In this video, we walk through how to troubleshoot an electric fence using proper fence testing equipment — and why “testing it by touching it” is not a test at all. If you run electric fence, having basic diagnostic tools is like having a speedometer in your truck. You need to know how your fence is performing so you can catch problems early — instead of finding out when livestock are out. Why You Need Fence-Specific Testers Household multimeters and voltmeters aren’t designed for the high voltage pulses of electric fencing and can be damaged. Electric fence systems require fence-specific testers that are built for the job. Testing Tools Covered (From Basic to Advanced) 1) Basic Test Light A simple light that blinks when there’s some voltage on the fence — but it won’t tell you how much. 2) Live Fence Monitor (Fence “Check Engine Light”) A clip-on monitor that blinks with each pulse when voltage is above roughly 2,000V. Great for quick daily confirmation your fence is “on,” but not detailed troubleshooting. 3) Multi-Light Voltage Tester Shows voltage in rough increments (e.g., 2,000V steps). Helpful, but still fairly coarse. 4) Digital Fence Voltmeter Gives an actual number (kV), making it much easier to track performance over time and spot a real drop from your normal baseline. 5) Fault Finder (Voltage + Amperage + Direction) A true troubleshooting tool. It measures: fence voltage (kV) current draw (amps) the direction current is flowing (arrow) That directional information is what lets you track the fault efficiently. 6) Fence Remote + Monitoring System (for large energizers) Some systems allow you to check voltage/amps and even turn the fence on/off from anywhere — and add monitors at different points so you know which area the problem is in before you start walking. The Key Concept: Know Your Baseline Every fence system is different (wire type, netting, energizer size, grounding, soil moisture, vegetation load). The first step in troubleshooting is knowing what your fence reads when it’s healthy. In this example, the fence baseline is around 6.8 kV. A good operating target is: 5,000 volts minimum ideally higher (often 7–10 kV on a clean, well-built system) If your baseline is already low, that points to bigger system issues (energizer sizing, grounding, etc.). How Fault Finding Works (In the Field) We create a short down the line and demonstrate the process: Measure voltage + amps near the energizer Follow the arrow direction (current flow) Check at junctions and intersections to determine which branch contains the fault As you approach the fault, amperage stays high Once you pass the fault, amperage drops sharply (and the direction arrow may disappear) Go back to the previous point and search that section for the cause Why This Matters Fence testing gear can seem expensive, but it saves huge time (and stress). A voltmeter helps you catch performance drops early, and a fault finder can cut troubleshooting from hours to minutes — helping prevent escapes and keeping livestock and predators where they belong.