11 best insulators

Insulators, in the context of agricultural fencing and farm ranching, are essential components used to support and insulate electric fencing systems. Electric fencing is commonly used in agriculture to contain livestock, protect crops, and enhance security. Insulators play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these electric fence setups. Here's what you need to know about insulators:

  1. Material: Insulators are typically made from non-conductive materials such as plastic, porcelain, or glass. These materials prevent the flow of electrical current from the fence wires to the ground, ensuring that the electric charge remains within the fence.

  2. Mounting: Insulators are designed to securely attach to various surfaces, including wooden posts, metal T-posts, or even existing fences. They provide a barrier between the electric wire and the support structure, preventing electrical shorts.

  3. Types: There are several types of insulators available, each designed for specific fencing needs.Common types include:

    • Post Insulators: These are attached to fence posts and come in various styles, such as screw-on, nail-on, or snap-on, depending on the type of post.
    • T-Post Insulators: Designed to fit over T-posts, these insulators are commonly used in areas where T-posts are the primary fence support.
    • Corner and End Insulators: These are used at corners, ends, and gate posts to maintain the tension and direction of the fence wires.
    • Offset Insulators: Used to create distance between the fence wire and the post, these are helpful when insulating wire from wooden posts.
  4. Electric Fence Types: Insulators are compatible with various types of electric fencing, including:

    • Polywire: Thin, lightweight wires that are easy to install and maintain.
    • Polytape: Wider, flat tapes that are more visible and suitable for horses and large livestock.
    • Electric Rope: Thicker, round ropes designed for added visibility and strength.
    • High-Tensile Wire: Stronger, thinner wires that can carry a more powerful charge.
  5. Insulation Quality: The quality of insulators is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of the electric fence. High-quality insulators ensure that the electrical charge remains consistent and doesn't leak to the ground or surrounding objects.

  6. UV Resistance: Good insulators are often UV-resistant to withstand exposure to sunlight and weather conditions over time without degrading.

  7. Ease of Installation: Many insulators are designed for easy installation, often requiring simple tools like screws, nails, or clips.

  8. Color Options: Some insulators come in different colors, which can be useful for enhancing visibility and aesthetics.

In summary, insulators are integral components of electric fencing systems used in agricultural and ranching applications. They help maintain the electrical charge within the fence wires, prevent shorts, and ensure the safety and containment of livestock. Selecting the right type of insulator and installing them properly is essential for the effective operation of electric fences on farms and ranches.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best insulators on the market
  

Dare Products 2453 Electric Fence Insulator Tubing, Accomodates Upto 12-1/2 Gauge Fence Wire, Withstands 20,000 Volts, 50-Feet Polyethylene, Black

Dare Products

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Plastic tube protects and insulates electrified wire. Accommodate up to 12 1/2 gauge fence wire. Ideal for driveways gates or when wires need to be separated.

  • Plastic tube protects and insulates electrified wire
  • Accommodate up to 12 1/2 gauge fence wire
  • Ideal for driveways gates or when wires need to be separated
  • Withstands 20000 volts
  • Made in the use

Zareba Systems WP1933 Ceramic Lag Screw Insulator (25 Pack), Small

Zareba

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Are you looking for a durable and long-lasting insulator? Look no further - the Zareba Small Ceramic Lag Screw Insulator is made of porcelain, an extremely strong type of ceramic. So strong that it can be expected to last the lifetime of the fence. To install, simply screw the lag insulator into a pre-drilled hole in your wooden post and slide your fence line through the insulator. The Zareba Ceramic Lag Screw Insulator works with traditional fence wire, high-tensile fencing, polywire, polyrope, and polytape up to 1 inch. Insulators ensure that the fence wire stays electrified and prevents it from touching posts that would absorb and mute the electricity.

  • Screw-on ceramic insulator, designed to last the lifetime of the fence
  • Designed for use with wooden posts
  • Use with all types of fencing wire, including high tensile, polyrope, and polytape up to 1 inch
  • Comes ready to use, 1 insulator per box

User questions & answers

Question: How many come in a pack
Answer: The one I bought came in a 25 pack containing 25, I believe the 1 pack contains 1
Question: Is this price for one or a package of 10? thanks
Answer: The pricing is for a single small insulator.
Question: Will this fit 6 gauge grounding wire
Answer: Yes, this will fit most grounding wire, including 6 gauge.
Question: what is the actual size of the insulator
Answer: The portion of the insulator that is not screwed into the post is approximately 2 inches.

