The guidelines state that a chain link or metal fence needs to be grounded if it is: When the fencing is within 17 feet of enclosed electrical equipment When the fencing is within 16 ft. of exposed electrical conductors or equipment
Is a chain link fence like this required to be grounded?
I can't see any advantage to grounding it since there is no chance of touch/step potential. The exception is if there's a lightning strike, in which case you're fried anyway. 250.190 calls out grounding all metal and fences, but this seems ridiculous if there's no electricity nearby.
How deep do you dig for a chain link fence?
In general for residential chain link fences, dig holes 6" in diameter by 30" deep (or below frost line in your area). Another rule of thumb is to dig the holes three times the diameter of the post, i.e. a 2" diameter post would require a 6" diameter hole, and put one third of the height of fence that's above ground - in the ground.
How do you wire a chain link fence?
Once chain link is stretched, the bottom tension wire will be 'sandwiched' between line/ intermediate posts and the chain link fabric (Fig. 10). If used as a top wire, thread tension wire through loop caps and connect at each terminal post.
How do you extend the grounding grid on a fence?
The grounding grid or grounding electrode systems shall be extended to cover the swing of all gates. The barbed wire strands above the fence must be bonded to the grounding electrode system. Below is a preview of the NEC. See the actual NEC text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section.
Do metal fences need to be grounded?
Metallic fences enclosing, and other metal structures in or surrounding, a substation with exposed electrical conductors and equipment shall be grounded and bonded to limit step, touch, and transfer voltages.
How deep do chain link fence posts need to be in the ground?
As a general rule, Fencing Direct recommends at least a 24-inch footing depth for a 4-foot fence, plus an extra 3 inches for every foot of height (for example, 27 inches for a 5-foot post). The minimum hole diameter should measure four times the largest cross-section of the post.
What is the life expectancy of a chain link fence?
15 yearsWhat is the life expectancy of a chain link fence? Chain link fences usually last up to 15 years, depending on the maintenance. Chain link is more durable than wood, but it can start sagging or get loose parts.
Should a chain link fence touch the ground?
Generally, it is not recommended for a chain-link fence to touch the ground. Ground contact makes the bottom of the fence more vulnerable to corrosion. It can also make yard maintenance more difficult.
Do chain link fence post need to be in concrete?
You can install a chain link fence without using concrete, but it is not recommended. Anchoring each fence post in concrete is the best way to ensure your fence will stand straight and tall for many years.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a chain link fence post?
A 40-pound bag of concrete mix makes 0.3 cubic feet, 60-pound bags make 0.45 cubic feet and 80-pound bags make 0.6 cubic feet. For the example given, 56 of the 40-pound bags, 37 of the 60-pound bags or 28 of the 80-pound bags will be needed for the fence installation.
Does a chain link fence add value to your home?
Chain-link fencing may not raise your property value, but you can purchase fencing materials from Shur-Way Building Center in Vancouver, WA no matter what your fencing needs are! A typical chain link fence isn't going to do much for your home's market value.
Which lasts longer chain link or wood fence?
A wood fence is expected to last approximately 15 years before it needs replacement. While your chain link fence will last approximately 20 years. If you've selected a chain link vinyl fabric material, expect a longer lifespan and even less maintenance.
Which is cheaper chain link fence or wood fence?
Chain link fences are typically less expensive than wood fences. That's because the material is less expensive and the labor hours required for installation are usually less. However, add-ons like gates, vinyl coating or fabric screens will all increase the total cost per foot of a chain link fence.
What do you put at the bottom of a chain link fence?
The simplest way to reinforce your chain link fence at the bottom is by using tent stakes. Tent stakes can be bought at any hardware store, and they are very cheap.
How do you dog proof the bottom of a chain link fence?
Install tension wire on the bottom of the fence line. This wire reinforces the bottom of a chain link fence and helps prevent the bottom from 'pulling' up if an animal tries to push the fabric out and away from the fence line.
How do you strengthen the bottom of a chain link fence?
How to Secure the Bottom of a Chain Link FenceInstall a Bottom Rail. ... Use a Tension Wire to Fortify the Bottom of the Fence. ... Add Chain Link Fence Stakes to the Bottom. ... Put a Guard at the Bottom of Your Chain Link Fence. ... Get a Secure Chain Link Fence from All Around Fence.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?
about 2 feet deepFor an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone.
How deep should I bury a 10 foot post?
The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
How far do you space chain link fence posts?
Chain link fence posts are typically spaced a maximum of ten feet apart. For aesthetic reasons, space posts evenly, but do NOT exceed ten feet between posts. If you plan on installing privacy slats or another type of material that will increase wind load, consider using 8' or 6' post spacing.
When is grounding required for a fence?
In addition to lightning strikes, grounding is required when high voltage power lines cross over the fence line and where fences enclose electrical power distribution equipment. It may be required or recommended if there are power operated gates in the fence system.
How many ohms does a chain link fence need?
The current MasterSpec Chain Link Fence Section in Part 2 "Performance Requirements" suggests a maximum of 25 ohms.
How far does a lightning terminal extend?
Grounding terminals for lightning protection are copper and typically extend ten feet into the earth, far more than the typical fence post. Lightning seeks the path of least resistance to earth. If that path runs through a fence to a building or a gate operator, there is a chance for damage to the structure or operator.
Can metal fence posts be ground?
When metal fence posts are buried in the ground they may not provide a sufficient grounding, and composite fence posts certainly would not. Also, galvanized or painted finishes will effect the grounding. Grounding effectiveness is measured as a resistance to ground value in Ohms.
Do you need to ground a fence to protect from lightning?
