How to find a break in an invisible dog fence

Recently I went into my garage to find the invisible dog fence transmitter beeping. After calling the company I was informed that this alarm meant there was a break in the fence, and that I should have them come out as soon as possible - because my dog would surely figure this out in a few days. And hey, for only $100 an hour, they would be happy to help! Long story short, they tried for an hour then told me the yard was too overgrown (half the yard is wooded) and they would have to come back in the fall when everything died back (2 months away). This made me swear that I would do it myself - but after digging up over 100 feet of wire and driving myself crazy for a few days, I had not found the break. Then I found this strategy on the internet (link) that cost me under $20 and worked like a charm. Hopefully this makes it clear for everyone else and saves you some money and frustration. Good luck!

Step 1 Verify the break

First thing to do is make sure that you do indeed have a break. There are a few ways to do this. On my unit, two wires run from the transmitter to the perimeter fence. Disconnect these wires from the transmitter and put the ends of a paper clip or small piece of wire into the jacks where the wires had been connected. If the alarm is silenced, the transmitter is working properly and you have a break. Another way to verify that there is a break is to use an ohmmeter and check the resistance on the disconnected wires. If there is no resistance the wires are continuous and there is not a break, meaning you may have a problem with the transmitter itself.

Comments

[kgl0629]

I have an issue with my transmitter for the PetSmart 125 REV 02. We had a major thunderstorm last night that shorted out the fusible resistor labled R29. Does anyone know where I can order one from, Petsmart customer service is closed today (Sat) so I will have to wait till Monday to see if they can help. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[bbaker334]

Did you ever locate the correct resistor? I read the color code on mine (one side was still visible after it blew). Red =2, Yellow=4, Brown=X10 multiplier, Gold=+-5% tolerance. So if I did that right it's a 240 Ohm 5% resistor. Now I'm trying to determine the wattage so I can order the correct one.

If you trace R29 it connects directly to the middle Boundary line terminal. The label on the back of the transmitter reads Output-AC 12V 830mA. If Power=Volts times Current, then 12V X .83A equals 9.96Watts. Is it safe to assume the resistor is 10W based on the output listed or is there another way to determine the wattage of a resistor?

[danoftroy]

This was a very helpful tool that does work, but please read the entire post to tell you how I finally fixed my problem.
First, my setup. I have a Petsafe Stubborn Dog unit which has worked outstanding for about 2,500 feet of wire covering maybe 4 or 5 acres. It has worked great but then one day there were problems, which I could not pinpoint. The collar had no signal, although the box was not indicating a line break.
I purchased the RF Choke from Radio Shack, which they had in the store for $2, and I also purchased a Radio Shack AM-FM radio for $15.
It took a while to recognize the "chirping" sound, which was between 0-600 AM frequency, the best signal coming in around 550 AM.
This was also next to a minor league baseball game being played by the Gwinnett Braves and the Toledo Mudhens, which Gwinnett rallied for a run in the 7th inning to break a 2-2 tie and win 3-2, despite a 3-5 hitting performance by Toledo centerfield Quinten Berry.
But I digress.
So with the AM radio "chirping," it really sounded like a cricket chirping really fast. I followed the underground wire for some time, but again this is a long run, and eventually the signal became so weak the radio would not pick up the signal. I finally determined that the radio picked up the signal for half the wire and there was no signal for the other half.
I now questioned many things. Was my box bad? Was the collar bad? Was there not a true break in the line but a nick or fault?
I then called PetSafe customer service. The young lady walked me through a 10-foot wire "loop" test with my box and it proved the box and collar were both in excellent condition.
I then regrouped, and began replacing every splice that I knew of, and there are probably 10 or more in all due to previous breaks and original splices.
I then turned the box back on to test, after I had replaced maybe 6 splices, and boom, it was working better than new. I had a signal that would cook bacon.
So the moral to my story is something I hope you will remember - replace your splices first, before you spend any money on an RF choke, a radio, more wire, a service call, or a Taylormade Burner Superfast 2.0 driver. The driver has nothing to do with this, but you can't play golf while you are trying to fix a dog fence. That's my point.
I also will continue to use the RF choke and radio in the future, as it does detect a break and weak signal strength, so I do recommend it. Just remember to check your splice connectors first.

