisted strand wire will make corners better than solid core wire, and you can create "islands" within the larger perimeter to allow the animal to safely cross into another area.

2.) I have seen anywhere from 14 to 22 gauge, but you have to match what the system was designed for, i.e. You shouldn't use 22g with a 14g system.

3.) Depending on the length of your run, you may need to add an amplifier.

See, scroll to "Position the Boundary Wire" for #1.):
dogfenceinfo.com/Pet_Safe_Dog_Fence_Article4.asp

#2. #3.) Is just common sense.

Do you have the manual or is this an old system someone gave to you?

K

[Stratmando]

#14 THHN/THWN usually works fine and is tougher than 16 and smaller.
It is also Gas and Oil resistant.

[farfrumnormal]

I bought this on craigs list but it seems to be new. Yes I have the manual. It says for a 10 acre limit. Pet safe is the manufacturer. We accually have 20 acres. So it will work and there is available a amplifier for this type of system that I can effectively expand to the full 20 acres? I was also contimplating having the wire above ground in some spots. Is this an OK idea? Thank you all very much for the input.

[Stratmando]

It can be above ground for the electronics to work, but if it is above ground it may be cut, tripped over.

[Stratmando]

Does the manual show limits for different guages of wire? And what do you have/want(20 acres)?

[farfrumnormal]

I have 20 acres. The manual shows to use THEIR wire which is RFA-1 500ft/ 152.4m. I have a friend of a friend that sales bulk wire that I could possibly get a little cheaper. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something that was a specialty issue. One of you mentioned adding an amplifier, Is this a radio shack kind of thing?

[KUXJ]

I was also contimplating having the wire above ground in some spots. Is this an OK idea? Thank you all very much for the input.

No, and for the reasons Stratmando mentioned.

but if it is above ground it may be cut, tripped over.

Is one reason you want to leave it exposed, because of hard or rocky ground?

I have 20 acres. The manual shows to use THEIR wire which is RFA-1 500ft/ 152.4m. I have a friend of a friend that sales bulk wire that I could possibly get a little cheaper. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something that was a specialty issue. One of you mentioned adding an amplifier, Is this a radio shack kind of thing?

http://www.petsafe.net/PetSafe/files...f92df17375.pdf
At the top of page 8 it says We recommend 20 gauge insulated multi-strand copper wire for direct burial.

Insulated wire is a specialty item, because code states (If wiring will be buried, UF cable is acceptable, however, some require that Type TW wire and conduit be used.) and conduit will not affect the signal.

radio shack kind of thing?

You'd have to check with them.

[farfrumnormal]

Thank you very much for your input. This has helped greatly.