It may be necessary to ground a fence as part of a lightning protection system.
What is Chain Link Fence?
Chain link fence is one of the most popular types fence. A combination of steel posts and top rail, called “framework” and “fabric”, the individual strands of wire, woven together into a diamond pattern. Other components called “fittings” attach the fabric to the framework and allows each line of fence to start and stop. Cyclone or Hurricane fence are common names also referring to chain link fence. A popular choice of homeowners looking to fence in their yard because of its versatility and affordability. Businesses looking to provide security also choose to go with chain link fence. Endless configurations of height, color and grade, make it clear to see why chain link fence is the most widely used fence in the industry.
What Color Does Chain Link Fence Come In?
When you think of a chain link fence, you probably envision a silver or gray color. However, did you know it comes in other colors too? Green, Black, Brown and White are standard colors. Furthermore, manufacturers can color match the color of their material giving you the option to choose custom colors for special projects. Just like the custom heights, custom colors will have setup fees from the manufacture. However, most consumers stick with the standard ones.
Does Chain Link Fence Come in Different Grades?
Yes! There are three grades of chain link fence. Residential, Commercial and Industrial grade. What makes each grade different? Two components determine the grade. The “gauge” or thickness of the wire used to make the fabric. And the size of the framework used to construct the fence. This includes the diameter and the wall thickness of the pipe.
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Chain link fence posts are typically spaced a maximum of ten feet apart. For aesthetic reasons, space posts evenly, but do NOT exceed ten feet between posts. If you plan on installing privacy slats or another type of material that will increase wind load, consider using 8' or 6' post spacing.
How deep should I dig a hole for a chain link fence?
In general for residential chain link fences, dig holes 6" in diameter by 30" deep (or below frost line in your area). Another rule of thumb is to dig the holes three times the diameter of the post, i.e. a 2" diameter post would require a 6" diameter hole, and put one third of the height of fence that's above ground - in the ground. Typically gate post holes are dug larger in diameter and deeper to withstand the additional stress of a moving gate. The guide string may be removed temporarily prior to excavating to prevent cutting it. Be sure to replace it as it was originally stretched.
What does a grade mark on a chain link fence mean?
The grade marks represent the bottom of the chain link fence. If your grade mark is 4" off the ground, so will be your fence and you may be filling underneath.
How to stretch tension wire?
Tension wire is most commonly stretched using a come-a-long and wire grip. Do not wrap the cable of the come-a-long around the post (Fig. 5). This action done repetitively will cause the cable to fray and be destroyed. Instead a 'sling' may be made of rope or cable to wrap around the stretch post (Fig. 6). Release and pull out 6-10' feet of cable from the come-along. The length of cable to pull out will depend on the length of stretch of tension wire. Hook a cable puller to the ratchet end of the come-a-long. Secure tension wire to cable puller (Fig. 7). Crank the handle of the come-a-long until the tension wire is tight (Fig. 7 & 9). Do not tighten too much or post damage or physical injury may occur.
How many tension bands are there on a 5' chain link fence?
View of bottom brace band for bottom wire, and four tension bands for a 5' high chain link fence. View is from the inside of fence. Notice tension bands are offset so that the flat side is facing out.
Can you drill a hole in a fence post?
Here, a hole was drilled as safe to the existing fence as was safe . Hole will be hand dug, or 'shaved' so it can sit closer to the existing fence.
Can you get chain link fencing on a truck?
Prepare for your HooverFence.com fence delivery. Chain link fence orders can arrive on small and large trucks, covered trailers and flatbed fence trucks. Forklifts are usually not required, however be prepared to hand unload fence tubing, rolls of chain link, bags and boxes of chain link fittings.
How far from grounding electrodes is a fence required to be bonded?
The new code section requires fencing to be bonded to the grounding electrode system if the fencing is within 16 ft. of any exposed electrical conductors or equipment. For these fences, a wire type bonding jumper is required as follows:
What is the code for grounding and bonding of fences and other metal structures?
250.194 Grounding and Bonding of Fences and Other Metal Structures.
What wires are bonded to the grounding electrode?
The barbed wire strands above the fence must be bonded to the grounding electrode system.
Where are bonding jumpers required?
Bonding jumpers are required at each fence corner and at maximum 160 ft. intervals along the fence. Bonding jumpers are required on each side of the crossing where bare overhead conductors cross the fence. Gates must be bonded to the gate support post, and each gate support post must be bonded to the grounding electrode system.
Do gate posts need to be bonded?
Gates must be bonded to the gate support post, and each gate support post must be bonded to the grounding electrode system.
Why do you secure the bottom of a chain link fence?
The basic reason to secure the bottom of your chain link fence is to prevent anything from pushing under the fence. Many times this is to keep a dog or livestock in, but also in sports field applications, it is to keep baseballs, softballs, and tennis balls from going under the fence and out of the area of play.
Where to stretch tension wire on chain link fence?
Once tension wire is stretched, walk along fence line and tuck the bottom tension wire under, then between the posts and the chain link fabric.
How is tension wire stretched?
Tension wire is stretched by simply attaching it to terminal posts by wrapping directly to the posts, or wrapping it to a nut in bolt holding a brace band in place. Chain link fence bottom tension wire is stretched using a come-a-long and cable puller, or with a T-Bar. It is stretched on the outside of the fence enclosure.
Can tension wire be woven into chain link?
It does not get woven into the chain link fabric as some people think. During a New Installation, bottom tension wire is normally stretched after the fence project is framed, meaning posts have set, top rail and/or bracing has been installed. Tension wire is stretched by simply attaching it to terminal posts by wrapping directly to the posts, ...
