As I understand it, voltage is the difference in charge between two points. The greater that difference, the greater the current because more electrons will flow between the two points.
I thought a high resistance might explain this, but apparently the metal in electric fences have very low resistance.
In: Physics
There’s a high voltage difference between the fence and the ground, and (as long as nobody is touching it) essentially zero current. The resistance from the fence to the ground is very high, thanks to the air between them, and to the insulated mounts.
There’s practically no voltage difference between one part of the fence and another, because the fence material is an excellent conductor.
When something (a weed or an animal) touches the fence and the ground, it provides a lower-resistance path between them. Current will then flow along the fence to the point of contact, down to the ground, and back to the power source.
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