The Ultimate Guide to Electric Fence Testers

Meriel Younger at www.electricfencing.co.uk says if you keep livestock and poultry on your land, an electric fence might already be part of your setup.

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How do you know if it’s doing its job? Whether you're keeping a few hens in the back garden or managing a full field of sheep or horses, one little tool can make a world of difference: the electric fence tester!

These handy little gadgets are the unsung heroes of electric fencing. They save time, boost safety, and help prevent those “gate’s open and the animals are out” moments. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what fence testers do, the types available, and how to choose the right one for your setup.

WHY EVERY SMALLHOLDER NEEDS A FENCE TESTER

Let’s be honest—most of us have, at some point, gingerly touched the electric fence to “check” if it’s on. And regretted it immediately ouch! A proper fence tester does the job safely, quickly, and accurately. Here’s why every smallholder should have one on hand:

• Keep Animals Safe and Contained: Low voltage might not be enough to deter a determined goat or curious fox.

• Find Faults Fast: If there’s a break in the wire, a poor connection, or a bit of rogue bramble sucking power from the line, a tester can help you find it quickly.

• Save Your Sanity: No more walking the fence line guessing what’s wrong - testers take out the guesswork.

TYPES OF ELECTRIC FENCE TESTERS