[dogowner01]

Hi! Awesome info but before I starting racing down the rabbit hole, here is what I am dealing with: New Battery in collar; should be working as it "beeped" upon securing. Light flashing on my Invisible Fence LP3000 indicating power on. No alarm has ever sounded to indicate a break in the wire yet collar does not beep anywhere along fence perimeter (enclosing about 1.5 acres). Took covers off and dusted off cobwebs. (Not too bad for a 10 yr item). Tried turning up juice on "fine" and Coarse" switches but still no audible or physical signs of working with the collar. Dog savvy to problem (darn!) So, if no alarm has sounded, is it still possible that I have a break in the fence? I, too, was turned off by the $100 for the first 15 min and $75 per hour service fee. Thanks for any advice!!

[docden]

Well you could save all that time and digging by simply purchasing a product that is designed specifically for this purpose. The DFNA Locator from Dog Fence of North America is by far the quickest and easiest way to locator problems in your underground fencing. I don't know about anyone else but my time is worth something and if I have to do all this to fix a simple wire fault. You can find the corr4ect way to splice dog fence wires at: http://www.invincibleservices.com/repairing-wire.html

If the proper splices are used correctly then you won't have splice problems in the future.

[hamrsmyth]

Laughed as I read the side comments about the baseball game and the driver, very good instruction and entertaining. Still chucking. I'll give it a go, thank you for the instruction and the laughs... dog fence is GREAT unless it's not working right.

[44rebmik]

Use this instructable. I found the break in my IF in 15 min. Just follow the steps.It works! I too called If for service and was not looking forward to 70$ service call, 25$ per 15 min. And X$ for parts.I don't know if the gentleman posting as Docden below is affiliated with the locator he's pushing or not but despite what he says, this method DOES work. The way I see it is to each his own, you can pay him or do like I did and spend $ 15.00, 1/2 hour of work.....priceless.

[gregor55]

After digging a little I determined which half of the yard the break was on. I had about an acre to cover. Then I found this.THANK YOU! Already had a radio just needed the choke. I had to tune the radio a bit off because of interference from other stations but once I was able to distinguish the sound it just a matter of time.Held the radio 6 to 8 inches off the ground.I was able to narrow it down to an 8 to 10 ft. section so I just replaced the section.

[apoorbaugh]

Just used the RF Choke method to find a break in my Petsafe invisible fence. It worked like a charm. At first it wasn't working, but then I turned up the power on the transmitter to max and immediately my AM radio picked up the scent of the wire and I found the break. Thanks to everyone for the advice. It saved me a bunch of cash and a big headache.

[thedokes]

What do the COURSE and FINE adjustemtns -pictured above - actually do?
I am trying to shorten the range (now about 10-12 ft) from my wire . I'm using the ICT700

[keninnc]

THANK YOU!!!! WOO HOO!!! The method outlined worked to perfection. I am on a little over an acre and have about 1000 feet of perimeter wire to check for breaks. The first break was found about 250 feet from base. The radio technique worked to perfection. I used some landscape flags and that first break was about 6 inches from the flag. Breaks 2/3 and 3/3 were more difficult to find. I had to adjust the am dial on the radio as the frequency seemed to drift further from the transmitter. But, I was able to find those two breaks as well and repair. Heading out to "massive hardware store chain' to get my waterproof wirenuts. I was a little disappointed that I didn't have a handheld am/fm radio around. (Now I do). So, that has cost me the most, thus far. Total cost $17.59, again the radio was $15.00 of that cost. Plus the cost of the wirenuts. My time with finding instrux, running around to store and digging, about 2.5 hours......Dog doesn't look too happy, though. Thank you so much!

[Carolina curmudgeon]

If you're looking for a wireless fence break finder, here's a link to the same one offered by DFNA for $130...but this identical unit comes from the source in Hong Kong for $36.99!!
Yes you will have to add about $25 shipping ( 4 days for mine to arrive), but that's still about 50% of the price DFNA is asking!
I have purchased thru this resource (Alibaba) and received xcellent service and quick delivery.

