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Best Electric Fence Chargers – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

by David Moore | Last updated: March 4, 2021

Whether you have a large pasture or a small garden, nature is bound to take its toll on your hard efforts. For pastures, predators and aimless wandering pose a serious threat to livestock – not to mention livelihood. For gardens and farms, deer, wild hogs, and other herbivorous or omnivorous pests pose problems. That is why a number of people turn to electrified fencing. For creatures you want to keep in or those you wish to keep out, electric fences have served as an adequate deterrent for almost a century.

However, each barrier needs to be charged, and not all chargers are suitable for all purposes.

That is why we have put together a list of the 7 best electric fence chargers as well as some pointers for which is best at what. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the electric fence charger that is right for you.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 – Best Solar Fence Charger
  • 2. Zareba EAC200M-Z – Best Electric Fence Charger for Cattle
    • How to Install an AC Fence Charger
  • 3. Gallagher M300 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Horses, Goats and Deers
  • 4. Zareba ESP10M-Z – Best Solar Fence Charger for Goats
    • How to Install a Solar Fence Charger
  • 5. Parmak Super Energizer 5 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Bears
  • 6. Taylor Fence Cyclops – Best Most Powerful AC Fence Charger: Up to 32 Joules!
    • Cyclops Boss vs Potato
  • 7. Patriot P10 – Best Dual Purpose Electric Fence Energizer
    • Patriot Energizer Installation
  • Electric Fence Chargers – Buyer’s Guide
    • Current
    • Joules
      • 1. Cattle and Horses
      • 2. Deers and Pests
      • 3. Predators
      • 4. Boars
      • 5. Bears
    • Impedance
    • How to Choose Right Type of Fence Charger for your Needs
  • Conclusion

1. Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 – Best Solar Fence Charger

Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 ReviewParmak may not have the same market share in the electric fence charger industry, but the brand actually has a bit more storied of a history. Having started as manufacturers of radios and wind turbines so that farmers could have access to electricity and the news before power was readily accessible to the more rural parts of the country, it was not until the 1930s that Parmak began making electric fence supplies. Coincidentally, the electric turbines also served to help power their electric fence chargers.

While Zareba may belong to a larger corporation that includes numerous brands and makes up a much larger segment of the market, Parmak continues to innovate and manufacture some of the best electric fence supplies and equipment available. In fact, Parmak is responsible for the first solid-state electric fence charger as well as the first solar electric fence charger. As such, it should come as little surprise that the Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 comes in as the best solar electric fence charger on our list.

In fact, this electric fence charger is a decent product regardless of how it is powered, but considering how solar electric fence chargers usually run into power issues, this product is even more of a surprise. For one, this electric fence charger pushes 3.1 joules of output power. To put that in perspective, the Magnum Solar-Pak 12 is more powerful than any other solar powered electric fence charger on our list and even more powerful than a couple of the solid state electric fence chargers we reviewed.

However, the Magnum Solar-Pak 12 does not come without its faults and inconveniences. For one, this is by and far the largest electric fence charger on our list – regardless the type or arrangement. Moreover, the solar panels are not integrated into the control box and instead sit on top of it. While this provides more surface area to absorb sunlight, it also makes positioning, installing, and caring for the Magnum Solar-Pak 12 more difficult – especially since the “waterproof” case does not handle the subtler condensation well at all.

Pros
  • 3.1 joules of energy is decent
  • 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
  • Does not require an extra battery or outlet
Cons
  • A fairly expensive fence charger on our list
  • A fairly large unit with robust installation
  • Does not handle water or condensation well

2. Zareba EAC200M-Z – Best Electric Fence Charger for Cattle

Zareba EAC200M-Z ReviewThe Zareba EAC200M-Z is the first of two electric fence chargers on our list to come from the brand which itself is fairly well known in the ranching and farming community. The brand can trace its roots back to the Great Depression when small-scale farmers first started selling their homesteads to larger conglomerate agricultural companies. However, since that time, the brand has focused on a more specialized application, allowing other brands within its umbrella to pick up the slack in other departments.

