A 4,000 volt charger is sufficient for goats. The number of joules needed depends on the length of the fence, the number of electrified wires and the severity of conditions. A joule is the amount of energy released per pulse. Lightening strikes can damage energizers. Surge protectors and lightening arrestors are recommended to minimize energizer damage.
Poor grounding is the leading cause of electric fence failures.
An electric fence must be properly grounded so that the pulse can complete its circuit and give the animal an effective shock. It is important to follow manufacturer's instructions for grounding electric fences. A minimum of three ground rods should be used for each energizer. An electric fence is a psychological barrier rather than a physical one. Animals must be trained to respect electric fence.