KERBL 291130 Electric Slug Fence Starter Kit Instruction Manual

: June 11, 2024
: KERBL

KERBL 291130 Electric Slug Fence Starter Kit Instruction Manual

Operating Instructions Electric Slug Fence – Starter Kit #291130

General

When installed correctly, the electric slug fence forms an insurmountable barrier for all kinds of slugs in the home garden. Due to the low fence voltage of 9 V (block battery), the slugs do not suffer any damage, but merely feel an unpleasant tingling sensation and are immediately induced to turn around. For other animals and also for humans, the effect is not noticeable and completely harmless.

Correct use

This product, along with its accessories, are intended solely for scaring off slugs. It has no other intended use. Technical modifications to the system or its components are not permitted!

Safety instructions

Check the system on a regular basis for damage. Replace any damaged components if necessary!
Stow loose cables in order to prevent trips or other injuries!
Regularly check the battery status and dispose of any leaking or damaged batteries properly without delay!
The power unit may only be operated with a 9 V battery. Mains operation is not permitted.

Scope of delivery

Optional accessories / replacement articles

Optional accessories

Setup of the system (functional principle)

The fence tape has two parallel, electrically conductive contact strips. During operation, one of the contact strips is placed under 9 V voltage for a short period of time (a few milliseconds) at regular intervals (approx. 2 seconds). The slug’s slimy, wet surface means that it is particularly good at conducting electricity. If the slug makes a connection between the two contact strips when trying to cross the fence tape, a small current flows for a short time. The slug is not harmed by this, but merely finds the flow of electricity unpleasant and changes direction.

For humans and animals, the current and voltage of the battery are too small to feel. Operation is completely harmless.

It is possible to supply up to three separate fence sections with just one power unit (see Section 9 Operating multiple fences with one power unit).

Installation

Preparations before installation

Ambient conditions
Where possible, maintain a sufficient distance from the soil in order to avoid dirtying the fence or prevent plants growing over it. In the case of raised beds, we recommend installation in the upper third. Always ensure that plants do not come into contact with the fence tape. This can have a negative influence on its function.

Surface:
Before installing the fence tape, note the following points in order to ensure maximum adhesion of the fence tape:

The substrate should be as free from dust and dirt as possible: if necessary, clean and allow the substrate to dry well before installation.
Substrate free from greases and oils: clean any contamination of the substrate with a grease-dissolving substance. Metal surfaces in particular are often oiled or greased!
Important: The fence tape’s adhesion may be impaired on timber that has recently been treated with oil. Wait a few weeks until the oil has been largely absorbed before installing the fence tape.
Wood: the surface should be as smooth as possible (planed or sanded). An oil-free, waterproof coating for outdoor use is recommended to increase the adhesion of the fence tape.
Concrete: the surface should first be cleaned and abraded to remove coarse grains and unevenness. Pre-treatment of the surface with deep primer is recommended to ensure adhesion of the fence tape.

Fence connection:
Before attaching the fence tape, the positions of the retaining plates on the power unit and any bed connector used must be selected (the retaining plate is installed at the same time as the fence tape is stuck on).

Installing the fence tape

Sticking on the fence tape and attaching the retaining plates
Be aware that the fence tape should never be attached to flat, but rather onto vertical surfaces. Otherwise, the rain water cannot run off and will cause a short circuit. The self-adhesive fence tape can be easily and permanently attached to almost all types of surface (wood, metal, plastic, stone, concrete) and can be shortened if necessary with household scissors.

Pull the protective film off the back of the adhesive surface on the fence tape in sections. Stick the adhesive tape as straight as possible onto the intended substrate. Small gaps to the ground (less than 2 – 3 mm) are not a problem. If they are larger, small slugs will be able to creep through! Seal any gaps or lay the fence tape along the contour.

Position the retaining plate of the power unit or bed connector (if multiple fences are to be operated with one device, see also point 10 “Operating multiple fences with one power unit”) before pressing the fence tape on firmly with the palm of the hand.
For wooden backgrounds, the retaining plate can also be secured with screws before the fence tape is attached. On all other substrates, the retaining plate is only secured with the adhesive force of the fence tape.

If the fence tape is too long, you can shorten it with scissors. Take care to ensure that the ends are as straight as possible.

Extending the fence tape
If necessary, the fence tape can be extended using 10 m fence tape (item 291128) or 20 m fence tape (item 291129) and fence tape connector (item 291127). These items are not included in the scope of delivery and are available as accessories. To do this, proceed as follows:

Cut both ends of the fence tape as straight as possible so that they are flush when they meet (no overlaps!)
Place the retaining plate in the middle behind the two ends of the tape. Pull off the protective film from the tapes and press them firmly onto the retaining plate. The fence tapes must not overlap.
Position the contact clip to establish the electrical bridge.

TIP: If you wish to test whether any point of the fence is working, proceed as follows:
use a metallic object (e.g. nail, screwdriver or similar) to bridge the two contact strips on the fence tape at the point you wish to check for at least 10 seconds.

