Expert: Richard Clark - 5/26/2009

Question
How dangerous are electric fences used on a farm, assuming it was turned up quite high?  Could they cause permanent damage if a toddler grabbed a hold of one or would it just be an uncomfortable feeling for a small child?

Answer
Kate
If a child did grab hold of the wire the break between the pluses of electricity should be enough for them to let go. With the fence turned on high it should not harm a healthy child. The strength of the shock also depends on how wet the ground is. The wetter the ground is more current can flow through the person.
Richard