A-Z of Security Fencing and Gate Terms
Explore our comprehensive A–Z guide to security fencing and gate terminology. Whether you are a contractor, specifier, or end user, this resource helps you understand key terms and industry jargon with clear, concise definitions.
A
Acoustic security barriers
Barriers designed to reduce noise transmission while also providing perimeter protection, commonly used near roads, railways or sensitive sites.
Active vehicle barrier
A powered security barrier that raises or deploys when required to stop or slow hostile vehicles.
Anti ballistic fencing
Specialist fencing designed to resist ballistic attack, often incorporating hardened steel or composite materials.
Anti climb fencing
Fencing designed to prevent climbing using small apertures, vertical bars or smooth surfaces.
Anti cut fencing
High strength fencing manufactured to resist cutting with hand or power tools.
Anti lift hinges
Gate hinges designed to prevent the gate leaf from being lifted off once installed.
Anti ram fencing
Perimeter fencing engineered to resist vehicle impact and hostile vehicle attack.
Anti scale toppings
Additional security features fitted to the top of fences or walls to prevent climbing.
Anti tailgating gate
An access control system designed to ensure only one person passes per authorised entry.
ANPR cameras
Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras used to identify and log vehicle movements.
Arm barrier
A horizontal barrier arm used to control vehicle access at entrances and exits.
Audio video intercom
A communication system allowing two way audio and visual verification before granting access.
Automated security gate
A powered gate operated by access control systems such as keypads, cards or biometrics.
B
Barbed tape
A reinforced form of barbed wire with razor sharp edges used for high security applications.
Barbed wire
Steel wire with barbs at intervals used as a deterrent on fences and walls.
Bi folding gates
Gates that fold inwards or outwards to reduce space requirements.
Biometric access
Access control using physical characteristics such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
Bollards
Vertical posts designed to control vehicle access or protect assets from impact.
Buried cable detection
A ground based intrusion detection system using buried sensor cables.
C
Cantilever sliding gate
A sliding gate supported above ground with no track, suitable for uneven surfaces.
Card readers
Electronic devices that grant access using proximity or swipe cards.
Concertina wire
Coiled razor wire that expands when deployed, commonly used on high security perimeters.
Control cabinet
An enclosure housing electrical and control equipment for gates and barriers.
Control panels
Devices used to operate and monitor security systems.
CPNI approved
Security products assessed to Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure guidance.
Crash rated barrier
A barrier tested to withstand vehicle impact at defined speeds and weights.
Crash rated bollards
Bollards independently tested to stop or slow vehicles.
Crash rated fencing
Fencing systems tested for vehicle impact resistance.
Crash rated gate
A security gate designed and tested to resist vehicle attack.
D
Double leaf gates
Gates consisting of two hinged leaves that meet in the centre.
Drainage channels
Systems used to manage water around gates and barriers.
Drop arm barrier
A barrier arm that drops into place for vehicle control.
E
Electric fence topping
Electrified wire systems fitted above fencing to deter intrusion.
Electro mechanical operators
Electric motors used to automate gates.
Emergency escape gate
A gate designed to allow safe exit during emergencies.
Emergency exit security gates
Security gates incorporating panic hardware for safe evacuation.
F
Fail safe locking
Locks that unlock automatically when power is lost.
Fail secure locking
Locks that remain locked during power failure.
Fence disturbance monitoring
Systems that detect vibration or movement on fencing.
Fence mounted PIDS
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems installed directly on fences.
Fibre optic detection
Intrusion detection using fibre optic cables to sense movement or vibration.
Fixed bollards
Permanent bollards installed into foundations.
Full height turnstile
A floor to ceiling turnstile providing controlled pedestrian access.
H
High security mesh
Small aperture welded mesh designed to resist cutting and climbing.
Hostile vehicle mitigation
Measures used to prevent vehicle based attacks.
Hydraulic gate motors
Gate operators powered by hydraulic systems.
L
LPS1175
A UK security standard testing resistance to forced entry.
P
Panic hardware
Door and gate hardware allowing immediate emergency exit.
PAS68
A British standard for vehicle impact testing.
Pedestrian access gate
A gate designed for foot traffic.
Perimeter alarm system
A system monitoring intrusion around a site boundary.
S
Secured by Design
A police backed security initiative promoting effective crime prevention.
Sliding security gate
A gate that opens horizontally along a fixed path.
SR1 to SR7
Security ratings under LPS1175 indicating increasing levels of attack resistance.
W
Welded mesh fencing
Steel mesh fencing with welded joints for strength and durability.
0 to 9
358 prison mesh
A welded mesh fence with extremely small apertures used for maximum security environments.