In this instance, the Zareba seeks to offer solid protection for larger ranches. It accomplishes this mostly from its best on our list coverage of 200 miles. To put that in perspective, the Zabera EAC200M-Z offers four times as much coverage as its next closest competitor. However, this electric fence charger is not merely relegated to covering a large area, it packs quite a punch as well.

In fact, the Zareba provides the second most joule power output on our list. At 15 joules, this charger can put even bulls and stallions on the ground. Moreover, it is exceedingly unlikely that a bear or boar will try to mess with the fence twice – even in the boar is enraged or the bear just woke up from hibernation.

However, the best coverage and second most powerful jolt do not come cheaply. This is actually the second most expensive charger on our list, though it is still less than half as expensive as the most expensive. Another consideration is the installation of the EAC200M-Z. For one, this is the largest and heaviest charger on our list, but it is also not waterproof. This means you will have to build an enclosure for it separately.

How to Install an AC Fence Charger

Pros
  • 200 miles of coverage is easily the best
  • Fuseless design makes for easier maintenance
  • 15 joules is the second most on our list
Cons
  • A fairly expensive electric fence charger
  • One of the noisier chargers on the list
  • Is not the easiest to install

3. Gallagher M300 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Horses, Goats and Deers

Gallagher M300 ReviewGallagher is the first brand on our list that is not manufactured in the US, however it is made in New Zealand. This is important because New Zealand’s primary industry is ranching. As such, the backbone of their country’s economy requires keeping their herds safe. However, due to the prevalence of ranching Gallagher actually produces a full suite of products for agricultural needs. Moreover, Gallagher products carry with them the same historic pedigree as the other products reviewed so far, dating back to the late 1930s.

That is why it should come as little surprise that the M300 is one of the best all-around products on our list. First, it delivers a solid 3 joules of output energy. This output puts right in line with the lower Parmak and provides a solid jolt for most larger domestic animals. However, the more aggressive herd animals, like bulls and stallion, may not respect the charge quite so much. Moreover, large predators and boars are less likely to be deterred if they are truly determined.

Still, the M300 sets itself apart from the Parmak with the second largest area of coverage on our list. Fifty miles of total coverage is exceedingly large. If you are simply putting up a single hot wire to keep out large pests, this will extend more than twelve miles along each perimeter line. Of course, the dimensions will still be smaller for two or more hot lines, but it is still fairly impressive nonetheless.

Unfortunately, the M300 has more issues with water and condensation than the Parmak. Whereas the latter suffers from mostly condensation, the M300 features a plastic case that must be protected from the rain. If the case is not placed in a small covered area, the internal circuitry is known to short out. While this may lead to the electric fence charger not working at all, it thankfully will not create a situation where the joules delivered exceed a safe level.

Pros
  • 3 joules of energy is pretty good
  • 50 miles of coverage is the second most on our list
  • .75 second pulses help prevent feedback
Cons
  • A fairly expensive electric fence charger
  • Plastic case is not waterproof
  • Will have internal shorts and wire insulation issues

4. Zareba ESP10M-Z – Best Solar Fence Charger for Goats

Zareba ESP10M-Z ReviewOur second Zareba is also our second solar powered electric fence charger. While Parmak may have led the way in terms of innovating solar-powered electric fence chargers, Zareba was not far behind. However, Parmak generally focuses more on large-scale livestock needs producing moderate to severe joule outputs and covering wider mileages of fencing. While that is great, it also often comes at a hefty price.

If you simply need an electric fence charger for goats, pets, or other small domestic animals, you generally do not need that kind of power. Moreover, many of the smaller domestic animals also do not require the same breadth of ranging, consuming far less grasses than larger beasts of burden. As such, Zareba’s specialty takes a potential flaw and instead strikes to the heart of a specific niche in the electric fence market. Moreover, it is able to so at a much lower price than many of the other products on our list – and much lower than any other self-contained solar powered electric fence charger, further reducing the total cost.

However, when people dismiss solar-powered electric fences as being too weak, the ESP10M-Z is a prime suspect responsible for that reputation. In fact, this electric fence charger is actually the weakest on our list, delivering only a measly .15 joule output. This squarely places the ESP10M-Z in a narrow category of exclusively keeping timid or domestic animals within the boundary. Even smaller predators like foxes or coyotes may not respect the ESP10M-Z’s shock if they find themselves in a desperate enough situation.

