About Our Battery-Powered Electric Fence Chargers
A battery-powered electric fence charger’s obvious advantage is being able to operate in places without a readily available AC power source. The disadvantages are relatively high cost (because the cost of the battery must be added to the price of the charger) and the fact that one must be prepared to periodically recharge or replace the batteries. We have selected several low-key battery-powered chargers suited for use with temporary horse fences and small enclosures that can use several different kinds of batteries. The Zareba Yellow Jacket and the Dare DSX 140 can both operate off 4 D cells (flashlight batteries), a 6-volt battery, or a 12-volt battery. Similarly, the Dare DS 300 can use either a 6-volt battery or a 12-volt battery. The more powerful battery-powered chargers offered, whose portability is apt to be less of an issue, operate off single power sources (a 6-volt battery for Parmak’s DF-LI-UO and a 12-volt battery for Parmak’s EM-200 and Magnum 12 UO). Regarding 6 and 12 volt batteries, 6-volt and 12-volt batteries made for boats or golf carts usually work better with electric fence chargers than do car-type batteries, because car batteries are designed to be continually recharged, while marine or golf cart batteries can be more fully discharged without damage. (Such batteries are available on the internet at sites like www.ebatteriestogo.com.) Also, those planning to use battery-powered electric fence chargers in cold conditions should note that D cells do not work at near or below freezing temperatures and that gel-type batteries are apt to be far more effective and trouble-free than wet cells in these conditions.
Zareba Yellow Jacket – Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger, UL Listed
The versatile Yellow Jacket electric fence charger can run on 4 D-cell (flashlight) batteries and also on a 6-volt or 12-volt battery. Fully portable and easy to use, the weather-resistant Yellow jacket can be attached directly to a temporary horse fence system’s ground rod and also has a built-in wire strap for attaching to your electric fence wire. The Yellow Jacket puts out only 0.25 joules, but it uses special circuitry and transformers to maintain high energy levels on the electric fence and can cope with a light (400 ohm) weed burden. The unit also has a three-position switch that allows it to be turned “off,” on to “maximum” output, or on to “battery-saver” output. The unit comes with instructions and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects and lightning damage. A flashing light on the Yellow Jacket indicates when it is operating. Batteries not included.