18 gauge vs 20 gauge Wire for Underground Fence Systems

Which to use?

With the many changes happening in the Underground Pet fence industry, we thought it might be useful for pet owners to hear a professional view point to the question of "What type of wire should I use for my containment system and why?"

There are two types of commonly used wire in two different wire gauges (Thickness). The copper wire comes in either a stranded or solid core version, in either eighteen or twenty gauge sizes. Below are a couple of definitions, explaining the differences between the wire.

 

Stranded wire consists of a number of thin copper wires woven into one larger piece of wire. PetSafe packages this wire in all of their retail systems.  It comes in 500 foot spools and is only made in 20 gauge.  Stranded wire tends to be easier to work with, however it tends to be more fragile and prone to corrosion.  Stranded wire is a good option for those on a budget, with the understanding that it may need to be replaced in 5 years. Solid core wire is available for PetSafe systems, and works equally well with their systems.

 

Solid core wire is just what it says, one solid copper wire. Innotek systems currently package their systems with solid core 20 gauge wire.  Solid core wire is a little tougher to work with, but it tends to be more durable and less prone to corrosion.  A solid core 18 gauge wire is available from most fence dealers and is an excellent choice for above ground systems due to its even greater strength and durability.  Solid core wire typically lasts about twice as long as stranded wire.

Now that we have the definitions out of the way, let's take a look at several questions that we are always asked.

 

What wire do I use if I need more than 500 feet?

"Caution: Many dealers, in order to cut cost, have recently begun packaging multiple rolls of 500 ft. rolls of 20 gauge stranded red wire in fence kits, and advertising it as "Petsafe approved wire" Although Petsafe does package 20 gauge stranded wire in 500 ft.  fence kits, Petsafe does not offer kits that include more than one roll of stranded wire! There is a good reason for Petsafe's decision. Stranded wire is very reliable for the 500 ft. system, but adding more lenghts of wire requires splices. Stranded wire splices often allow moisture to seep in around the splice, and create problems."

This statement is completely false and misleading! Don't take my word for it, call PetSafe directly at 1-800-732-2677 and ask them. If this statement was true, PetSafe wouldn't sell extra boundary kits for their systems.  If you are using a good splice connector then there is no problem. If this statement were true, PetSafe wouldn't make a transmitter that would handle yards up to 25 acres or use approximately 4000 feet of wire.

Innotek wire comes in 20 gauge 500 foot spools also. Using a good splice connector , you can splice wire together to attain the desired amount of wire for your system.

 

 

WHICH WIRE SHOULD I USE FOR MY DOG FENCE?

18 Gauge VS 20 Gauge Wire?

 

Previously, both gauges work for underground fence systems or Innotek, PetSafe or other manufacturers would not pack their systems with 20gauge wire.  However, there are some recommended guidelines that will help you decide which wire will be better for you. First 18 gauge is stronger and more durable and long lasting than 20 Gauge Boundary wire. Solid core copper wire is better than stranded wire.

 

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Use 18 gauge if you have

 Rocky soil or rocks

If you are not burying the wire 

Many trees or vegetation

Larger than 5 acres

Use 20 Gauge if you have:

-loose sandy or clay soil

-putting wire next to a fence

-few trees or vegetation

-5 acres or smaller area

** If installing a fence above ground, you will need to use lawn staples every 5 feet. These are sold in packages of about 100 staples. One package will take care of one 500 foot spool of wire. Where you cut grass it is best to bury the wire.

A few important notes to keep in mind when purchasing a fence system:

-Installing the wire underground the best tool to use is an edger, a gas powered edger or an edger that also lays cable at the same time, it could be called a cable layer or edger-trencher. The wire only needs to be buried 2 -3 in but can go deeper if you want. 

-Never mix 2 types of wire! Mixed wire can give you signal problems and affect the functioning of your system.  IF you use 20 gauge stranded to start, then stick with 20 gauge stranded. Don't go from stranded to solid core. The same goes for all the different wire. If more than 500 foot is being purchased for larger areas, make sure that extra wire is the same type of wire.

- If you are using the pre-twisted wire you must use 20 gauge twisted wire with 20 gauge solid core wire and if you are using 18 gauge wire for your fence you must use 18 gauge pre-twisted wire.

-NEVER weave your fencing wire through a CHAIN LINK FENCE or metal fence, it will negatively affect the functioning of the fence systems

 -If you have an existing fence it would be best to put the electric fence wire at least one foot inside the existing fence

 -If you are going through a forest or heavily treed area where you cannot bury the wire, just leave it on the surface use staples or trees to keep in place and the ground will grow up over it. It is important to bury the wire where you will be cutting grass over the wire.

-The wire is waterproof with a Polyurethane coating and can also go through wet or swampy areas and still work just fine.

-IMPORTANT, if your are ordering extra rolls of wire, you should always order an extra set of 50 boundary flags with every extra roll of 500 foot of wire that you purchase.  It is important for your pet to know the boundary. If you order 1500 foot of wire for example, you should get 150 boundary flags.

Go to dog fencing or accessories to order your dog fences and wire.