Another limitation of the ESP10M-Z is its total coverage. At ten miles total, the ESP10M-Z provides the least amount of coverage on our list. Were this charger suitable for larger animals, that may not be such a big deal. However, because the power level is so much less than even the next lowest competitor, you will almost certainly need to use two or three hot wires. This is because to keep smaller animals within the fenceline, you will need to run a hotwire high and low, or else the animal will be able to avoid a single hotwire altogether.

How to Install a Solar Fence Charger

Pros
  • Is a reasonably priced fence charger
  • Solar power is cheap and easy
  • One of the easiest mounting installations
Cons
  • Puts out the fewest joules on our list
  • Only includes a 6 volt battery
  • 10 miles of coverage is the lowest on our list

5. Parmak Super Energizer 5 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Bears

Parmak Super Energizer 5 ReviewWhile the first Parmak on our list is perfectly adequate, sometimes your needs call for a bit more juice. If you have bulls or stallions, you need an electric fence charger that can deliver a powerful jolt to aggressive males which may be running high on hormones. Similarly, if you live in an area that hosts bears or boars as a native species, you will definitely require some serious stopping power to prevent these thick-skinned and persistent pests from ruining your fenceline.

That is why this Parmak, in particular, is such a solid electric fence charger all around. For one, this charger puts out 6.3 joules of output power. To put that in perspective, grown men will generally be brought to their knees after receiving a jolt like that. For domestic animals, even large, hairy males, 6.3 joules of output power is more than enough to send them scurrying away. When it comes to large predators or pests, 6.3 joules of power is liable to make all but the most desperate seek an easier source of food.

However, the Super Energizer 5 is not merely content with providing one of the most powerful shocks on our list as it includes even more maximum coverage than the other Parmak. With 50 miles of single hotwire coverage to work with, you can protect a wide acreage from predators and pests or a somewhat smaller acreage from herd dispersion. Either way, you are dealing with the second widest coverage on our list.

Finally, the Super Energizer 5 also happens to be one of the least expensive electric fence chargers we reviewed. This means that the widest coverage and the second largest joule output are both still reasonably priced compared to their competitors. The only real downside comes from its AC power supply combined with not being truly GFCI compliant. Basically, if hooked up to a GFCI outlet, the Super Energizer 5 will short the circuit.

Pros
  • One of the less expensive products we reviewed
  • 6.3 joules of energy is fairly strong
  • 50 miles of coverage is the second best on our list
Cons
  • Case is not waterproof
  • Power cord is shorter than preferred
  • Does not run on a GFCI circuit

6. Taylor Fence Cyclops – Best Most Powerful AC Fence Charger: Up to 32 Joules!

Taylor Fence Cyclops ReviewSometimes your needs may exceed what is normal. Generally, five to ten joules of output power is more than enough to detract would be predators, pests, or aggressive livestock from testing an electric fence more than once. However, there are always those instances when “enough” simply is not good enough. In this case, you need something that will not only deliver a wallop of a shock but leave the offending animal a little reminder to remember you by.

That is where Taylor Fence’s Cyclops comes into play. With a 32-joule energy output, this is by far the most powerful electric fence charger on our list. In fact, it is almost more than five times as powerful as the next closest competitor. Of course, all of that power comes at a fairly steep price, and the Cyclops is not only the most expensive product we reviewed but the most expensive nearly three times over. Still, a cost to power ratio definitely places it in a value-rich category.

However, when you are dealing with an animal that does not respect even a significant shock, sometimes you need to step your game up a notch. With 32 joules of energy, even a wild boar in a berserker rage will be brought to their knees.

Of course, if you do not require that kind of power, Taylor Fence also offers a number of other joule outputs. In fact, this brand offers the widest range of power outputs out of any on our list – though it should be noted that the least powerful Taylor Fence charger is still 1.5 joules.

However, this is a bit of an old-school system in design. For one, this is the only electric fence charger we reviewed that still requires fuses. Aside from the fact that replacing the fuses can be inconvenient, this can actually also lead to instances where your fence line is not charged.

