Underground dog fences have become increasingly popular over the years. 
They are a great way to keep pets in the yard while giving them extra running room to ensure happiness and healthiness.
Choosing a suitable wire for your invisible fence heavily impacts how the system works. With this in mind, there are a few factors you need to consider before making your purchase.
Factor #1: Wire Gauge
Make sure to consider the gauge of the wire for your electric pet fence. Electric dog fence wires usually come in 20-gauge (thinnest), 18-gauge, 16-gauge, or 14-gauge (thickest).
You will probably find a vinyl-coated 20-gauge wire in most pre-packaged DIY dog fence kits. The problem with thinner gauges is that they have to work harder to keep your pet in bounds.
Most professionally installed systems use a 14-gauge, which uses about 4x the copper and has a thicker jacket than other sizes. This is beneficial to homeowners to reduce the chance of the wire breaking for more long-lasting use.
Factor #2: Factory vs. Professional Grade Wire
Factory-grade wire is included in most underground dog fence DIY kits. These wires cost less than professional-grade wires because of their lighter weight and medium quality.
Unfortunately, the lower quality of factory wires makes them more susceptible to cracks, which decreases the functionality of your dog fence.
Professional-grade wire is built to withstand harsh elements such as freezing conditions, water exposure, and general wear and tear. Professional grade wire prevents you from having to prematurely dig up and replace your underground dog fence wire.
A solid insulated wire rated for burial, preferably polyethylene, is known to work best for this type of project. Performance Wire and Cable’s High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) is suitable for direct burial for cathodic protection systems.
Factor #3: Wire Resistance
HMWPE offers increased impact strength and improved wear resistance. HMWPE performs well at high or low temperatures and is resistant to stress cracking, making it ideal for engineering applications.
Performance Wire and Cable offers HMWPE wire in 1000 ft, 2500 ft, 3500 ft standard reel lengths. We also have custom lengths available upon request.
With a copper conductor rated for 600 volts, our HMWPE wire is available in sizes 14 AWG through 1/0 AWG.
HMWPE provides superior resistance to:
- Corrosion
- Abrasion
- Crushing
- Chemicals
- Oils
- Moisture
Underground dog fences can be beneficial when there are restrictive laws about the installation, and building permits are required. They also don’t obstruct the view and are easier to move and adjust than a physical fence. Invisible dog fence wires can work over acres of land in different terrains and patterns, allowing dogs to freely roam about.
Underground dog fence wire from Performance Wire and Cable is made using pure copper with HMWPE insulation to ensure high quality and longevity. We have years of experience as a supplier and are here to answer any questions you might have.
If you need wire for an underground dog fence project, give us a call or request a quote.
Do Electric Pet Fences Hurt Dogs?
Electronic pet fences do not hurt dogs. The system works by delivering a small, harmless electric charge to the pet through their collar that is sent when the transmitter emits a signal that travels along underground wires.
Do Pet Fences Need To Be Installed Underground?
Though it is not required to be installed underground, a pet fence system is recommended for underground use to avoid tripping on or cutting off the wire. It is also recommended to bury the wires several inches underground to avoid any disruption from human activity, vehicles, or outdoor power equipment.