Safe-Home.com

Questions about the safety and advantages of using electric fence chargers or fence energizers

Answer: My knowledge of electric fencing is very limited.

I turned to the Fi-Shock web page where I found a whole list of questions and answers about this subject. The following is taken from their website. All credit is given to that website.

"Q: What is the benefit of electric fencing vs. barbed or woven wire?

A: An electric fence system is a positive alternative to barbed or woven wire for two reasons. First, it is easy to install and maintain while also costing less than barbed or woven wire fencing. Second, it is a safer alternative because animals are trained to stay away from the electric fence and in the case that an animal does lean against the fence, it will not be harmed or push the fence over. With an electric fence, there are also fewer edges and points that may cut the animal and cause harm.

Q: Is electric fencing safe for the animals I am containing?

A: Electric fencing is a safe alternative because animals are trained to stay away from the fence and in the case that an animal does lean against the fence, it will not be harmed or push the fence over.There are also far fewer edges and points that may cut the animal and cause harm.

Q: Will energized fencing interfere with my power lines or phone lines in the ground?

A: They should not cause a problem to power or phone lines. To insure that there is not a problem make sure to locate the grounding system for the fence energizer at least 50 feet away from the grounding system for the phone or underground phone or power lines.

Q: Does energized fencing cost more than conventional fencing?

A: The most costly piece of any fence is the posts. In barbed and woven wire posts need to be set every 12-15 feet; however in High-Tensile fencing posts can be set 30-50 feet apart, which automatically lowers the cost of the fence. Here are some typical costs for various type of fencing options: (cost estimates per foot) Barbed Wire Cost: $.84 per foot Woven Wire Cost: $1.07 per foot High-tensile Cost: $.57 per foot Conventional electric Fence Cost: $.08 per foot

Q: Is there a benefit of using a certain voltage over another when getting an energizer or charger? A: Voltage is the measure of electrical force in a circuit to push the current down a long length of wire. Generally, the higher the output voltage the longer the fence line that can be effectively loaded. Q: Can electric fencing be used to keep certain animals out of an area?

A: Electric fencing can be used for both containing an animal while also deterring predators or nuisance animals from specific areas. Animals will receive a small shock every time they come in contact with the fence no matter which side of the fence they are on.

Q: Do you have fencing systems for horses?

A: Yes, in fact Fi-Shock offers a complete assortment of products for equine fences. By offering a wide array of polytape, polyrope and polywire as well as insulators and energizers, the equine offering is a safer and effective alternative to keep your horses contained.

Q: Will it hurt my children/my pets?

A: NO, electric fencing is the safest form of agricultural fencing. Even though voltages are high, current (Amps) is very low and is generally intermittent or pulsed. Amps are the dangerous part of an electrical charge."

Our thanks to F-Shock for supplying such complete information about electric fencing and energizers. And thank you for your question. Do choose your energizer according to what kind of animal you want to keep in or out.

Examples:

• FI-Shock Havahart Pet Battery Powered Fence Energizer is pet containment or exclusion for dogs, raccoons, skunks, possums, etc. Or use the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit which includes an energizer and 100 ft of aluminum wire plus the accessories.
• Small Animal Containment such as Sheep, Goats, etc
• FI-SHOCK 20 Mile AC Fence Charger works well to keep larger animals contained or excluded when you have electrical power available. Use for Pigs, Cattle, Horses, Deer, Elk, Etc.

Please visit our website to see the variety of electric, battery powered and solar powered fencers, fence wire and accessories that we sell.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about attracting Purple Martins to my yard to keep insect population under control

Answer: Currently we sell two brands of manufactured gourd bird houses. These are the Bird Adobe SuperGourds and the Purple Martin Gourds by Heath. Both come in light colors, white or almond.

