What Fence Insulators Do I Need?
There are so many electric fence insulators available; many customers are unsure what insulators are compatible with the fence or posts they have or are purchasing. This guide will help you determine what solution will work best for your property!
What electric fence system do you have?
Shockline Flex Fence Electric Coated Wire
Shockline is a high-tensile coated wire fence system so we recommend CCA pressure-treated wood posts. However, t-posts are acceptable for line posts, but do not use t-posts for your corners, ends, or gate posts; the tension will collapse the fence system inward. Shockline also has the option to be added to pipe fencing. So what insulators will you need for Shockline?
Wood Posts
- End/Gate Posts – For all end/gate posts, Shockline's rail starts and stops with an end loop assembly (slips right over the post) that connects to the Shockline rail with an in-line rail tensioner. The in-line rail tensioner is then tightened with a rail tensioner handle.
- Corner Posts – If you're running your Shockline fence rail to the outside of your corner posts, you can either cut corner insulator tubing to the length needed, use two corner pin-lock insulators, or three claw insulators. However, if you're running the Shockline rail on the inside of your corner post, you will need inside corner lag insulators.
- Line Posts – There are quite a few different options you can choose from for line post insulators – based on your preference and horse's personality. Choose from claw insulators, corner pin-lock insulators, wood pin-lock insulators, 5" insulator tubing, and all of the ring insulators (ring insulators, heavy-duty ring insulators, 6" ring insulators, 6" angle ring insulators).
T-Posts
- End/Gate & Corner Posts – *N/A; wood posts are needed.
- Line Posts – If you decide to use t-posts for your line posts on your Shockline fence system, there are a few different insulator solutions. You can use t-post line insulators, t-post toppers (top rail only; it caps the t-post), pin-lock t-post insulators, or extended pin-lock t-post insulators.
Pipe
- End/Gate Posts – For all end/gate posts, Shockline's rail starts and stops with an end loop assembly (slips right over the post) that connects to the Shockline rail with an in-line rail tensioner. The in-line rail tensioner is then tightened with a rail tensioner handle.
- Corner & Line Posts – If you're adding an electric rail to pipe fence, ring insulator clamps can be used to attach Shockline to the outside of a pipe rail.
Pro-Tek 1.5" Electric Tape
With Pro-Tek Tape, all end/gate and corner posts need wood posts and insulators are not used. Pro-Tek Tape's rail starts and stops with a tape end tensioner and when two rails meet in a corner you will need a tape corner tensioner instead of insulators.
Wood Posts
- Line Posts – Choose from universal post tape insulators or 3.5" extended tape insulators.
T-Posts
- Line Posts – If you're using t-posts with your Pro-Tek Tape you can use t-post tape insulators, t-post toppers (top rail only; it caps the t-post), or 3.5" extended t-post tape insulators.
Round Rod Posts
- Line Posts – If you're installing Pro-Tek Tape on fiberglass or steel round rod posts, you will need to use round rod tape insulators.
Pro-Tek Braided Electric, Pro-Tek Electric Rope, & ElectroBraid™
All of the braided/rope electric fence options on the market can use the same insulators – regardless of being stainless steel or copper (which is only different with electric connections and grounding).
Wood Posts
- End/Gate Posts – For all end/gate posts, you will need roller insulators.
- Corner Posts – If you're running your braided/rope fence rail to the outside of your corner posts, you can either use two corner pin-lock insulators, three roller insulators, or three claw insulators. However, if you're running the the rail on the inside of your corner post, you will need inside corner lag insulators.
- Line Posts – There are quite a few different options you can choose from for line post insulators – based on your preference and horse's personality. Choose from claw insulators, corner pin-lock insulators, universal pin-lock insulators, wood pin-lock insulators, 5" offset insulators, and all of the ring insulators (ring insulators, heavy-duty ring insulators, 6" ring insulators, 6" angle ring insulators).
T-Posts
- End/Gate & Corner Posts – *N/A; wood posts are needed
- Line Posts – If you're using t-posts for your line posts, you can use t-post line insulators, t-post toppers (top rail only; it caps the t-post), pin-lock t-post insulators, or extended pin-lock t-post insulators.
*If you have more questions, we welcome you to call us at 800-434-6296 to speak with a friendly RAMM expert today!