How Can Boundary Wires Differ?

Boundary cables for robotic mowers are composed of an outer protective layer, which can be made of various insulating materials, usually PVC/HDPE, and an inner wire, made of a metal with good conductive properties, usually copper.

Most standard boundary wires consist of this simple structure. This means an insulating jacket made of PVC/HDPE on the outside and a single-core copper cable on the inside.

Some cables, such as those from HUSQVARNA, do not use copper, but a special metal alloy to provide slightly better resistance. 

Some alternatives to the traditional boundary wire can also be made of different materials, both for the conductor cable and the insulating layer.

There are also differences in the diameter of the cable and the number of wires. Some cables consist of several wires twisted together. A larger cable diameter provides less resistance. This is important for very large areas or very long boundary cables, so that the signal can reach the end of the cable.

Then there are special safety cables that are protected against damage of various kinds, e.g. from shovels or rodents. These cables have a tinned copper braid around the insulating sheath, which in turn is enclosed by another protective sheath.

Due to these differences, boundary cables for robotic mowers also differ in their diameter, due to the number and thickness of the layers, and in their flexibility, due to the thickness and the material used.

So here is a list of the different attributes that distinguish boundary wires:

• Material of the insulating layer (often PVC/HDPE, the same for all manufacturers, not necessarily for alternative cables)

• Material of the electrical conductor (copper, aluminium, steel, various alloys), resulting in differences in electrical resistance

• Thickness of the electrical conductor, resulting in differences in electrical resistance.

• Single core or twisting

• Additional protective layers

• Flexibility, due to thickness and material

• Thickness of the entire cable

DO I HAVE TO LAY THE BOUNDARY WIRE UNDERGROUND?

The boundary wire sends a signal to the robotic lawnmower telling it which areas are to be mowed and which are not. Laying the cable is therefore the most important step before commissioning. For many first-time owners of a robotic lawnmower, this raises the question of whether it is really worth the effort to lay the cable underground - or will the above-ground variant simply suffice.

Is the Installation Difficult?

With any project that deals with a little mechanical ingenuity and basic wiring comes some level of difficulty. But if one follows these steps accordingly then the process will be much easier if not entirely straightforward. One thing to get out of the way right off the bat is that you can be rest assured in knowing that it’s a one person job. You can get this done all by yourself. Another thing to note is that the wiring is all done above ground and just requires some placement with pegs. There isn’t much hands on gritty work involved. With that in mind, check out the steps to install below!