At the same time, check the power unit:

a. If the fence status LED starts to flash red after 10 seconds, the fence’s function at this point is OK.

b. If there is no indication (or if the fence status LED flashes green when the test button is pressed), then there is no end-to-end electrical connection to the fence. Check all of the contact points and carry out the test again.

The entire fence does not need to form a loop. The open ends do not need to be connected either, however it does increase the reliability. Excess fence tape can simply be cut off with household scissors.
Practical tip: For this reason, you can also use the electric slug fence to protect lawn edges from slugs without forming a loop with the fence tape.

Take care to ensure that the cut ends do not cause a short circuit. This is especially relevant for metallic substrates. To do this, remove a piece of the two conductive aluminium strips from the backing material at the ends (approx. 2 mm).

Connecting the power unit

Connect the contact clip on the power unit to the retaining plate.

Always secure the power unit hanging, using the screw included (hanging opening on the back) to ensure leak tightness.

Tip: If you do not have the option to secure the device to the bed, you can secure the device to a wooden plank driven into the soil.

Press the test button to check the fence’s function. If installed correctly, the fence status LED indicator flashes green (see Section 8 Operation).

Operation

Switching the power supply on

Inserting the battery causes the device to be automatically activated and ready for operation.

Fence status

When the fence tape is installed correctly, the indicator LED flashes green.
If there is a fault (short circuit), the indicator LED flashes red. In this case, there is a direct electrical connection between the two contact strips on the fence (e.g. caused by a metal contact, incorrect extension, heavy plant growth in front of the fence, etc.). Check the entire fence and eliminate the short circuit.

Battery status

When the battery voltage is sufficient, the indicator LED flashes green when the test button is pressed.
When the battery voltage is low, the indicator LED flashes red when the test button is pressed. When the battery is flat, the indicator LED lights up solid red. In both cases, replace the battery immediately

Test button

To save power, the indicator LEDs only flash constantly in the event of a fault (fence fault, battery flat).
Pressing the test button allows the status of the fence and battery to be checked at any time, however.

Operating multiple fences with one power unit

If necessary, multiple separate fences can be connected to one bed connector (item 291126) and therefore operated with a single power unit.
This is useful, for example, if separate, adjacent beds are to be fenced off.
The power unit is connected to one bed. A further bed is connected and supplied with power using the bed connector (item 291126).

The bed connector consists of two contact clips linked by a cable and two retaining plates. The retaining plates and the contact clips are installed as described in Section 7.2 and 7.3.

Connecting further beds:

Connecting further beds

please always note the maximum permissible fence length of 30 m. Beyond this length, the effect of the fence can be reduced and the battery service life can also be significantly shortened.

Cleaning and maintenance

Removing slug slime

In the event of heavy slug attacks, slime can build up on the fence tape. This can influence the function of the fence and, at high concentrations, can have a negative impact on the battery service life. Remove softened slime only in wet weather with a wet sponge or cloth. Never scratch off dried slime since this can damage the metal conductor in the fence tape.

Removing plants

Plant growth (grass, leaves, etc.) can form electrical bridges and have a negative impact on the fence’s function. Slugs can also use parts of plants as “ladders” to overcome the fence. You should therefore regularly cut back any such plant growth.

Maintenance and repair

Changing the battery

When the battery level is low, the 9 V block battery must be replaced. When replacing the battery, ensure that the cover is repositioned and screwed on correctly in order to ensure the housing’s leak tightness.

Errors and possible solutions

Parts of the fence or the entire fence are overcome by slugs

Check all of the contact points to ensure they are continuous. Carry out the test described in 7.2 to localise the faulty area.

The LED fence indicator flashes red constantly

There is a short circuit in the fence tape (both contact strips have been bridged, for example by a metallic foreign body or due to incorrect installation of the components). Check the installation to eliminate the short circuit.

Technical data

Operating voltage: 9 V
Battery service life: approx. 6 months (for a 10 m fence length, without plant growth)

Disposal

Electronic scrap
Disposing of this device after its service life is the responsibility of the operator. Please consult the valid national regulations. The device must not be disposed of in household waste. In accordance with the stipulations of the EU Directive on the Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Devices, the device can be disposed of free of charge at the local waste collection or recycling centre. Alternatively, it can be returned to retailers who offer a collection service. The proper disposal helps to ensure environmental protection and prevents any adverse effects on human health and the environment.

CE-/UKCA-conformity declaration
Albert KERBL GmbH hereby declares that the product / device described in these instructions complies with the fundamental requirements and other relevant stipulations and regulations. The CE-/UCKA-mark confirms compliance with the Directives of the European Union or the releant UK legislation.

Hobby farming expert team:

Germany: +49 8086 933-323 hobbyfarming@kerbl.com
Austria: +43 4224 81555-655 hobbyfarming@kerbl- austria.at
International: +49 8086 933-323 hobbyfarming@kerbl.com