Daken Techfence MT15 - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Daken Techfence MT15 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction to Energisers and Solar Power

The Energisers: Models and Capabilities

Details the different models of mains and battery-powered energisers.

Solar Power Integration

Explains solar power usage for battery-powered energisers.

Specifications: Mains Powered Energisers

Specifications: Battery Powered Energisers

Energiser Display and Error Codes

Energiser Display for MT5, MT15, 35 & BT12, 20

Explains LED indicators for overload and operation status on specific models.

Energiser Display for MT60, 100 & BT50, 80

Details KiloVolts, Load Factor, and status indicators for larger models.

Error Codes and Low Battery Warnings

Covers error codes and low battery status indications.

Installation and Operation Guide

Mains and Battery Model Installation Notes

Covers general installation notes and connections for mains and battery models.

Battery Installation and Power Options

Details how to install batteries and available power options.

Solar Energiser Setup and Earthing

Explains solar energiser setup and the importance of proper earthing.

Solar Energiser Kit Installation

Checking Solar Energiser Operation

Guides on testing solar energiser functionality using a voltmeter.

Trouble Shooting Electric Fences

Testing Your Fence Performance

How to use testers to check fence voltage and identify issues.

Testing the Earth System

Procedures for testing the grounding system of the electric fence.

Fault Finding Procedures

Step-by-step process to locate faults within the electric fence line.

Electric Fence Installation and Connection Standards

Definitions for Electric Fencing Terms

Provides definitions for key terms related to electric fences.

General Requirements for Electric Fences

Outlines essential safety and installation rules for electric fences.

Particular Requirements for Electric Animal Fences

Prohibited Mounting Locations

Specifies restrictions on mounting electric fence components.

This manual describes the Daken Techfence range of electric fence energisers, covering both mains-powered and battery/solar-powered models. These devices are designed to provide electrical pulses to a fence, deterring animals from crossing a boundary.

Function Description

Daken Techfence energisers are used to create electric fences for animal containment or exclusion. They generate high-voltage pulses that are applied to fence wires, delivering a deterrent shock to animals that come into contact with the fence. The energisers are designed for various applications, from small to large permanent fencing setups.

The manual highlights the importance of proper installation and operation to ensure safety and effectiveness. It warns against operating the energiser with the cover removed due to high internal voltages and advises returning units to an authorised repairer for service. Electric fences should be installed according to relevant Australian Standards and workplace health and safety requirements. The appliance is not intended for unsupervised use by young children or infirm persons.

Important Technical Specifications

The Daken Techfence range includes:

Mains Powered Energisers (230VAC-50Hz):
- MT5: 0.8 Joule stored energy, 1.3W consumption, 8.2kV no-load output voltage.
- MT15: 1.7 Joule stored energy, 1.8W consumption, 8.5kV no-load output voltage.
- MT35: 3.0 Joule stored energy, 3.0W consumption, 8.5kV no-load output voltage.
- MT60: 6.0 Joule stored energy, 6.2W consumption, 8.8kV no-load output voltage.
- MT100: 8.0 Joule stored energy, 8.0W consumption, 8.8kV no-load output voltage.
- All mains models have a pulse period of 1.2 seconds and include input surge, noise, over-voltage, and output surge (lightning) protection.
Battery Powered/Solar Energisers (12V or 24V DC, max 30V):
- BT12 (Solar): 1 Joule stored energy, 85mA 12V drain, 8.5kV no-load output voltage. Requires 10W solar panel and 15Ah battery.
- BT20: 2 Joule stored energy, 150mA 12V drain, 8.5kV no-load output voltage. Requires 20W solar panel and 30Ah battery.
- BT50: 5 Joule stored energy, 375mA 12V drain, 8.5kV no-load output voltage. Requires 40W solar panel and 60Ah battery.
- BT80: 8 Joule stored energy, 570mA 12V drain, 8.5kV no-load output voltage. Requires 40W solar panel and 120Ah battery.
- All battery models have a pulse period of 1.3 seconds (normal) or 1.7 seconds (low battery) and include input surge, noise, over-voltage, and output surge (lightning) protection. Solar regulators are recommended for BT20, BT50, and BT80 models.

The "rated km" for each energiser is a guide only, as actual performance depends on factors like earth resistance, number and spacing of wires, insulator type, wire resistance, amount of grass/scrub contact, and fence circuit layout. Acceptable fence voltage can vary (e.g., 3kV for some stock).

