[SEDXC] Need wire

[Tom W8JI]

Cadmium coated steel fence wire (the common type) or zinc coated steel fence 
wire lasts about 1-5 years in contact with soil. Aluminum in the same range, 
depending on the soil and wire and what it connects to. The biggest problem 
I have with aluminum is breaking or eating away in spots.

I did a test installation of aluminum fence wire about 3-4 years ago and it 
is about half gone. Only the radials up in normally dry dirt are good.

If you want radials that last for years, better use solid copper. I'd take 
20 gauge soft drawn solid copper over any type of steel or aluminum. I use 
number 16 solid copper.

> I was just in my local ACE hardware. A 1/2 mile of #18 electric fence wire 
> is $35 plus tax!! Aside from the free aluminum wire I offered you, this is 
> the best deal so far!!
>
> GL
>>
>> For "on the ground" under the leaves in the back 40, I just bought a 500' 
>> spool of house wire at HD. I cut it into 8 lengths, 62.5' each. The next 
>> season, I did it again. Hal's idea of using CAT5 for 4000' is a great 
>> idea for several to go in and split the cost. Also, W4GA has used CAT5 
>> for the wire he built his elevated 40m vertical with. Lots of 
>> possibilities.