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/102979920.html

[wh400]

You just saved me $150 (OK, $135 because I didn't have an AM radio at home). I was certain I knew where I had cut my wire but could not find it to save my life. Knowing I would have another $150 bill to have them come out and find it (I have a Pet Stop brand fence). I decided - I am going to try this. In Radio Shack - about 2 minutes to find the right part (because you provided the part number), found a $14.99 AM/FM radio with an antenna and back home. About 2 minutes to put in the choke, went out and started to follow the wire, 5 minutes later I found the area (probably within a foot or two of the actual spot) and there it was, no where near where I thought the break was. Spliced the wire together, sealed it all up and put it back in the ground. I have the choke, extra wire and the AM radio in a plastic bag for the next time I cut the wire...and yes, there will be a next time I am sure of it!!!!

Total time, including the Radio Shack run? Less than an hour!

Thanks again for the easy to follow instructions.

[Bob M]

I was wondering would anyone know how to determine whether I am getting interference from my neighbors dog fence or there is a problem with my transmitter. There does not appear to be a break anywhere from the ohm test,I just installed a new transmitter.I have the Innotek SD2100, my neighbor has the 300 Dog Watch system, The cust service rep at radio systems said if there is another wire in the ground it will cause my system not to transmitt. Has anyone ever heard of this. the two fences are about 10 feet apart.Does anyone have any ideasthat I might try?
Thanks

[PSNee]

Thanks for the great info. I didn't by a RS choke, I just took a bolt and wrapped some wire (from a phone cord ) around it a bunch of times. I used that it I worked great. Found the break in 10mins, and didn't spend a dime.

[herbt]

Update #2   Attaching wires to connector in terminal no longer a problem.  Will retry getting a signal with the better connection tomorrow.

[docden]

Herbt--  you can avoid all these problems and have the fence break located and fixed in a bout 15 minutes if you just buy a real locator that doesn't require trying to "fool" your transmitter or using an AM radio.  Invisible Fence will charge you probably a hundred bucks each time to come fix it so take that money and buy the real locator and you'll never have to pay for a wire break service call again.

[herbt]

docden- I'm ordering the $129 wire break device you recommended.  Our little poochie today discovered the front yard barrier is no longer -- the incentive to find the break had dropped to 0 since the boundaries were adhered to until today. We're in FL now but our system up north also has a break so it will be worth it to have a reliable device.  One concern- the demo video at DFNA uses equip that does not resemble the $129 package?  Anyway thanks for the detailed info you provided-- it was very helpful.

[504main]

Here is link to the PetSafe Wire Break Locator for $ 53 :
http://dogfencediy.com/store/accessories/petsafe-boundary-wire-locator.html

[ollieduke]

 Herbt,whats the number of the wire break device and where did you buy it. My fence is about 5 acres and is about 12 years old. Was just thinking last week,how in the devil would I ever find a break. Lucky I found this site while looking for cheaper batteries. I will first try the choke and radio on a test break to see if it works and if not order the factory one. Thanks in advance, and very glad to find such an informative web site about radio fences.

[herbt]

ollieduke- invisibleservices.com  (Dennis Hogan 509-991-0385).  Check out his web site-- very informative.  Cost of device $129.95.  I've only spent a short amount of time using the device but have not yet found the break.  Dennis offered to listen to the signals over the phone if that would help.  Since our little 7 yr old puppy still thinks its working in the back yard finding the break is not the top priority (for me--wife is after me to fix it!).  I would ask Dennis if it will work on 5 acres-- that may exceed its range.  Let me know if the choke works for you.  Herbt.

