Description

If you have a longer fence or several electric nets to power and no mains supply nearby, the Hotline Buzzard is well worth a look. It runs from a rechargeable 12V leisure battery and has the power for livestock fencing, horse paddocks and sheep or poultry netting.

There are two power settings: 2.24 output joules on high and 1.25 on low. High gives you more power for longer fences, extra live lines and netting. For a shorter, clean fence, the low setting can save battery power while still keeping the fence working effectively.

The right setting depends on more than the length of your fence. Netting puts a greater load on an energiser than a few strands of rope or wire, and grass touching the live conductors draws power away. Check the voltage at the far end of the fence when choosing which setting to use.

The controls are straightforward, with separate on/off and high/low switches. A light flashes green with each pulse and changes to red when the battery needs recharging. The four-prong stand holds the energiser beside the fence, and the battery, fence and earth leads are supplied.

You will need a separate 12V leisure battery and a suitable earth stake. Hotline recommends an earth rod driven approximately one metre into the ground as a minimum. Dry ground or a more demanding fence may need additional rods. If you are connecting the energiser to the fence using insulated lead-out cable, we recommend 2.5mm cable for the Buzzard.

A compatible solar-assist panel can be added to help keep the battery charged and reduce trips to recharge it. The battery and solar equipment are sold separately.

The Buzzard is made in Britain and comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. Register it with Hotline after purchase and keep your receipt.

Specification

Brand: Hotline
Model: Buzzard HLB525
Manufacturer part number: 47HLB525
Power supply: External 12V battery
Stored energy: 3.2 joules high / 1.6 joules low
Output energy: 2.24 joules high / 1.25 joules low
Maximum voltage: 11,500V high / 8,400V low
Voltage at 500 ohms: 4,900V high / 3,500V low
Current consumption: 320mA high / 160mA low
Manufacturer’s maximum fence distance: 25km high / 20km low
Mounting: Four-prong stand
Indicators: Pulse and low battery
Leads supplied: Battery, fence and earth connections
Solar assist: Compatible
Battery: Not included
Country of manufacture: UK
Warranty: Five years

The quoted fence distances are manufacturer maximum ratings. Practical capacity depends on the fence layout, conductor quality, vegetation and earthing.