Surge Protector for Pet Fence Systems

How Surge Protection Works

Lightning strikes that occur even several miles away from your installation can create power surges or spikes which may damage your unprotected electronic pet containment system. The Surge Protector included with this system is designed to protect your In-Ground Fence™ from surges or spikes that can reach it through your AC power connection and/or your buried Boundary Wire.

Recommended Installation Tips

• The Surge Protector must be plugged into a grounded (3-prong) outlet that is within 5 feet of the Fence Transmitter. ALWAYS use a grounded 3-prong outlet to ensure maximum protection.
• Cutting or removing the 3rd prong from the Surge Protector or using a 3-prong plug to 2-prong outlet converter will render the protector ineffective against surges or spikes.
• Verify the boundary and transmitter wires are connected to the proper Surge Protector terminals. Damage to both the surge protector and your wall transmitter can occur if connections are reversed.
• For added protection for the Fence Transmitter when unused for long periods of time or prior to thunderstorms, disconnect the Loop Boundary Wires and unplug the Power Adapter from the AC outlet.
• Do not install, connect, or remove your system during a lightning storm. If the storm is close enough for you to hear thunder, it is close enough to create hazardous surges.
• Turn off power to the outlet before installing or removing the Surge Protector. When removing the receptacle cover screw, the cover may fall across plug pins or receptacle may become dislodged.
• Use only with a duplex outlet with center screw.
• Attach the unit with the supplied screw.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, use indoors/dry location only.
• Do not install this device if there is not at least 30 feet (10 meters) or more of wire between the electrical outlet and electrical service panel.
• If possible, DO NOT use an AC circuit protected with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Both the Surge Protector and the fence system will function properly, but in rare cases, nearby lightning strikes may cause the GFCI to trip. Without power, your dog may be vulnerable to escape. You will have to reset the GFCI to restore power to the system.

Connecting the Surge Protector

1. Turn the power OFF to the outlet that the Surge Protector and Fence Transmitter will be plugged into.
2. We recommend that, if possible, you use the outlet center screw that holds the cover plate in place to secure the Surge Protector to the outlet. To do this, tape the top of the cover plate to the wall, then remove the cover plate center screw. Plug the Surge Protector into the lower outlet and then secure the cover plate using the longer screw included with the protector. The screw is for mechanical attachment only and does not ground the protector. Remove the tape and turn ON the power to the outlet.
3. Run the Boundary Wire through a window, under a door, through a crawl space vent, or any other appropriate available access. You can also drill a hole through your wall.
4. Strip 3 ⁄ 8 inch of insulation from the ends of the Boundary Wire. Insert the stripped ends into the 2 left red connector holes on the bottom of the Surge Protector labeled “Loop.” There should be 1 wire in each connector hole. Depress the plastic tab, insert the wires and release the tab. Make sure the wires do not touch each other at the terminals.
5. Verify that the boundary loop and transmitter wires connect to the proper Surge Protector terminals. Reversed connections will result in an increased risk of surge related damage.
6. Determine the length of wire needed to pass from the Surge Protector to the Fence Transmitter. Measure and cut 2 lengths of wire, then strip 3 ⁄ 8 inch of insulation at both ends. Twist the 2 lengths together, with at least 10-12 twists per foot, so the wires will not send out a signal
7. Insert the ends of the twisted transmitter wires into the right 2 black connectors at the bottom of the Surge Protector labeled “Transmitter.”
8. Pull the tab on the Fence Transmitter to the left to insert the opposite ends of the twisted wire into the Loop Wire Terminals.
9. Turn the Field Width Control knob to the 9 o’clock position.
10. Plug in the Transmitter power adapter to the outlet on the front of the Surge Protector and turn the Fence Transmitter ON.
11. The Indicator Light on the Transmitter should illuminate to green indicating a properly installed boundary loop. If this does not happen, refer to the Transmitter Status Indications label underneath the Transmitter lid or see the “Troubleshooting” section in this guide. For added protection, when unused for long periods of time or prior to thunderstorms, unplug from the wall outlet and disconnect the Loop Boundary Wires. This will prevent damage to the Transmitter due to surges.

The surge protector can easily be tested by plugging in a radio or lamp and checking to see if it provides power to the device. If it does not provide power, please check the protector with a different power outlet.

• Buy or borrow a multimeter, a handheld device that reads and measures electrical current. You can find them in most home hardware stores.
• Test the resistance between the left LOOP terminal and the left TRANSMITTER terminal. It should read less than 10 ohms.
• Test the resistance between the right LOOP terminal and the right TRANSMITTER terminal. It should be less than 5 ohms.
• A resistance greater than that indicates a failure may have occurred. Contact our Customer Care Center for more troubleshooting help.