Product features

Zareba Small Ceramic Lag Screw Insulator

The Zareba Small Ceramic Lag Screw Insulator is made from durable ceramic and prevents electricity from flowing out of the fence and into the post. Let your fence rely on this strong and reliable insulator. For use with wood posts only.

Use on Wood Posts

While wood itself is non-conductive, water is a conductor of energy. If your fence posts become damp or wet, the voltage from the fence line can transfer into the post itself. Use these ceramic insulators to prevent voltage loss on the fence line. Simply screw the lag screw on the insulator into a pre-drilled hole in your fence post, then slide the fence wire through.

Use with Any Fencing Wire

This ceramic lag screw insulator is suitable for use with traditional fence wire including high-tensile, polywire, polyrope, and polytape up to 1 inch. These screw-on insulators are durable, designed with porcelain style ceramic and will last the lifetime of the fence. When installed per the instructions they will not crack or warp even in high-tensile fence setups.

Zareba IT5XY-Z Snap-on 5-Inch Extender Insulator, 25 per Bag

Based on 104 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Zareba Yellow Snap-On 5-inchExtender Insulator extends the wire 5-inch from the post. This yellow insulator fits securely on standard (1-1/4 or 1.33) studded T-posts. No hardware is needed to put this insulator on a post.

  • Snap-on insulators
  • Fits securely on standard (1-1/4 or 1.33) studded t-post
  • No hardware needed
  • Extends wire 5-inch from post
  • 25 insulators per bag

User questions & answers

Question: The description and picture are for a snap on, wrap around insulator, but the title says screw on. Which is it
Answer: Thank you for pointing this out! This is for the snap-on type of insulator.
Question: How to install on the post? Will not slide down from the top, when we try to "snap" it on, it breaks. Do we need a special tool to install
Answer: These insulators are designed to simply slide around the T-Post until they snap on and should not require a special tool. They are intended for use on standard 1.25 or 1.33 studded T-posts. We apologize that they are breaking in this manner and would like to learn more so we may assist you further. Please contact us at 1-855-5-ZAREBA (1-855-592-7322).
Question: Will these fit 1 1/2 inch t-posts? all the ones they sell at home depot are 1 1/2, not
Answer: These insulators will fit a standard 1.25 or 1.33 studded T-Post.
Question: Will this work on chain link fence fabric
Answer: These insulators would only be recommended for use on T-Posts.
Question: Is there a 5 inch version
Answer: Not that I know of.
Question: Will these fit on the backside of a T-post? Everything i see has a picture of insulators on the front side
Answer: Absolutely. That is what makes these so versatile, the T-360 will fit on all 6 sides of any standard 1.25-1.33# t-post.
Question: How do the hold up to deer and snow drifts compared to pin locks
Answer: They work well in all environments and conditions. If you’re concerned about deer running through them, we like to stagger them so that fence cannot pop off.
Question: Will 1/4" polyrope fit in these
Answer: The T-360 will fit any wire/rope up to 1/4”. Check out this short demo video: https://www.facebook.com/LockJawzT360/videos/413156862458088/

3 in 1 Multi-Purpose Insulator - White - 100pk

Field Guardian

Based on 85 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a multi-purpose special 3 in 1 insulator that works on t posts, wood posts and some round posts. great for high tensile steel wire, insulated electric wire and will accept polywires and polyropes up to 3/8" (9.5mm) in diameter.

  • Fits both 1.25 and 1.33lb metal T posts. Can be nailed or screwed to round or square wood posts as well as vinyl posts.
  • Can be attached to a steel pipe/post with tie wire
  • Screws/nails not included.
  • 100 per pack
  • Main color is White

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit a standard/full-size pasture t-post or is it meant for the smaller garden-type t-posts
Answer: It fits the standard / full size pasture t-post. they work quite nicely - reasonably easy snap-on with hands - snap off is easier with a pair of pliers to pry off one side first. they pretty much never come off accidentally....
Question: Do they come in black
Answer: Yes these are available in black; the item number for black is 653112 for the 100-pack, and 653114 for the 25-pack.
Question: Will these work on a corner post or do I have to buy different corner insulators
Answer: If you place these insulators on the "outside" of the corner post (e.g. backwards) you could use them on corners. They would not be ideal, but would work in a pinch. In any case I wouldn't suggest this if you are using high tensile wire, but okay for polywire
Question: What size screw do I need as im using on a wood post
Answer: I used 1 1/4 in screws worked great

Fi-Shock IWKNY-FS Yellow Economy Insulator with Single head Nail

Based on 740 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Looking for an inexpensive way to properly fasten electrified wire to your wooden posts so no energy is lost? The Fi-Shock Yellow Economy Insulator with Double-Headed Nail fits the bill exactly. These yellow electric fence insulators are packed 25 per bag.

