DOG FENCE WIRE GAUGES - JUST THE FACTS
STRANDED COPPER CORE
The copper core is made up of 7 smaller strands of copper and was used by Petsafe years ago and found to create problems for different reasons.
SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED.
SOLID COPPER CORE
INSULATION
This is the protective covering over the copper core of the wire. The very best insulation is Polyethylene (type PE) . Similar to the black plastic material used in bed-liners of pick-up trucks. If a retailer does not state the insulation type, ASK them.
Insulation thickness is measured in Mil’s. One Mil is 1/1000 of an inch.
Most retailers selling dog fence systems have wire from 20 to 30 mil thick.
Our 20 & 18 Gauge wire has a 35 mil thick insulation, much thicker then 30
mil and our
16 & 14 gauge wire has a 45 Mil thick insulation.
WHAT TRAVELS ON THIS WIRE ?
In the majority of systems such as Innotek, Petsafe, and Sportdog, it is an AM radio signal.
DOES THE SIGNAL TRAVEL BETTER ON LARGER WIRE ?
No, basically the signal will travel the same on 20 gauge wire as it does on 14 Gauge wire.
WHY USE 18, 16, OR THE PROFESSIONAL 14 GAUGE WIRE ?The heavier gauge wire is used to prevent the many problems that arise to wire causing complete system shut down. It can range from animals of every, and all sizes, from a mole to a bear chewing the wire. Wire can be very easily repaired, if broken with a piece of wire and 2 splices, however the very difficult task of locating the break sometimes can make the break and repair near impossible.
I have read many remarks by retailers who tell customers that the much
heavier 16 or 14 gauge wire is not needed and is a waste of money. These
retailers evidently know nothing about fence systems or wire. I speak with over
45 years of electrical wire experience and am currently a Licenced Electrical
Contractor.
Common sense, is I guess not common, when it comes to their statements. The
larger 16 & 14 gauge wire is many times stronger then 20 or 18 gauge, and the
only reason that someone would not recommend it , is because they just are
unable to offer it at the low price we sell it for. You see we have it made
special for
Monell Pets.
WHY DO PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS ONLY USE 14 GAUGE WIRE?
Professional installers recognize the need to use a wire gauge which cannot be chewed, as 20 & 18 gauge wire can, by animals as small as a squirrel. I have seen a squirrel chew through my 20 gauge deck lighting wire in 6 different locations. The strength of 14 gauge wire gives customers an installation that is time tested and proven to last a lifetime. Pro-installers do the job 1 time and never need to come back to repair damages.
We believe in giving the customers all the honest fact about systems and the wire used with them. We are know for our honesty and excellent communication and are happy
to answer questions.
In closing of our above statements I will have to say that the comparison of 18, 16, and 14 gauge wire would be , GOOD, BETTER, and very BEST . We recommend up-grading all systems rather then using 20 gauge wire.
