How are electric fences “safe” considering the high voltage? And why is the high voltage necessary?

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I understand basically that the current, or amps, are what cause harm, but based on Ohm’s law, V=IR, for the amps to be so low with such high voltage, the resistance must be very high. So why do you need such a high voltage in the first place? Wouldn’t that require a transformer to step up the voltage? And doesn’t such a high voltage create a safety risk, for instance if a conductor with lower resistance came into contact with the voltage source? If you want low amps as not to electrocute animals/people, would it not be easier to use lower voltage?

Just curious and trying to understand. Electricity is like magic to me.

In: Physics

15 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

A candlelight is hot (think high voltage). Touch it and it will sting, but it the candle will die (but not you). It doesn’t have enough energy (ampere when talking about electricity).

Dive in to a pool that’s 45deg celcius. It will feel nice and warm, but if you stay in for a longer period, you will die.

An electric fence is there to alarm you, so thats why we need that high voltage.

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