The SuperGourd is a unique "bird house" was invented by James Hill Founder and past Director of the Purple Martin Conservation Association. His research revealed that martins fledge one extra nestling per nesting attempt in gourds compared to aluminum martin houses with 6” x 6” compartments. So he developed the Supergourd,

There are three models of SuperGourd. The main difference is the bird entry hole size. Each SuperGourd is a 10”, one-piece, plastic gourd with a molded-in, threaded access port, covered
by a screw-on cap. The access port is 3 7/8” in diameter, large enough to admit a human hand. The cap has a liner that makes both the cap and access port totally watertight. To do nest checks, twist the cap off. At the end of the season, clean out the old nest. The access port has a high viewing angle so it is easy to see the nest contents. The large molded-in rain canopy doubles as a perching platform. The canopy is placed high enough above the entrance hole to allow the perfect amount of head clearance for hole-perching martins. The SuperGourd weighs about 32 ounces, slightly more than a natural gourd its size. This one piece unit has no seams so there are no leaks possible. There are seven 1/4” drainage to drain any rain that may blow into the gourd. The SuperGourd is blow molded in a white (sun reflecting), opaque, high-density polyethylene plastic, with ultraviolet inhibitors added for long life. These gourds are an attractive alternative for those
landlords too busy to grow, paint, and modify natural gourds. It has all the advantages of a natural gourd without the fuss and muss of making one.

For Purple Martins, the best choices are the Round-holed SuperGourds with 2 1/8 Inch Diameter Entry Hole shown here on a gourd rack system. Or choose the Crescent-holed SuperGourds with 1-3/16 inch entrance hole that are Starling-resistant.

Easy to Hang:  SuperGourds can easily be hung underneath an existing martin house, from a gourd rack, or strung on a line between two poles. One set of 1/4" hanging holes (side-to-side) are predrilled and will accept a hanging wire; a set of front-to-back holes can easily be drilled by the purchaser if so desired.Easy to Hang:  SuperGourds can easily be hung underneath an existing martin house, from a gourd rack, or strung on a line between two poles. One set of 1/4" hanging holes (side-to-side) are predrilled and will accept a hanging wire; a set of front-to-back holes can easily be drilled by the purchaser if so desired.

When hanging SuperGourds underneath a martin house, or along a line, use #10 or #12 gauge, plastic-coated, solid (singlestrand) copper wire. Do not use copper wire that has multiple internal strands — it is not strong enough. In extremely windy areas, the #10 gauge wire is the preferred choice because it is thicker and stronger than #12. You will need about 15 inches of wire per
gourd. Insert the wire through the hanging holes so an equal amount sticks out each side. Bend the wires 90-degrees upward, then wrap each end of the wire snugly around the line, eye hooks,
porch railings, or gourd rack arm you are attaching it to. When properly hung, the gourds should swing (not twist) in the wind and should not be capable of bumping each other or other objects
in a strong wind. The top of the gourd should be about 1” below fluffy wood shavings, or dried pine needles, in each gourd Should these gourds ever reach the end of their useful life span, they can be recycled in your community’s recycling program.

You can hang these gourd birdhouses as close as with 2 foot centers. You just don't want them to bounce against each other when the wind blows.

The Heath Purple Martin Gourds are made in two pieces. One piece is longer than the other: the hanger hole is in that piece. Each gourd is about 9 inches in diameter at its widest and about 12 inches high. There is a half-moon piece of plastic in the entrance hole to discourage starling nests. To clean these, you must take them down and take the two pieces apart. These are Made in USA/

Purple martins begin nesting in June. The manufacturers suggest putting up the gourds any time. This years baby birds will be looking for a nesting place for next year. You can hand these as low as 6 feet off the ground. Add nesting materials to encourage the birds to stay. Supply aids such as nest materials like dried white pine needles, dry twigs or straw neaby. Supply mud for nest building. Visit purplemartin.org for more information.

Purple Martins are sociable birds so hanging a minimum of 4 gourds is recommended. You can hang with cable or purchase a pole hanger that holds many gourds. Remember these are flying insect eaters except they don't eat mosquitoes. For that, we suggest a mosquito trap by Koolatron or Mosquito Magnet.

We also sell purple martin and other bird houses.