Usage Features

Installation:
- Energisers can be mounted on two screws (55 cm centres) or placed on a shelf.
- Mains-powered energisers must be kept undercover and protected from weather.
- Connection to fence and earth is via "Chunky terminal knobs" on the front. Daken Underground Cable is recommended for these connections.
- Battery Installation: Battery leads (red to +ve, black to -ve) are attached to a 12V heavy-duty or deep-cycle battery. The battery should be installed off the ground and covered to protect it from weather and prevent premature discharge. Adequate ventilation is crucial if the enclosure houses a battery, as lead-acid batteries can emit explosive gases during charging.
- Solar Powered Energisers: These kits include an energiser, solar panel, and (for most models) a regulator. A battery must be supplied separately. The pre-mounted solar panel assembly can be attached to a star post or 2" water pipe, facing North and free from shadows. The energiser hangs on bolts under the solar panel. Heavy-duty battery terminals connect the solar panel assembly to the battery.
- Earthing: Good earthing is essential for effective shock delivery. Detailed information on earthing is available in the Daken Electric Fencing Manual.
Energiser Display:
- MT5, MT15, MT35 & BT12, BT20:
  - OVER LOAD (red LED): Flashes slowly (once per pulse) when the load exceeds an acceptable level (indicating a fence fault). Flashes quickly for an energiser error. Operating into overload will not harm these models.
  - ENERGISER OK (green LED): Flashes with each pulse, indicating correct operation.
- MT60, MT100 & BT50, BT80:
  - OVER LOAD (red LED): Functions similarly to the smaller models. Flashes quickly for low battery or energiser error.
  - ENERGISER OK (green LED): Functions similarly to the smaller models.
  - KiloVolts display: Shows the output voltage, indicating fence effectiveness.
  - Load Factor display (0-10): Indicates fence load (0 = no load, 10 = dead short). Useful for quick fence health checks.
- Error Codes:
  - Low Battery (Lo b or red LED flashes twice): Battery-powered energisers indicate low battery voltage. The battery needs recharging to prevent damage and loss of fence voltage. Early models may switch off to conserve battery power.
  - Energiser Service (Er 03, 04, 05 or red LED flashes 3+ times): Indicates a fault requiring professional service.
Safety Requirements (AS/NZS 60335.2.76):
- Avoid contact with electric fence wires, especially with head, neck, or torso. Use gates or designed crossing points.
- Electric fences must not pose electrical hazards to persons, animals, or surroundings.
- Avoid constructions that could entangle animals or persons.
- Do not supply an electric fence from two different energisers or independent circuits of the same energiser. Maintain at least 2.5m between different electric fences, or use non-conductive/isolated metal barriers if closing the gap.
- Barbed wire or razor wire must not be electrified.
- Fences along public roads/pathways must have warning plates (100x200mm, yellow background with black "TAKE CARE - ELECTRIC FENCE" text or Figure 4 symbol, indelible, 25mm height, on both sides).
- Energiser earth electrode must penetrate the ground at least 1m.
- Connecting leads inside buildings must be insulated from earthed structural parts (using insulated high voltage cable).
- Underground connecting leads must be in insulating conduit or be insulated high voltage cable, protected from animal hooves or tractor wheels.
- Connecting leads must not be installed in the same conduit as mains supply, communication, or data cables.
- Connecting leads and fence wires must not cross above overhead power or communication lines. If crossing is unavoidable, it must be underneath the power line and at right angles.
- Minimum clearances from overhead power lines: 3m for <=1000V, 4m for 1000-33000V, 8m for >33000V.
- Height of connecting leads and fence wires near overhead power lines must not exceed 2m (within 2m for <=1000V lines, 15m for >1000V lines).
- Maintain at least 10m between the energiser earth electrode and any other earthing system (e.g., power supply protective earth, telecommunication system earth).
- Low-output energisers are sufficient for deterring birds, household pets, or training animals.
- For bird deterrence on buildings, no electric fence wire should connect to the energiser earth electrode. Warning plates are required where persons can access conductors.
- Non-electrified fences with barbed or razor wire can support offset electrified wires of an animal fence, provided supporting devices ensure a minimum 150mm distance from the non-electrified wires. Barbed/razor wire must be earthed regularly.
- Where an electric animal fence crosses a public pathway, a non-electrified gate or stiles must be provided, with warning plates on adjacent electrified wires.
- Damaged supply cords must be replaced by the manufacturer, service agent, or similarly qualified persons.
- Mains-operated ancillary equipment connected to the fence circuit must provide isolation between the fence circuit and supply mains equivalent to the energiser's isolation. Ancillary equipment must be protected from weather unless certified for outdoor use (IPX4).
- Electric fence conductors should not be mounted on supports used for overhead power lines.

Maintenance Features

Troubleshooting:
- Testing Your Fence: Use a Daken Fence Tester (Analogue, Digital, or Fault Finder) to check fence voltage. Effective fences typically maintain at least 3,000 volts (3kV). If voltage drops below this, troubleshooting is required.
- Testing The Earth: Requires a Daken Fence Tester or Fault Finder.
- Fault Finding The Fence (using voltmeter or Fault Finder):
  1. Check voltage at the energiser lead-out connection. If not normal, proceed.
  2. Walk along the fence in the direction indicated by a Power Probe.
  3. At each intersection, place the probe over each wire. Follow the wire with the highest current reading.
  4. Check current readings at regular intervals. If the reading disappears or reverses, the fault has been passed.
  5. Fix the fault and re-test from step one.
Battery State-of-Charge (for 12V car battery):
- 12.6V and higher: 100%
- 12.4-12.6V: 75-100%
- 12.2-12.4V: 50-75%
- 12.0-12.2V: 25-50%
- 11.7-12.0V: 0-25%
- 11.7V and less: 0%
- Test at room temperature. Allow 4-8 hours rest after charge/discharge. If voltage drops quickly by more than 0.5V after turning on the energiser, the battery may need replacement.
Solar Energiser Kit Checking: Requires a voltmeter or multi-meter (DC voltage to 20V).
1. Solar Panel Check: Disconnect panel wires from the regulator. Check panel output (approx. 19V in good sunlight).
2. Regulator Check: Reconnect panel leads to regulator. Disconnect regulator leads from battery. Check regulator output (battery side) (approx. 13.5V).
3. Battery Check: Reconnect regulator with energiser off. Check battery voltage. Turn energiser on and re-check. A quick drop of >0.5V suggests a dead battery.

Warranty

Daken Pty Ltd provides a three-calendar-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in material and workmanship. The warranty is limited to replacing defective parts and does not cover freight costs. The warranty is void if the energiser is tampered with, non-genuine parts are used, repairs/alterations are made without manufacturer's authority, or if damage results from abuse, misuse, neglect, improper/incorrect installation, lightning, water immersion, flood, insect infestation, damaged battery leakage, or damage from livestock/animals, or poor quality water supply/inverters. Customers are advised to complete and return the attached Warranty Card.