Invention: Electric fence for livestock
A DigitalNZ Story by squiggle_top
Although not the original inventor of the electric fence, William Gallagher was among the first to develop an electric fence used in agriculture. It is celebrated as a New Zealand invention.
Developing the electric fence
... not a New Zealand invention, but local farmers and inventors have been leaders in its development. Bill Gallagher and Herbert Christie, working separately, designed and built electric fence energisers in New Zealand about 1938. At the same time, William Riddet was also working on the concept at Massey Agricultural College (now Massey University). At first, electric fencing was used to support existing wire fences and as temporary fencing for cattle. In 1958, trials on permanent electrified fencing were conducted at Massey, and introduced a radical change in fencing methods.
Source: Farm fencing - High-tensile and electric fencing, Story by Robert Peden, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. 24 November 2008 [accessed 08 January 2024].
2013 interview with Sir William Gallagher.
The family business began in a Hamilton shed in the late 1930s with a design for an electric fence to manage livestock.
Radio New Zealand
1949
This portable electric fence unit is hooked up to a barbed wire.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
2000
Bill Gallagher, Group Chair, Gallagher
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
n.d.
Gallagher around the world - this electric fence surrounding the Blair Drummond Safari Park in Scotland.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1949
This film shows a farmer moving one of the earliest electric fences.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Components used in electric fences
n.d.
Insulated "pigtails" are used to hold electric fence wires.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1940s - 1980s
Fourteen small electrical insulators in a range of colours.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
1950s - 1980s
Seven cylindrical and circular ceramic insulators, including electric fence insulators, bead and bobbin insulators.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
ca. 1955
Cube shaped with slots through each surface, with a wider slot in opposing surfaces in opposite directions.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
This DigitalNZ story was created December 2023, and updated January 2024.
1960s - 1980s
Three rectangular clear glazed ceramic insulators.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
1940s - 1980s
A squat, round, clear glazed ceramic shape with a flat top and bottom.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
1930s - 1960s
Round, yo-yo shaped insulator with hole through centre.
Te Toi Uku, Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum
Additional resources
Bill Gallagher (inventor) - Wikipedia entry [accessed 08 January 2024]
Electric fence - Wikipedia entry [accessed 08 January 2024]
The Gallagher Security Story. About Us | Gallagher Security [accessed 08 January 2024]
Electric fence - Waikato region. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Story by Nancy Swarbrick, updated 01 July 2015. [accessed 08 January 2024]
Book. Legend : from electric fences to global success : the Sir William Gallagher story by Paul Goldsmith. 2013. Random House New Zealand.
Book. No. 8 wire: the best of Kiwi ingenuity by Jon Bridges & David Downs. 2000. Hodder Moa Beckett.