Thank you for your question. If you need more help, please contact us at Sales@SafeHomeProducts.com

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about how to keep birds from perching and leaving bird droppings on my 5th floor balcony.

Answer: We suggest a combination of the Balcony Gard and other bird deterrents. If possible, install the Balcony Gard before the "bird season" in your area. Keeping birds away is easier than getting rid of them once they have built nests or begun to roost.

The Balcony Gard by Bird-X operates on 4 C batteries or on AC current. The strongest settings on ultrasonic would be the LO position, the lowest frequency. Rarely humans can hear this frequency. Having the unit run constantly works best. Otherwise the unit makes repellent sounds only if the bird (or animal, like squirrels) starts the unit by moving past the motion sensor. Coverage is up to 900 square feet in a generally oval pattern: the speaker projects sound on a horizontal plane in one direction. You can adjust the motion sensitivity and the frequency of sound generated.

More than one unit may be required. Getting rid of birds is more effective if you use the Balcony Gard plus other deterrents such as bird netting and a visual repeller like Bird-X Holographic Bird Tape or Tanglefoot Bird Repeller Ribbon,2 inch X 100 ft or bouncing ball repellers like the Terror Eyes Moving Eye Holographic Bird Repeller Ball.,

Point the Balcony Gard away from dogs or cats: outward is the best choice. The Balcony Gard operates at 15,000 to 25,000 vibrations per minute, Usual coverage is 50 feet forward and 30 feet wide at the higher frequency. At the lower frequency, this increases up to 80 feet forward by 50 feet wide.

You'll know it is operating when the red light is in during continuous AC use or when the red light comes on when something passes in front of the unit. The unit should make a chirping sound when turned on. Batteries last about a month on the MS or motion sensor mode.

The warranty is 6 months from the ship date. Weatherproof – casing is designed to withstand outdoor use (rain cover included)

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about plant moisture sensors.

Answer: Safe Home does sell an electronic moisture sensor for plants. This product is called Dr. Frog.Doctor Frog Water Alarm, Electronic Plant Moisture Meter uses twin metal probes that are attached to an electronic moisture sensor. Although water resistant, Dr Frog™ must be removed when you water your plant. Re-insert afterwards. Avoid immersing Doctor Frog™ in water even briefly. Battery life is up to 1 year with normal use. Of course, if you ignore Dr. Frog's alarm, the batteries ( two G10 batteries) will not last very long. There is a light sensor so Dr. Frog won't wake you up at night. Otherwise he will croak for 3 seconds every 10 seconds. 6 month limited manufacturer's warranty. As seen on HGTV's "I Want That."

Other options for keeping your plants adequately watered include:

• Cobra Co Plant Sitter Water System, Indoor or Outdoor UseCeramic moisture sensor releases drip irrigation to your house plants or outdoor deck plants whether you are home or away. Just remember to refill the one quart tank of the CobraCo(R) Plant Sitter Water System once a week or every two weeks. The Plant Sitter automatically provides water and fertilizer to house or deck plants. The one quart tank and ceramic sensor fit almost any planter. For the average sized plant, the CobraCo Plant Sitter provides drip irrigation as needed to water plants for up to 3 weeks. Great for the elderly or invalids who can enjoy plants without the fuss of watering. No need for a house sitter for short vacations! For longer ones, your house sitter needs to refill only once per week or every second week.
• CobraCo Plant Sitter Terra Cotta Replacement Ceramic Watering Sensors that work with any container of water.Drip irrigation for house plants. Plant sits up to 3 weeks. Fits almost any planter.Use year-round or for vacations. Great for house plant promotion.The CobraCo(R) Ceramic Watering Sensor provides automatic watering of house plants. The sensors come in a 3-pack and will work with any container of water. The drip time is approximately 6 to 10 hours per water sensor. Keep your plants at the proper moisture level with these ceramic water sensors.

Thank you for your question. These products should keep your thumb "green."

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about life span of carbon monoxide and propane monitor/alarms in RV's and trailers.

