Electric fencing is one of the most flexible, affordable, and effective ways to manage livestock in the UK. But like anything, it only works if it's set up and maintained properly. Walk onto almost any farm and you'll find the same problems: sagging wires, leaning posts, low voltage, or animals that have learned to duck under a poorly installed line.
The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for. In this article, we'll cover the most common electric fencing mistakes we see across Britain — and explain exactly how to fix them. Along the way, we'll also show why investing in reliable gear from brands like Gallagher and Hotline is often the difference between a fence that frustrates you and one that "just works".
If you want to know more then read our complete UK guide to electric fence posts
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Type of Post
Many people try to save money by using lightweight plastic posts everywhere. While they're cheap and quick to set up, they aren't strong enough for corners, gateways, or areas with heavy stock pressure.
Fix: Use a hybrid approach. Wooden or steel posts at corners and gateways, with plastic or fibreglass posts along straight runs. Gallagher's TurboLine plastic posts and Hotline's multi-wire posts are sturdier than budget models, so they're less likely to lean or snap.
Mistake 2: Poor Post Spacing
If posts are too far apart, the wire or tape sags. If they're too close, you spend unnecessary money and time installing them.
Fix: Aim for 3–4 metres for cattle and horses, and 5–6 metres for sheep or poultry netting. On slopes or uneven ground, reduce the spacing. Gallagher's taller posts with multiple clip heights help keep conductors taut even when spacing varies.
Mistake 3: Weak Corners and Gateways
Corners and gates take the most strain. If you use plastic posts here, the whole fence will shift, lean, or collapse under tension.
Fix: Always use strong wooden or steel posts at corners, braced if possible. Hotline's wooden strainer kits are designed for this purpose and save a lot of repair work later.
Mistake 4: Not Enough Conductor Strands
A single line of wire might keep sheep in temporarily, but most livestock will test it eventually. Horses often need wide tape to see the fence properly, while cattle need three strands at different heights.
Fix: Match conductor type and number to your stock:
- Cattle: three strands of wire or rope (60cm, 90cm, 120cm).
- Horses: two or three strands of wide tape at chest and nose height.
- Sheep/goats: four or more lines, including low-level wires to stop them ducking under.
Hotline tape is particularly good for horse paddocks because it's visible and durable. Gallagher's TurboLine rope is excellent for cattle, carrying strong voltage over long runs.
Mistake 5: Weak Voltage
Many farmers complain that their fence doesn't "bite" hard enough. The cause is usually an underpowered energiser, poor grounding, or vegetation sapping power from the line.
Fix:
- Choose an energiser with more power than you think you'll need. For one acre, 0.5–1 joule is usually enough. Gallagher and Hotline energisers are both reliable, efficient, and built for UK stock.
- Install at least three earth stakes, spaced three metres apart, driven deep into the ground.
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed away from the conductor.
Mistake 6: Forgetting Warning Signs
It's a legal requirement in the UK to display warning signs where electric fencing borders a public right of way. Many people forget, and complaints from walkers or riders can cause problems.
Fix: Place warning signs every 50–100m, and at every gateway. Hotline sells simple, durable signs that clip straight to tape or wire.
Mistake 7: Cheap Insulators and Connectors
Budget insulators often crack in the frost or UV, while poor connectors can cause voltage drops across the line. These small weak points add up to big problems.
Fix: Spend a little more on branded insulators. Gallagher and Hotline insulators are UV-resistant and built to last. Use proper line connectors rather than twisting wires together — it improves current flow and reduces maintenance.
Mistake 8: Neglecting Maintenance
Even the best-installed fence won't run forever without checks. Posts lean, insulators crack, and vegetation creeps up. Too many people only notice when stock escape.
Fix: Walk your fence line once a week. Carry a fence tester and a handful of spare posts and insulators. Gallagher's portable fence testers make it easy to check voltage quickly.
Final Word: Get the Basics Right
Most electric fence failures come down to simple mistakes — using the wrong posts, poor spacing, weak corners, underpowered energisers, or cheap insulators. The fixes aren't complicated, but they do make the difference between a fence that's constantly causing headaches and one that quietly does its job year after year.
If you're tired of replacing broken posts or chasing sheep down the road, it might be time to stop buying bargain-bin gear and invest in proven brands. Gallagher and Hotline equipment may cost a little more, but they're designed for real British conditions — and that reliability quickly pays for itself.