  • Economical insulator with double-headed nail - for wood posts
  • For 9 gauge through 22 gauge high-tensile steel wire and aluminum wire, all (both regular and heavy duty) and up to ¼" in diameter
  • Packed 25 per bag
  • Color: Yellow

User questions & answers

Question: Does this package include insulatators for the turned ends
Answer: This bag would only include 25 of the in-line posts that are pictured.
Question: May I use these on trees?? Thank you
Answer: While this product may be used in a tree, please note that trees may grow and cause your fence line to move. Trees may also grow around the insulator over time. We recommend using wood posts for your fence line.
Question: how do attach this to the post
Answer: This insulator comes with a single head nail. We recommend lightly hammering the insulator into a wooden post.
Question: What country is this made in
Answer: This product is manufactured in the United States.

Product features

Fi-Shock Yellow Economy Insulator with Nails

  • Economical insulator with nails - for wood posts
  • For 9 gauge through 22 gauge high-tensile steel wire and aluminum wire, all poly wire (both regular and heavy duty), and poly rope up to ¼” in diameter
  • Color: Yellow
  • Packed 25 per bag

Looking for an inexpensive way to properly fasten electrified wire to your wooden posts so no energy is lost?

Our Fi-Shock Yellow Economy Insulator with Nails fits the bill exactly! These yellow electric fence insulators are packed 25 per bag.

FENCE SHOCK 25PCS Products Chain Link U Post Insulator, Farm Fence, Black

FENCE SHOCK

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made from quality plastic that are UV stable and designed for long life.Designed to be easily attached to compatible fence posts.Deliver excellent arcing protection, reducing risk of shorets on the fence.Full range of options to cover most fence post and wire types.FENCE SHOCK extender insulators protect existing fences by extending electric fence barrier from existing wires.Tried and tested to ensure reliability and durability. Your animals are of paramount importance to you. After all, they are part of your family and way of life now. In order to relax and truly enjoy all that you have worked for, you need to have peace of mind that your animals are safely contained.FENCE SHOCK is proudly brought to you by Tru-Test Group.

  • Fits standard t-posts and u-posts, fastens electrified wire to chain link fence without losing energy
  • Front-end loading feature accommodates all wire sizes
  • Extends wire 4 in. from chain link fence
  • Easy snap-on design
  • Packed 25 per bag, Color: black

Ketofa Electric Fence Insulator Screw-in Insulator Fence Ring Post Wood for Electric Fence Accessories,Screw Fence Insulators,Black (25 Packs)

Ketofa

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fasten electrified wire to wooden posts so they don't become loose and lose energy,Angled slot ensures wire retention.

  • ✅【Size】: 25 Pcs Electric Fence Insulator.Approx. 9 x 3.5cm/3.7 x 1.54inch.
  • ✅【Practical Insulator Ring】: Electric fence insulator rings for 9 gauge through 22 gauge high-tensile steel wire and aluminum wire, all polywire (both regular and heavy duty), and polyrope up to 1/4-inch in diameter which are very suitable for replacing broken insulators.
  • ✅【Premium Design】: The angled slot can hold electrified wire without energy loss, suitable for low impedance and standard load fence controllers.
  • ✅【Easy to Use】: Simply screw the screws into the timber fence without any special tools.Non original aftermarket part.
  • ✅【High Quality】: Made of metal and plastic material, high quality, anti-rustand durable,can be used as an essential electric fence accessories.

Lock Jawz T-360 Electric Fence T-Post Insulator - Orange (25/pk)

Lock Jawz

Based on 151 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Plastic electric fence insulators designed from the ground up to be the last t-post insulator you will ever need! Constructed of UV resistant HDPE for longevity. 25 insulators per bag.