Answer: Safe Home recently learned that all newly manufactured 12V propane alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, whether combination alarms or single alarms, must include an internal shut-down system. The Safe-T-Alert brand we sell has an internal warning system that beeps and flashes when the sensor is dying and then beeps and flashes when the unit shuts down from sensor failure. Typical life is 3 to 5 years unless the sensors are exposed to aerosols such as spray deodorants, cooking sprays, cleaners, etc. Note the date of installation on the outside of the unit with a sticker or log into your owner's manual so you won't be awakened in the middle of no where with the bad news that your units are or have failed.

Below is the information we received from Safe-T-Alert in April 2012 to share with customers.

CARBON MONOXIDE & PROPANE ALARM REPLACEMENT NOTICE: Note to Customers:

All Safe-T-Alert Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarms that are 5 years old and older are beyond their Mandatory Replacement Time and MUST be replaced.

Background: Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL®) Carbon Monoxide Standard UL 2034 and Canadian Standards Association (CSA®) CSA 119.2 now require that all Carbon Monoxide alarms be designed to stop service in 3 to 5 years . UL and CSA have determined that Carbon Monoxide alarms have a limited life. Propane alarms use similar sensors and UL will require the same service life in the near future.

ALL MTI Propane and Carbon Monoxide alarms which are over five (5) years old MUST be replaced. The following Safe-T-Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm Models MUST be replaced: SA-4, SA-5, 50-541 and 50-542. Models 60-541 and 60-542 over five (5) years old MUST be replaced.The following Safe-T-Alert Propane Alarms Models MUST be replaced: SA-7 and SA-8. Models 30-441,30-442, 40-441 and 40-442 that are over five (5) years old MUST be replaced.

Important! Only install CO and Propane alarms that are UL or CSA listed for Recreational Vehicle Use.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about replacing CCI Controls Propane Gas Alarms and Propane Alarms with Tank Valve Shut-Offs with Comparable Safe-T-Alert models.

Answer: Below is a chart. The entire unit must be replaced if your CCI Controls unit has an automatic gas valve shut off. Safe-T-Alert replacements for that unit will not work with the CCI valve.

Below is our main replacement chart.

Please contact Safe Home at sales@safehomeproducts.com or phone us if you have questions. We also sell Costar 9RV battery powered carbon monoxide alarms and Costar 12RV alarms with 9 volt battery back-up systems. Remember that propane leaks are dangerous and carbon monoxide are as well because they can kill silently.

To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast.

Thank your for your question. Please contact us via sales@safehomeproducts.com if you have more questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about replacement of CCI Controls carbon monoxide alarms with Safe-T-Alert Models.

Answer: Here is a chart provided by Safe-T-Alert. The Safe-T-Alert 65 Series come in flush mount (the 65-542) and in surface mount (the 65-541). Available colors are brown and white. Note; there is a rebate on both carbon monoxide and propane gas alarms for RV's. This offer is good for purchases between 4/1/2012 and 9/1/2012. The rebate is from the manufacturer so you must submit the paper work directly to them.

Thank you for your question. To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast. Send us email to sales@safehomeproducts.com or phone us if you have more questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the advantages of the Cardinal Gates 50 Ft. Silver Deck Netting over the Cardinal Gates Black Deck Shield Netting

Answer: The silver deck shield netting has a longer life and is less visible on light colored decks or when used to block animals (or children) from pushing between the pickets of fences. Both are easily installed using the wire ties, etc. included with each deck net kit. Both are made from polypropylene plastic and UV protected.

The major differences between the silver and the black deck netting are as follows:

• Thickness: Silver is substantially sturdier and thicker—more than 7 times thicker than black. Black is approximately 0.26mm thick. Silver is approximately 1.98mm thick.
• Size of openings: Silver: each "mesh" rectangle measures ½-inch hole size .  Black: each "mesh" rectangle measures about 1.25" x .75". 
• Visibility: silver is even less visible from a distance.
• Height: 35 inches for black and 36 inches for the silver

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Safe-T-Alert Rebates on 12V Propane Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Answer: The rebate eligible products included and amount of rebates are as follows:

• RV Carbon Monoxide/LP Gas Alarm model 35-741, 35-742,70-742 or 70-742 Kit is eligible for a $20 rebate.
• RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm model 60-541, 60-542, 65-541 or 65-542 is eligible for a $10 rebate
• RV LP Gas Alarm model 20-441, 30-441, 30-442, 40-441 or 40-442 is eligible for a $10 rebate.