While this might not be much of an issue for livestock who often come to respect the boundary of the fenceline whether it is charged or not – after receiving a jolt – predators could be a bit more persistent.

Cyclops Boss vs Potato

Pros
  • Produces the most joules on our list
  • Comes in a range of joule systems
  • 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
  • Best lightning protection on our list
Cons
  • The most expensive fence charger on our list
  • Does not run on a GFCI circuit
  • Fuse system will need to be replaced

7. Patriot P10 – Best Dual Purpose Electric Fence Energizer

Patriot P10 ReviewOther than Gallagher, the Patriot brand is the only other brand on our list that is not an American company made in the US. However, just like Gallagher, the Patriot brand is also manufactured in New Zealand, giving it the chops of coming from a country that relies on livestock export – making it a necessity that it functions well. However, the P10 is definitely unique in a number of ways when compared to the other products on our list.

Easily the most distinguishing characteristic of this electric fence charger is how it is powered. However, it does not actually have a specific means of powering. Instead, the P10 can be powered in one of three ways. First, it can be powered by a solar array system. However, it can also be powered by a 12V direct current – generally from a battery. Finally, the P10 can also be powered by alternating current. This allows you to power the P10 in the way that best suits your needs.

If your fence is located next to your home or another AC outlet, then the AC option might be best. However, if the fenced in area is in a more remote location, the solar setup offers an easy and cheap way of powering the charger. Of course, if that remote area happens to be in a region that does not receive a great deal of sunlight, then the DC connection would likely be preferred.

Unfortunately, while this choice is exceedingly convenient, it also will increase the overall cost of the second least expensive product on our list. That is because the P10 does not come with any of the auxiliary components necessary to power it.

If you want to make use of its solar features, you will have to purchase a solar array separately. The same applies to a battery – which is a bit odd considering most DC electric fence chargers come with a battery. Even the AC method requires you to purchase an AC adapter since the unit is technically designed for DC current.

Patriot Energizer Installation

Pros
  • The second least expensive product on our list
  • Can be powered solar and DC current
  • 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
  • Waterproof case is rare
  • Numerous ways to position or install
Cons
  • 1 joule of energy is fairly low
  • Requires an adapter to use AC current

Electric Fence Chargers – Buyer’s Guide

Current

The type of current the charger uses will determine the cost of powering the charger as well as its position. AC current is generally cheaper than DC but requires an outlet. DC current might be easier to position, but you have to buy and change the battery. One solution to DC battery replacement is a solar array, but those are less consistent and rarely deliver the same punch as either AC or DC battery powered units.

Joules

This is often the most important factor for an electric fence charger, however, this is simply not a matter of more being better. Depending on what you intend to use the electric fence for will ultimately heavily impact how powerful your charger should be – and this is not simply a matter of trying to save a few bucks.

For instance, if all you have are dogs and chickens, than too powerful of an electric fence can actually be dangerous. While it may not kill the animal outright, it could still cause damage to the nerves or the heart. In this instance, a lower Joule output is better. One to three joules is often sufficient for this purpose.

1. Cattle and Horses

Similarly, most domestic livestock, especially if they are largely female, do not require a significant joule output. However, these animals are better suited to handle a bit more of a shock and might not respond as well to weaker units. Cattle and horses are the most common type of animal that fits this bill and do well with a three to eight-joule output.

2. Deers and Pests

Of course, sometimes you are not trying to keep animals in and instead are trying to keep animals out. If you own a small garden, deer and other pests can ruin your crop with late-night munching. However, most of these herbivorous pests are a bit more timid than larger livestock. As such, a solid, though not excessive, shock is generally more than enough to keep them away.

3. Predators

Finally, predators are the bane of any owner of livestock. Thankfully, the same joule output that will keep the livestock in will also often keep out the corresponding predators. For instance, chickens have a great deal more to fear from foxes and coyotes than cattle do. As such, if you are trying to keep foxes and coyotes out, you do not need to bother with an electric fence charger designed for cattle.