  • Fits all standard t-posts (1.25-1.33 lb)
  • 6 position 360° mounting options
  • Easy "Weave-In" wire installation
  • Fits: Poly Rope Poly Wire Steel / Aluminum Wire Barbed Wire (Single and dual strand)
  • Intuitive 1-piece design with - No Pins to Lose

User questions & answers

Question: Can these be used with 1/4" poly wire
Answer: The T-360 will fit, poly rope (1/4”), Poly wire, Al/Steel wire, High tensile wire, dual strand barbed, etc. Basically anything 1/4” or under will fit. You will need to install the wire into the insulator prior to mounting it to the t-post. You can see an example here: https://www.facebook.com/LockJawzT360/videos/359945474445894/
Question: will these work with poly rope
Answer: Yes, they are designed to fit any wire / rope up to 1/4”. Check out this quick install demo: https://www.facebook.com/LockJawzT360/videos/1159456150893902?sfns=mo
Question: Will these work with high tensile wire
Answer: yes
Question: Will these work with u posts
Answer: No, they are designed to work with all 1.25-1.33# T-Posts.

Zareba ICJW-Z High Strain Corner Post Insulator, 10 per Bag

Based on 55 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Zareba Jumbo Corner Insulator is designed to withstand the additional tension generated by the fence line pulling from the anchor point. It can be used with poly wire, steel/aluminum wire, and high tensile wire.

  • Designed to withstand the additional tension generated by the fence line pulling from the anchor point
  • For use with poly wire, steel/aluminum wire, and high tensile wire
  • UV-protected to resist weathering
  • Easy attachment to fence post or wire
  • 10 insulators per bag

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used on a corner post with 12.5 gauge high tensile wire
Answer: This insulator can be used with many different wire types, including high tensile wire. It is designed for use on a corner post.

Zareba IT2XY-Z Snap-on 2-Inch Extender T-Post Insulator, 25 per Bag

Zareba

Based on 79 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Zareba Yellow Snap-On 2-inch Extender T-Post Insulator fits securely on standard (1-1/4 or 1.33) studded T-posts. It is fabricated as one molded piece, so it needs no hardware.

  • Fits securely on standard (1-1/4 or 1.33) studded t-post
  • One molded piece - needs no hardware
  • 25 insulators per bag

Zareba ITY-Z Standard Snug-fitting T-Post Insulator, 25 per Bag

Zareba

Based on 316 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our Zareba® yellow standard snug-fitting T-post insulator fits securely on standard (1-1/4 in or 1.33 in) studded T-posts. Created as one molded piece, this insulator - needs no hardware.

  • Fits securely on standard (1-1/4 or 1.33) studded t-post
  • One molded piece - needs no hardware
  • 25 insulators per bag

User questions & answers

Question: I want to put these on existing fence. the back side of t-post face our field. can we get the wire set up on our side? have permission
Answer: If the t-posts are facing the wrong direction, we recommend purchasing a reverse insulator.
Question: Will poly rope electric fence fit in these insulators
Answer: Greetings, Heather. We do use the poly rope for the insulators pictured. The poly rope should not be excessively large, no larger than a very thin pencil.We use 1/2 ro 3/4 inch poly tape for all our fencing needs--bear fencing needs in north central mi and southern fl. We find that the poly tape is more effective, i.e., carries a higher voltage than the poly rope, etc. Easier to repair, etc.We have about 100 bears fences between our two hubs--MI and FL. The fenced area covers about one acre of land. Again, we do use poly rope occasionally, but have found that the poly tape, with the stainless steel strands are superior for bear deterrient than the poly rope.Hope this is helpful. Best of the fall, Ed
Question: Can you use these with high tensile wire pulled to 250 lbs
Answer: Well you should be able to use these in a straight line. Because the wire would go under the first and over the second hook but they are plastic so hopefully they don't break. I think the tension will just make it a straight shot right through . The insulator will not support 250 lbs of pressure but should not see it. I have more trouble with the deer hitting the wire and breaking insulators
Question: Will these fit on a round post
Answer: This insulator is designed to be installed on a t-post. Our http://www.amazon.com/Red-Snapr-Yellow-Insulator-IRYRS/dp/B007R2A77A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454510724&sr=8-2&keywords=IRY-RS is a similar design, but can be used on a round post with a diameter of 1/2 inch or less.

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