Alarms must be purchased between April 1, 2012 and September 1, 2012. Rebate must be postmarked by September 30, 2012.

Documents accompanying the official rebate form must include the original purchase receipt with date of purchase and the UPC code from the packaging.

Thank you for your question. To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe Escape Oxygen Generating Self Rescue Respirator, Steel Case

Answer: The unit is the Safe Escape Oxygen Generating Self Rescue Respirator, in the steel case. The advantages of the stainless steel encased unit include being compact (4 inches by 5.25 inches by 7.5 inches),easily wall mounted near exits and puncture resistant. The main advantage is that a chemical process generates the oxygen so there are no dangerous, heavy oxygen tanks involved. Weight due to the case is about 5 lbs. does weigh about 5 lbs.

Safe Home sells these units primarily for use below decks of ships, especially in engine rooms and for underground storage facilities like yours. The Safe Escape Oxygen Generating Self-Rescue Respirators give you 30 minutes up to 60 minutes of breathable oxygen (21% Concentration). Unlike the SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) oxygen tanks, these units are lightweight and have no risk of  secondary explosions due to oxygen tank issues.  No maintenance and no special fitting are needed. Each closed system unit has an orange hood that fits any sized head. The nose/mouthpiece has been tested, passed and certified by SGS. This oxygen respirator unit is vacuum sealed in a bag: no moisture can enter. Just open, escape and throw it away.  The case is steel: certified and compliant for IMO, International Maritime Organization for use in engine rooms and areas of ships below deck.

The respirator hood is made from PVC that provides protection for up to 100 degrees Celsius (over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as direct flame and hot falling ash protection.The high temperature rubber neck band seals off the breathing area to keep 100% of any possible toxins from entering the respirator.

Other uses for this self-rescue oxygen generating respirator are private yachts, chemical facilities, oil platforms and refineries, hotels, high rise office buildings, correctional facilities, police, military, fire rescue, first responders, subways, or underground mining industry.

Safe Escape Oxygen Generating Self-Rescue Respirator AFSY30 EEBD Stainless Steel Case Features:

    Self-contained oxygen generation for 30 to 60 minutes
    SGS certified mouthpiece and nose piece
    IMO certified and compliant for use in engine room areas and ship areas below deck.
    PVC hood withstands temperatures up to 1000 degrees C.
    Hood color is orange
    Stainless Steel Hard Case: 4 inches by 5.25 inches by 7.5 inches
    Weight: approx. 2 KG or 5 lbs.
    WARRANTY: This product has a 5 year Shelf Life from the Date of Manufacture.
    FREE ONE TIME REPLACEMENT, Excluding shipping costs/ Taxes or Duties) should you use it in an actual Documented Case where Fire / Smoke are or / were present where-upon these units were used to facilitate escape or while awaiting rescue during the 4 or 5 years. Product should be returned to Distributor or Ourselves along with a Official Report from Law Enforcement / Fire / Civil Defense / Military Authorities in order to verify its usage in an actual situation where Smoke and/or Fire were present. We will replace them Once During the 5 Year Shelf Life. For Government Agencies / Departments no more than once a year with proper documentation supporting their claim and the return to us of the used unit along with documentation / official police / fire report.

Note: Special colors are available in minimum orders of 500 units. Imprinting is available. Available colors include black, sand and army green.

Safe Home also sells the same unit in a hard case made from PVC plastic, the SafeEscape Oxygen Generating Self Rescue Respirator, Hard Case and in a soft case, the Safe Escape Oxygen Generating Self Rescue Respirator, Soft Case, 10/CS

These are a special order item: typically made to order for delivery within two weeks.Minimum purchase is a case of 10 units.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara