The Gallagher M650 is a high-output 230v mains energiser for farmers, horse owners and landowners running a substantial permanent electric fence. It is particularly well suited to long cattle and sheep boundaries, multi-paddock systems and fences where seasonal grass growth makes conditions more demanding.

Its 4.5 joule output provides considerably more reserve than a small paddock energiser. This helps it maintain an effective fence when you have several live wires, long conductor runs or a moderate amount of vegetation touching the fence.

Gallagher rates the M650 for 10km of multi-wire fencing under recommended working conditions, 28km where vegetation is light and up to 40km in ideal conditions. These figures are more useful when comparing energisers than treating 40km as an everyday working distance. Fence construction, conductor quality, joins, vegetation and earthing will all affect the actual performance.

Active power adjustment allows the energiser to respond as the load on the fence changes. A clear indicator light provides a quick visual check that the unit is operating, while integrated lightning protection helps protect it from voltage surges entering through the fence line.

This is a fixed mains energiser and should be installed indoors or in a suitable dry, weather-protected location close to a 230v supply. Insulated high-voltage lead-out cable should be used between the energiser and the fence, particularly where the cable passes through a wall or underground.

Gallagher recommends three 1.7m earth stakes for the M650. Correct earthing is essential at this output level, and adding a powerful energiser will not compensate for an inadequate earth system, poor connections or badly overgrown conductors.

Earth stakes, lead-out cable and other installation materials are purchased separately.