Security Fencing vs High Security Fencing: Understanding the Differences

Installing a fence is more than just marking a boundary. It is about protection, peace of mind, and managing risk. However, not all fencing systems are created equal. Security fencing and high security fencing serve different purposes, face different threats, and come with distinct design and cost considerations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right perimeter solution for your site.

It is also important to note that even if a fence is classed as a high security fence, or has been tested and rated, it may only be supplied with a short guarantee and may begin to rust, which leaves it vulnerable after only a few years. Security ratings and design are not the only considerations; longevity and strong guarantees are equally significant when choosing a fence. Read our blog on the risks of cheap mesh fences for more information on this subject.

What Is Security Fencing?

Security fencing provides a visible boundary and a basic deterrent to unauthorised access. It is often designed to discourage casual trespass and low level intrusion, making it suitable for everyday environments.

A common example of this type of fencing is triple point palisade. While it looks robust and is often marketed as security fencing, many of these fences are vulnerable and act more as a demarcation fence than a true security barrier. For areas accessible to the public, it is important to use anti vandal designs to reduce the risk of tampering or damage.  Read our blog on 'Is triple point palisade a security fence'

Security Ratings

• Basic security fences generally achieve an A1 rating, indicating minimal resistance to attack.
• Demarcation fences are typically not tested or rated because their purpose is mainly to define a boundary rather than resist intrusion.

Typical Characteristics

• Material: Often constructed from welded mesh panels, mild steel, or palisade panels.
• Height: Usually tall enough to mark a perimeter and act as a visual deterrent, commonly around 1.8 to 2.4 metres for commercial use.
• Function: Establishes a boundary and slows opportunistic entrants without specialised anti climb or anti cut features.

Where It Is Used

• Residential gardens and private property boundaries
• Schools, sports facilities and parks
• Low risk commercial sites and car parks
• Public spaces where security concerns are minimal

In these contexts, the fence’s role is to deter spontaneous intrusion and clearly define territory, rather than to withstand determined attacks.

What Is High Security Fencing?

High security fencing is engineered to resist deliberate attack and sustained intrusion attempts. It is designed for sites where the consequences of a breach are high, such as critical infrastructure, industrial complexes, utilities, and transport hubs.

Security Ratings

• LPS 1175 ratings are important for high security fences.
• High security fences typically start at SR2 rating and go up to E10 rating, depending on the site, level of protection required, and the delay time expected to prevent intrusion.

Factors Affecting Fence Selection

• The required delay time to resist a breach – how long the fence needs to slow an intruder.
• The value of the asset being protected – higher value assets usually require stronger fencing.
• Whether the fence is internal or external, which can affect design and materials.
• Other considerations such as whether the fence needs to provide privacy or help reduce noise from nearby areas.

Key Features

• Enhanced Material Strength: Reinforced steel, high tensile mesh, or palisade with thick vertical pales providing significant resistance against cutting and bending.
• Anti Climb and Anti Cut Design: Smaller mesh apertures and specialised shapes eliminate handholds and footholds.
• Greater Height and Toppings: Taller barriers with optional anti climb profiles or barbed wire where allowed.
• Tamper Resistant Fixings: Components fixed with tamper proof hardware to prevent removal or manipulation.
• Integration with Security Systems: Designed to work alongside CCTV, sensors, lighting, and access control.

Typical Applications

• Prisons and secure government installations
• Airports and transport infrastructure
• Power stations, data centres, and utilities
• High value industrial sites

In these high risk environments, physical security is not optional. It is often prescribed by regulations or insurance requirements.

Choosing the Right Fence for Your Site

Selecting between security and high security fencing depends on risk, value, and compliance.

• Low Risk: Security fencing is cost effective and suitable if you simply want to define a boundary and deter casual access.
• Moderate to High Risk: For sites with valuable assets or regulatory obligations, high security fencing often makes sense, especially where intrusion would have serious consequences.

Other factors such as privacy requirements, noise reduction, internal vs external positioning, and the type of asset being protected should also be considered when designing a fencing solution.

Assess your perimeter risks and consider engaging with a specialist to map your security needs. The right choice balances functionality, cost, and peace of mind, ensuring your site is protected appropriately without unnecessary expenditure.

The Difference

Fencing is not just about putting up a barrier. It is about creating a security strategy that aligns with your site’s threats and operational needs. Security fencing offers reliable protection for everyday settings, while high security fencing delivers robust defence where stakes are highest.

Whether you are securing a community space or critical infrastructure, understanding these differences, ratings, and site requirements helps you invest wisely and effectively.