Light and flexible electric fencing

Press, 5 March 1982, Page 9

Light and flexible electric fencing

A relatively new material for use in electric fencing will be on display at the Amuri Agricultural and Pastoral Show tomorrow. The Electrofibre system uses lightweight, white fibreglass posts and droppers (battens) manufactured in Christchurch by Gracol Enterprises and sold by General Fencing, Ltd. The Electrofibre fencing system consists of a Y post, an intermediate round post, and a dropper. The Y shape is spaced according to the contour of the line. In some cases, the line is bulldozed to reduce fencing costs. Although wire spacings can be adjusted to any requirement, the top wire need not exceed 850 mm. “This type of permanent

fencing can even be driven over,” the manager of General Fencing, Mr Ashwell says, “yet it proves totally effective for all types of stock control.” He advises wooden posts, stayed and footed, for use as strainers to take the stress wherever a fence line changes direction or where steep rises and sharp dips occur. “The fibreglass posts can be drilled to take tie-down wires or pins for anti-sink plates, and are easily worked with hacksaw and file.” Mr Ashwell says. “The white posts stand out against almost any background, making it far more unlikely that either animal or human will inadvertently come into contact with the fence, Mr Ashwell says. Mr Ashwell says this system has many advantages, including the light weight and that the posts and droppers act as insulators

excluding the need for costly or unstable insulators. “Because of the fibreglass components’ ability to insulate totally,” Mr Ashwell says that both “all live” and "earth return" systems are possible without fear of voltage drain over long distances. The high percentage of glass and extreme pressures involved in the production ensure the elimination of air bubbles, giving a longer lifespan in excess of A the galvanised fence wires; he says. Unlike a natural material.

such as hardwood, every fibreglass post is virtually identical. They will not burn, are unaffected by freezing temperatures, by salt spray, by ultra-violet light or soil chemical combinations. The fibreglass posts are unique in Being both stiff and flexible. “If a post is bent double, it will always return to its original state” Mr Ashwell says. “Only a small percentage of the fibres will actually break, the rest will simply bend and snap back upright the moment the stress is relieved,” he says.