Guide to setting up a 9 volt electric fence energiser

FarmCare UK Easy Guide to Setting Up the Horizont Trapper B12  9 Volt Energiser - plus overview of best 9 volt energisers for horses

9 volt energisers are very popular here in the UK, especially for horses, temporary electric fences and for smaller electric set-ups.  They are incredibly easy to use, light to move around and offer an inexpensive way to securely fence in livestock.

The downside of 9 volt electric fence energiser is that that batteries are not rechargeable.  The batteries come in different strengths - a 55Ah battery (the most popular choice) lasts for approximately 3 months, depending on the condition of the fence, and costs in the region of £15.  Many people turn off their fences over night, so this extends the life of the battery.  A 150Ah battery lasts for around 9 months and costs in the region of £32.  The batteries are very easy to get hold off and simple to change.

Our most popular 9 volt energiser is the Horizont Trapper B12 (it used to be called the B1 Equistop energiser and had a green top - it's the same energiser - just updated casing).  It is made in Germany and is perfect for horses.  Below is a guide to show you how to set up this energiser, although most 9 volt energisers have a very similar set-up.  The Horizont Trapper B12 costs £89.99 and more details can be seen here:  https://www.farmcareuk.com/equistop-b1.html

Two other fantastic value 9 volt energisers that are worth considering for horses are:

Horizont HoriMaster - this is essential the same as the Trapper B12, but was produced to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the brand.  Grab one while you can - it's the same thing for a better price (and the price is already amazing!).  It is on sale at £79.99 and details can be seen here:  https://www.farmcareuk.com/horizont-horimaster-9-volt-energiser-on-sale.html

The other option to consider is the Gallagher B20.  It is not as powerful, but it is less expensive and has a 7 year warranty, if you register it online.  But, it really is for smaller fences and if you need a good zap, I'd opt for a the Trapper B12. It costs £82.50 and you can see more details here:  https://www.farmcareuk.com/gallagher-ba20-energiser.html

Horizont Trapper B12 9 Volt Electric Fence Energiser Set-Up Guide

This is our most popular electric fence energiser for horses - perhaps because it is so easy to set up and use.

Step 1:  Your 9 volt battery looks like this - with a red and black wire sticking out of the top.  A 55Ah battery will last for approx 3 months, and a 150Ah battery will power your fence for about 9 months.

Step 2:  Remove the lid of your energiser (this is the hardest bit - but just squeeze the clips on the side and it will come off!) and place the battery inside the energiser.

Step 3: Inside the lid you will see there are 4 terminals.  We need the round ones nearest the edge of the lid.  The largest of the two is the positive terminal.  Because there are 2 sizes, you can't get them the wrong way around!

Step 4:  Put the wires on, as per the picture.  If you put the energiser on now, it will give you a shock!  Carefully put the top back on, so it latches to the bottom.

Step 5:  Attach the live fence wire (has a heart shaped end) to the Positive terminal on the left (the one with the lightning bolt).  Tighten up the black knob to hold wire in place.

Step 6:  Attach the earth stake wire to the terminal on the right (with the upside down T).  Tighten up the black knob to hold wire in place.

Step 7:  The earth stake is assembled as per the picture.  Make sure the wing nut is done up tightly.  The earth stake slides into the slot at the bottom of the energiser.  Alternatively, the earth stake can be put in the ground and the energiser can sit next to it.

Step 8:  Your energiser is now ready to us!  Slide the heart shaped wire over your electric fence tape or rope and switch it on.  The light will start flashing and your electric fence is live.

Remember to keep checking your energiser to ensure your battery life is sufficient. Regularly check your fence to make sure there is nothing touching it that can 'earth' it (this will waste your battery and create a weak fence).  If your tape or rope breaks, please don't tie knots as this will prevent the electrical pulses from flowing around the fence properly.  Instead, please use tape or rope connectors.

If you have any questions, please give us a call.  We are always happy to help.

FarmCare UK

Electric Fence Specialists

01323 406212