[ollieduke]

 Herbt,thanks for the comeback. Tried the RS coil and think it might work. Since I wasnt using a Digital radio,had to guess on Frequency.  It had a station on it and when I went over a good part of the fence,the station got lauder. Since 3/4 of my radio wire is on the bottom wire of a 4 wire horse fence,it was really loud when checking the wire on the fence. I guess the wire magnified the signal. Normally I could just walk the fence and check it,but over the years,brush and small trees have grown up along a lot of the fence. Thanks for address,as if I have trouble using this,can order the better one. John

[docden]

Herbt
The correct website is   www.invincibleservices.com not invisible

[docden]

This locator  is self contained and therefore can be used on any length of system.  You can take the locator out and attach it to your perimeter wire midway and locate in both directions.  All this is covered in the instructions.

[docden]

herbt,
The locator in the video is exactly the same.  You may only be seeing the antenna in the video but believe me they are exactly the same.  If you watch at the end of the video you will see a demonstration of how to put it in the case and it is the exact same locator.  Hope this clears it up.

[docden]

Also wanted to state for anyone interested that using the proper splices is very important in repairing the wire.  Do not simply buy waterproof splices at the hardware store.  Take a look at the splices and video on the www.invincibleservices.com website and make sure you use the same type or you could just be asking for more problems down the road.

[afattore-brozek]

Thank you Thank you Thank you- This was awesome! It took me all of 10 minutes to find the break. Thanks for saving me hundreds of dollars!

[hockeymama]

Hi! Cannot find the break. I know this probably is a dumb question but can't I just leave the RF choke in place as a workaround. The dog can't find the break either! :)

[rklehm]

I purchased the RF choke from Radio shack and installed it as you showed here. I was able to pick up a signal using the dog collar, but only when I was within a few feet of the power box. As i moved the collar more than 2 feet from the box the signal stopped. I was not able to get the radio to work at all. I even reversed the connections for the RF choke, but that didn't help.

Any other suggestions? Thanks

[aintnohusker]

your best bet for splicing the wires would be a direct burial splice tap. they are available at all electrical wholesate houses and most home improvement stores. while the connectors above will work, they can also allow current to find it's way into the ground. If it is alot of current, your breaker will trip. if it is under 80% of your breaker rating, it will just recognize a heavy load i.e. a toaster or coffee pot. this will result in you paying a higher electric bill. nobody wants that.

[shortw]

This kind of wire is like a alarm-system-wire, when the wire breaks a alarm will sound and the system  shuts off.
This kind of wire and system will carry a low voltage ( 3-5 volts ) with a 10 khz frequency.
If this kind of wire breaks with this system it will not increase the load but it will sound an alarm at the transmitter telling you that the loop is broken and that the system is not functioning.

I would use a propane powered soldering iron and solder the broken ends together and then put 2 layers of heat-shrink over it.

Or you could do it like electricians used to do in california 20 years ago.
Make your splice then use plumbers dough around the splice and then use electrical tape and tape wire and plumbers dough. This will give you a water tide splice for many years to come with just a few pennies worth of material invested.

[RCryer]

This morning I read through these comments (as I realized we had a "break" in the fence, yesterday) ... and must admit that I was a skeptic. By afternoon (not yet willing to pay $130 for the "finder"), I had bought the $1.39 RF-choke from Radio Shack (yes, I am a cheap-skate) ... and went with the waving-AM-radio (set to 600 on dial) approach. Now my fence is fixed ... (found and fixed the break, in a place I never would've looked ... & total time for hook-up, find, and fix was about 1 hour) ... so I guess, I'm a BELIEVER. I can only speak for our experience: PetSafe Radio Fence "std transmitter", and approx 1000ft perimeter (on about 1.5 acre, square yard). I am amazed. The fence must've been broke for apporx 1 month, and we just got lucky the the dog was not more bold, in trying to "push the limits" ... we have an area of the yard that is more moist, and typically gets more "dug-up", so I thought the problem would be there. Actually, it was near a small plant that we dug up (about 1mos ago), and wouldn't have been a suspect area ... but the RF-choke, and AM radio found it. Thx to all those who posted this method - our experience is that it works every bit as well as more expensive methods.

