Shielding the Fence: The Importance of a Lightning Diverter in Electric Fencing

by with No Comment Electric Fencing

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:

  1. During normal operation, the diverter allows the energizer to send pulses along the fence as usual.
  2. When lightning strikes the fence line (or even near it), the surge travels along the wire.
  3. 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

The Smart Edge in Fencing: Understanding the Zig-Zag Wire for Alarm Response

by with No Comment Electric Fencing

At Fenken Fence & Supply, we believe a good fence doesn’t just stand — it thinks.
Today, our team is on-site, and in the photo above, one of our skilled technicians is installing a zig-zag wire configuration, a critical feature for modern electric fencing with alarm response capability.

This setup is what transforms a regular electric fence into a smart security system — one that not only deters intruders or wildlife but also instantly alerts owners or security personnel when tampered with.

What Is a Zig-Zag Wire?

The zig-zag wire is a clever arrangement of live and earth wires along the fence line, connected in an alternating pattern that enhances both security and sensitivity. Unlike the straight, uniform layout in standard electric fences, the zig-zag design creates multiple alternating contact points between live and earth wires, forming a responsive circuit.

When any section of the fence is cut, disconnected, or shorted, the circuit is broken. The energizer immediately detects the disturbance and triggers an alarm, activating a siren, strobe light, or sending a signal to the control unit or monitoring station.

Why the Zig-Zag Design Matters

In areas where security or wildlife management is a priority, this setup offers several advantages:

  1. Instant Alarm Response:
    Any interference — whether intentional tampering or accidental breakage — triggers a rapid alarm, ensuring swift attention and response.
  2. Improved Voltage Coverage:
    The zig-zag arrangement distributes power more evenly across the fence line, maintaining consistent voltage levels even in long stretches.
  3. Harder to Bypass:
    The irregular pattern makes it nearly impossible for intruders (or animals) to identify “safe” or non-live sections.
  4. Dual Functionality:
    It combines physical deterrence with real-time monitoring — a fence that both guards and alerts.

What It Takes to Install One

Installing a zig-zag wire system requires precision, proper insulation, and perfect alignment. The wires must be evenly spaced and tightly tensioned to maintain current flow without arcing or energy loss.

At Fenken, our technicians ensure:

  • Each wire is correctly terminated and insulated.
  • The energizer used is alarm-compatible, capable of detecting faults and sending alerts.
  • The tensioning and alignment are accurate to guarantee both strength and responsiveness.

It’s this level of attention to detail that makes a fence not only durable but intelligent.

Fenken’s Expertise

We have installed over 200 kilometres of electric fencing across Kenya — protecting farms, conservancies, and private properties. The zig-zag alarm fence is one of the advanced systems we recommend for clients seeking an extra layer of safety, especially in areas prone to intrusion or human–wildlife conflict.

Each installation is a product of experience, precision, and integrity, combining practical field expertise with cutting-edge technology.

In Summary

The zig-zag wire system represents the next step in electric fencing — a fusion of engineering and intelligence. It’s a reminder that security today is not just about building barriers, but about building awareness and response.

At Fenken, we continue to innovate and deliver solutions that protect property, promote safety, and give our clients peace of mind.

Learn more about our fencing systems and installations at fenken.co.ke