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Wire size in an invisible fence

J

John

Jan 1, 1970
0
I ran a bit short while installing an invisible dog fence.
They supply 20 gauge PE insulated wire.
Another reel of their wire is $25.
A reel of 14 gauge regular wire is $12.

The instruction book cautions against mixing sizes. What difference would
it make? I am guessing that the heavier wire might radiate a bit wider
field, but I can live with that. Any other problem you can see?
I don't know what normal insulation is but guess it is PVC? That is no more
likely to deteriorate in the ground than PE, is it?

Any insights would be appreciated. Once it is in the ground it is too late.

Also, do you think the waterproof wire nuts that HD sells will be okay? The
ones that came with the kit are more elaborate, but also bulkier and more
difficult to bury.

Thanks.
 
D

daestrom

Jan 1, 1970
0
John said:
I ran a bit short while installing an invisible dog fence.
They supply 20 gauge PE insulated wire.
Another reel of their wire is $25.
A reel of 14 gauge regular wire is $12.

The instruction book cautions against mixing sizes. What difference would
it make? I am guessing that the heavier wire might radiate a bit wider
field, but I can live with that. Any other problem you can see?
I don't know what normal insulation is but guess it is PVC? That is no more
likely to deteriorate in the ground than PE, is it?

Any insights would be appreciated. Once it is in the ground it is too late.

The *impedance* difference can be important. Doesn't an 'invisible fence'
work at radio frequencies? If so, a different impedance could be a problem
('reflection' and standing waves??)

Don't know for sure, never worked with one. Just some thoughts.

daestrom
 
J

John

Jan 1, 1970
0
John said:
I ran a bit short while installing an invisible dog fence.
They supply 20 gauge PE insulated wire.
Another reel of their wire is $25.
A reel of 14 gauge regular wire is $12.

The instruction book cautions against mixing sizes. What difference would
it make? I am guessing that the heavier wire might radiate a bit wider
field, but I can live with that.

I connected it up above ground, and the field was much smaller. I had to
turn it to the highest setting to get the field size back. I don't know if
it would work out, but didn't want to mess with it.
So, I found some 18 guage, and that worked fine; but took a while to find
it.

If anyone has an explanation why 14 & 20 gauge gives a much smaller field
than 18 & 20...
 
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