In electric fencing, power is everything — but uncontrolled power can also be destructive. That’s why a lightning diverter (or lightning arrestor) is one of the most important yet often overlooked components of a reliable fence system.
At Fenken Fence & Supply, we make it a standard practice to include lightning protection in every professional installation. Today, our technicians are in the field installing one such diverter — a small but powerful safeguard that can mean the difference between a functioning fence and a costly system failure after a storm.

What Is a Lightning Diverter?
A lightning diverter is a protective device that channels excess electrical energy — particularly from lightning strikes — safely away from the fence energizer and into the ground.
Electric fences, by their very nature, run long distances over open land. This makes them highly susceptible to lightning strikes, especially in areas like Kimana, Amboseli, Chyulu, and Loitoktok, where storms can be intense and unpredictable.
Without protection, a single lightning strike can:
Burn out the energizer (the heart of the system),
Melt fence wires or insulators, and
Cause damage to connected power systems.
How It Works
A lightning diverter acts as a safety valve between the fence line and the energizer. It’s typically installed near the energizer and connected to a dedicated earth rod.
Here’s how it functions:
- During normal operation, the diverter allows the energizer to send pulses along the fence as usual.
- When lightning strikes the fence line (or even near it), the surge travels along the wire.
- The diverter detects the sudden spike in voltage and instantly redirects that excess current to the ground, bypassing the energizer.
This redirection protects sensitive components from being overloaded or destroyed.
Why Every Fence Needs One
Even if lightning doesn’t strike directly, the induced electrical surge from nearby storms can be enough to damage or degrade the system over time. A properly installed diverter prevents this and ensures:
⚡ Energizer Protection: Extends the lifespan of your energizer by shielding it from sudden surges.
🌧️ System Reliability: Keeps the fence operational even after severe weather.
💰 Cost Efficiency: Saves on costly repairs or replacements caused by lightning damage.
🌍 Safety Assurance: Prevents dangerous voltage from reaching equipment or personnel near the energizer.
In regions prone to thunderstorms, installing a lightning diverter isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Fenken’s Professional Practice
At Fenken Fence & Supply, lightning protection is a standard inclusion in our installations, not an afterthought. Our technicians ensure:
- The diverter is installed close to the energizer,
- It is connected to a dedicated, well-earthed grounding system, and
- All wiring is properly insulated and aligned to prevent backflow of current.
This professional approach guarantees that even in the harshest weather, your fence remains safe, effective, and durable.
In Summary
A lightning diverter may be small in size, but its role in an electric fence is massive. It protects your investment, ensures continuity, and gives you peace of mind — knowing that when the storm passes, your fence will still be standing strong.
At Fenken, we don’t just install fences — we build resilience.
Learn more about our full fencing systems and protective components at fenken.co.ke