Is Security Rated Fencing Worth the Extra Money?

Security rated fencing has become a central part of modern perimeter protection. The introduction of the LPS 1175 standard in particular has given the industry a shared language for describing real resistance to attack. It has also removed much of the confusion that once surrounded the specification process. Instead of vague promises about strength or rigidity, buyers and specifiers can now rely on a structured grading system that is based on physical tests carried out by trained professionals using defined tools and methods.

This alone has been a major step forward. Yet the question remains. Is security rated fencing worth the paper it is written on. The answer is yes, but only if the wider picture is understood. There is far more to genuine security than the attack rating on a certificate.

LPS 1175 and meaningful testing

The LPS 1175 standard is respected because it focuses on real world attack behaviour. Products are tested against a set of tool kits and time frames that reflect the methods offenders actually use when attempting to breach a perimeter. A fence that achieves a rating within this scheme has therefore proven that it can withstand sustained effort from people who understand how to defeat barriers.

This has given confidence to architects, security consultants and end users. It has also raised the overall quality of fencing within the marketplace because manufacturers must design with attack resistance in mind rather than simply relying on claims that cannot be verified. In short, this standard has brought discipline and clarity to an industry that once lacked both.

Longevity and durability matter just as much as the attack rating

A fence that performs well during a laboratory test is not enough if it cannot perform the same way after a few years in service. This is one of the most serious issues that can be overlooked when people focus only on the rating.

Imagine specifying a fence with a high rating such as C5 for a sensitive or critical site. On paper this sounds ideal. Yet if the system begins to rust within a few years because of inadequate protection, the structure can weaken. Panels may deform more easily, fixings can corrode, and the entire perimeter can become vulnerable. In extreme cases a fence that once resisted advanced tools for several minutes might no longer withstand even the lightest attack comparable to the lowest rating. This completely removes the value of the original investment.

Durability is therefore not an optional extra. It is a fundamental part of security. A perimeter that is expected to protect people and property for ten or twenty years must be built to last that long while retaining the performance promised by its certificate. This is why high quality materials, robust coatings and proven manufacturing methods are essential considerations during specification.

Climbing resistance is often overlooked

Another point that deserves far more attention is climbing. Attack ratings focus on forced entry from tools. They say little about how easy it might be for someone to simply climb over the fence. A product may resist cutting or prying for five minutes but if it can be scaled in fifteen seconds then the protection is incomplete.

Climbing resistance depends on several factors. Panel design must limit foot holds and hand holds. The overall height must suit the level of risk. The structure must remain rigid so that it does not flex under weight. Even the position of horizontal wires or rails can influence how easily someone can gain leverage.

In many cases the most effective perimeter is not the fence with the highest attack rating. It is the fence that combines proven attack resistance with excellent anti climb characteristics and long term durability.

Read our blog on 'can 358 fencing be climbed?'

A balanced approach leads to better outcomes

Security rated fencing is without doubt worth the paper it is written on. LPS 1175 has provided a reliable benchmark that has transformed the market. However the rating on its own does not guarantee a secure perimeter. Buyers and specifiers must consider the full life of the product and the wider behaviour of potential offenders.

This means looking at three elements together. First, the proven attack resistance as defined by the rating. Second, the long term durability that ensures the fence will continue to perform throughout its service life. Third, the ability of the fence to deter and prevent climbing.

When all three are considered at the specification stage the result is a perimeter that genuinely provides the protection the site requires. It avoids the false economy of choosing a product that performs well only on day one. It also gives clearer justification for investment because the performance is both proven and sustainable.

Security is never about a single feature. It is about the complete system. LPS 1175 gives a strong foundation but it is only when durability and climb resistance join the conversation that the full value of security rated fencing becomes clear.

In addition to all of the above, the threats (whether, criminal, protect, terrorism etc), attack methodology, skill of the potential attacker all has to be taken into account.  Read our blog on 'assessing a site for a perimeter security fence'