What Are the Dangers of Radiation From Invisible Pet Fences?

Written By
Aaron Zvi
Aaron Zvi
Published: Dec 26, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

How Wireless Fences Work

Wireless--or invisible--pet fences are a system of signal-emitting wires buried in the ground to delineate a boundary. When a pet goes near the boundary, a battery-powered collar delivers a warning sound and, if the pet continues to approach, a small electric shock. Through learning, the pet becomes conditioned to remain within the boundary.

Ionizing Radiation

The form of radiation with the most potential to harm living organisms is ionizing radiation. Examples of ionizing radiation include radioactive materials and X-ray tubes.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation doesn't harm DNA in the way that ionizing radiation can. Low frequency, low power non-ionizing radiation generally has no effect on biological tissue. Examples of non-ionizing radiation include moonlight, radio signals and light bulbs.

Advertisement

Wireless Pet Fence Radiation

Wireless pet fences use non-ionizing low frequency radio waves at very low power. Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, the low frequency and weak transmission power of wireless fence systems are harmless to humans and animals.

Power Comparisons

A big-city radio station can broadcast at 50,000 watts.

A typical light bulb uses 75 watts.

A standard walkie-talkie can broadcast five watts.

A typical wireless fence system uses between five and 15 watts spread across several hundred feet of buried wire.

Resources

Aaron Zvi

Aaron Zvi has been a writer and photojournalist for 10 years in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East. A student of political science and psychology from the University of Maryland, he also does technical and market analysis for a green…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.