Fencing Design Considerations

Non-Electric Fences

Eight wire fence for cattle, horses, sheep and goats

Wire spacings from ground up: 4", 5", 5", 5" 6", 6", 7", 8"

Double brace required

Line posts are 3-4" x 6 1/2-7'

8' posts are driven 48" into the earth

Post spacings: Maximum distance between line posts 30'; heavy grazing, 24'

Spacers: Maximum 10' centers; heavy grazing, 8' centers

Twelve wire fence for horses

Wire spacings from ground up: 6", 4", 4", 4", 5" 5", 5", 5", 5", 5", 5", 5"

Double brace required

Line posts are 8' x 4", dips 9' x 4"

8' posts are driven 38"

Post spacings: 10' to 12' centers

Gate and end posts 9' x 6", first brace post 9' x 5", second brace post and top horizontals 9' x 4"

Electric Fences

Eight wire fence for horses

Wire spacings from ground up: 16", 5", 5", 5" 6", 6", 7", 8"

Hot wires from ground up are wire 1, wire 4, and wire 8

Double brace required

Post sizes are the same as the 12 wire nonelectric

Post spacings: 40' centers

Spacers: 10' centers

Six wire fence for sheep and hogs / cattle and horses

Wire spacings from ground up for sheep and hogs: 5", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9"

Wire spacings from ground up for cattle and horses: 10", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9"

Hot wires from ground up are wire 1, wire 2, wire 4, and wire 6

The bottom wire should be hooked up so it can be disconnected in heavy snow

Single brace required

Line posts are 3-4" x 6 1/2-7', dips 4" x 8'

Post spacings: Maximum spacings 100' (6 rods) centers

Spacers: 50' centers

NOTE: Post should be driven as needed, all dips, rises, curves, and corners not to exceed 100 feet.

Five wire fence for sheep and hogs / cattle and horses

Wire spacings from ground up for sheep and hogs: 6", 7", 8", 9", 10"

Wire spacings from ground up for cattle and horses: 11", 7", 8", 9", 10"

Hot wires from ground up are wire 1, wire 3, and wire 5

Single brace required

Follow the specifications for the 6 wire electric fence

Six Wire Anti-deer Fence Pennsylvania Game Commission Design

Wire spacings from ground up: 8", 10", 10", 10" 10", 10"

Five wires are hot -- the top wire is cold

Double brace required---9' posts are driven 48"

Post sizes are the same as the 12 wire nonelectric

Post spacings: 50' centers or as needed

Four Wire Cross Fencing

Wire spacings from ground up: 13", 8", 9", 10"

Hot wires from ground up are wire 1, wire 2, and wire 4

Single brace required

Follow the specifications for the 6 wire electric

The proper construction of ends, corners, turns, and dips are the most important features in a strong, dependable, and long lasting fence.