4. Boars

Still, there are two animals that are in a class of their own: boars and bears. The former are tenacious animals that can fly into a rage akin to a rhino. When charging, boars will often shrug off any blow that does not put them down. As such, a fence designed to keep out boar needs to deliver a considerable shock.

5. Bears

Bears are a bit different but still require a similar response. For one, bears have an almost insatiable appetite – at least when they smell some food they want. Combine this single-mindedness with thick fur and a thick layer of fat, and electric shocks often do not affect bears as much as they do other animals. In this instance, much like a boar, bears require a bit more punch of power to their shock.

Impedance

In almost every instance, you should seek an electric fence charger that is low impedance.

This is because weeds and other brush that may come into contact with the fence will decrease the energy output if the impedance is too high. Only specific animals, like show horses and perhaps fainting goats, are better served with higher impedance chargers.

How to Choose Right Type of Fence Charger for your Needs

Conclusion

In the end, the best electric fence charger is determined more by your specific needs than any quality of the charger itself. You can spend a great deal of money for the most powerful charger on the market, but if you are only trying to keep in chickens, you are likely spending far more than you need to.

However, in the event that you have a large predator or pest to deal with, the Taylor Fence Cyclops packs the biggest punch on our list with 32 joules of output energy. Of course, if you need something powerful but not quite that powerful, the Parmak Super Energizer 5 gives quite a jolt at a much lower price.

Of course, fenceline away from an AC power source requires either a battery or a solar array. For the latter, the Parmak Solar-Pak 12 manages to offer an excellent joule output while cutting out the need for a battery. However, the Patriot P10 can skip all the fuss by being powered by both AC and DC current as well as a solar array.

See also

  • Best Grout for Indian SandstoneBest Grout for Indian Sandstone
  • Best Stump Grinder – Buyer’s GuideBest Stump Grinder – Buyer’s Guide
  • Best Pond Filters – Buyer’s GuideBest Pond Filters – Buyer’s Guide
  • Best Paver Sealer – Buyer’s GuideBest Paver Sealer – Buyer’s Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cynthia Beeman says

    January 19, 2019 at 9:14 pm

    Looking for the right solar powered electric fencing. I have 3 acres of pasture with 4 rail fencing but several post are not sturdy. I also will want to cross fence the pasture.
    is it possible to have both wire/cord and tape with a unit.
    Thinking I would mount cord on the 4 rail fence and the tape for the cross fencing.
    Interested in something aesthetically pleasing. for the cross fencing.
    Please let me know your ideas and pricing.

    Reply
    • David Moore says

      January 27, 2019 at 11:13 am

      Hi Cynthia!
      For the safety of your animals and for a long lasting fence, we recommend using one type of metal on the fence line. The type of fence system you need for your area depends on many factors, the most important consideration being the type of animal you are trying to contain or exclude. Please click here for assistance in determining the types of fencing materials that will work best for you.

      Reply
    • Gallagher USA Electric Fencing says

      January 30, 2019 at 10:21 am

      We would Recommend our S40 Solar Energizer “G345404”. With going from wire to tape you’ll want those extra Joules to power through the tape and the wire. You can connect this with jumper cables “G634004”. As for the gate crossing we do have our 4 Multi-Strand Gate “G71804”.

      Reply
  2. John Beavers says

    April 11, 2019 at 6:12 am

    I need to have a one wire electric fence along the bottom of a backyard chain link fence to keep a dog from digging under the fence. He’s quite the escape artist! I have less than 1000 feet of fence and i need a solar charger. Any suggestions? I have been looking at the parmak solar products. Does anyone know if Parmak has a showroom or retail store?

    JohnB

    Reply
    • David Moore says

      April 19, 2019 at 6:10 pm

      Hi John!
      For the fence setup you’re describing, I would recommend a Zareba® 2 Mile Solar Fence Low Impedance Charger (Model ESP2M-Z). It will provide sufficient voltage on the fence line to deter the dog. I recommend that the lowest wire on a fence be no less than 4 inches away from the ground, otherwise the fence may ground itself out.
      Also, Gallagher S10 would work for that distance if the fence was clean (no vegetation). If there would be much vegetation touching the electric wire, you would want to step up to a larger energizer.

      Reply

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