As you’re researching the best components to use for your electric fence, you may have been confused by the difference between solid state and low impedance chargers. And since the charger is by far the heart of the electric fence, you need to make sure you’ve chosen the best option for your needs.
The basic differences between these two charger types are as follows:
Shock force
Low impedance chargers can a deliver high amperage shock, which makes these types of chargers the best choice for bigger livestock, such as cattle or horses.
Solid state chargers on the other hand deliver a smaller-amperage shock. This type of charger is most suited for smaller animals. You would want to pair your solid state chargers with bare wires made of steel or aluminum. The smaller resistance in these wires will help increase the effectiveness of the charger’s shock force.
Power perks
Low impedance chargers increase power output if given additional load, while solid state chargers do not. This makes low impedance chargers more suited for heavy weed conditions and longer fences. This type of charger is also recommended in handling animals with a lot of fur.
Solid state chargers do not have this quality, which makes the more suitable for low-to-moderate weed conditions, average fence length, and animals with less fur. When using these types of charger, you should make sure that your fence perimeter is clear of weeds. Weeds will ground your electric fence and cause additional load, which will cause a shortage of power on your fence. Solid state chargers do not pack additional energy to cover these loads.
Having understood these two basic differences, you’re ready to choose the right type of charger to use on your electric fence. You may wonder why are there low impedance chargers being offered for your electric fence while you haven’t seen any high impedance chargers. Are high impedance chargers the same as solid state?
The answer is no. High impedance chargers pack stronger shock forces and have more power perks that low impedance chargers. These qualities make these types of chargers have a high tendency of burning weed, which runs the risk of starting fires.