[Kartimel]

I need further help. I have just purchased a used transmitter and collars to go with the already existing wire. I hooked it all up and after tightening down the ground finally got the transmitter to stop beeping. I then went and tried the collar where the wire lines are and there is NO beep from the collar. The collar did beep when I held it up to the transmitter though and now after fiddling with it (and trying the paperclip hint) I cannot get the transmitter to stop beeping. The green light was blinking when I thought I had it working right (yet no beep from the collar) and it also flashes with the paperclip and does not chirp . Since this is my first actual name brand unit, I am struggling for what to try next. I may have talked in a circle, but my head is spinning :)

[krob1967]

I was spinning my wheels trying to find my broken wire for the reason that I recieved the pulsing signal even 30 feet from the wire. After some messing around fine tuning the radio and the strength of the signal on the control box I realized that by waving the radio over the wire like a metal detector there were definite changes in the strength of the pulse as it passed over the wire. I had just put up a shed and new that I cut through the wire but was unsure of where the wire was and did not want to dig up a16 foot width to find it. What I am not sure of is how this would work to find a small break but it worked great in this situation .

[kellyafitz]

EXCELLENT instructable! Like miller43334, I tried two RF-Chokes and three different radios and have rapid pulsing tones EVERYWHERE on my two acres and in the house. Was considering purchasing the RFA-50 wire break locator but after reading this post I fear I will have the same outcome as the AM radios. Darn..guess I will just have to go with the invinciblefence locator.

[Maxwell Hammer]

Wow, this worked great for me.  Saw similar instructions elsewhere but this was well done.  Cost me $15 at RadioShack, including a radio similar to the one in the video, and $3 at Lowe's for the silicone-filled wire nuts.  I used a big rubber band to fasten the radio to the bottom of a stick to get it down close to the ground.  I guessed that the break was in a large flower bed, because we dig there and not really any where else where the wire runs.  Sure enough, I found a six-foot spot with no signal.  Dug a little on one end, didn't see the wire.  dug a little on the other end, and immediately found the break.  Had to splice in a short piece of similar wire, because there was no slack and there was a few inches where the insulation had been cut by shovels.  Whole process took less than an hour, including scrounging around the workshop looking for the right piece of wire.  By the way, I dropped the RF choke and the black piece broke in two before I even hooked it up.  It still worked, the copper wire wrapped around it  kinda held it together.  I used aligator clips to clip the twisted wires to the leads of the RF choke after I inserted the leads into the transmitter clips.  The quote from IF was $142 minimum, so this really saved me some money.

[bmen]

Unplugged my fence for a while - no dog.  Just got a new puppy, plugged it back up and got the beeping.  Took the collar and checked the whole fence to set up new flags for a new puppy.  Collar worked the whole yard????  Is there a reset, or is it possible the fence still works with a break?

[miller43334]

I bought the RF Choke at Radio Shack and followed the instructions to test the wire.  I’m getting a very prominent and rapid pulsing tone everywhere (even in the middle of my yard, in my basement, over twisted wire, and pretty much anywhere I walk).   I’ve tried the lower end of the AM frequencies and I can hear the pulsing in the entire range from the bottom of the AM band up thru our local station on AM610.

I've tried to change the settings on the Stimulation Level, Field Size, and Field Width.  All settings produce the same pulsing tones with no change.

 
Recommendations?  Am I doing something wrong?

[miller43334]

Update:  I bought 2 RF-Chokes from Radio Shack and got the same result from 3 different AM radio's with each RF-Choke.  Ended up buying the RFA-50 Wire Break Locator on-line for about $50.  After testing the RFA-50 radio with the RF-Choke and getting the same result as with my AM radio's, I hooked up the detector and found the break (within 3 feet) in less than 10 minutes.

One note with the RFA-50.  You MUST have a good ground to get the two tones from the system.  I tried the ground spike for my house without success, so I tried hooking it up to the Negative Ground in our truck - - BINGO!!  Success!

[gloskarn]

Can you use a walkman with an AM band or do you need the actual exterior antenna for this to work?

Once you assemble the RF choke according to the directions do you turn the unit back on with the two lights on and no beeping sound before you walk the fence boundary with the radio?