Physical security is a priority for businesses across the country. Though most property crimes go unreported in the United States, there were still an estimated 6.5 million reported property crimes throughout the country in 2022. These statistics are cause for concern among businesses, and many are seeking the most effective way to increase perimeter security. Electric security fences continue to be an effective deterrent, giving peace of mind to security professionals.
Not all electric fencing is created equal, and selecting the highest levels of security can be challenging. Knowing how an electric fence works is the first step to choosing the best perimeter security for your business. The right choice can protect your assets, deter criminals, and give your customers peace of mind.
Table of Contents
- How Electrified Fences Work
- The Principal Elements of an Effective Electric Fence
- How to Choose the Right Electric Fence for Your Security Needs
How Electrified Fences Work
An electric security fence works by delivering a safe yet memorable shock. When a criminal comes into contact with a pulsed electric fence, they’ll feel that shock. The fence gets its power from a battery or a building’s power source. It delivers pulses of energy to the galvanized wires of the fence, and those pulses provide the shock. These fences are safe because the current passes through them to the ground to complete the electric circuit.
Electric fences improve perimeter security for several reasons. They provide a physical barrier between criminals and your business assets. If touched, they result in safe but memorable consequences. Electric fences sit inside an existing perimeter fence, so there is no way a pedestrian can accidentally come into contact with it unless they are attempting to breach the perimeter. Many modern electric fences are also attached to perimeter alarms that make an audible sound near the point of contact.
Most thieves are opportunistic, so they’ll look for easier targets than properties surrounded by electric fencing. The sight of a fence and the yellow warning signs indicating that it is electrified is enough to deter most criminals.
The Principal Elements of an Effective Electric Fence
A well-constructed and effective electric fence comprises several components, including:
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- Energizer: An electric fence energizer regulates the pulse, monitors return voltage, and changes energy from constant to pulsed to render it safe to touch.
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- Fence posts: Fence posts hold the tension of the electric wires that make up the fence. They are typically steel or galvanized steel.
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- Electric fence wire: Wire comes in many widths, thicknesses, and construction options like steel, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. You can choose the best option depending on your visibility and durability goals.
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- Insulators: Insulators prevent the live wires from touching conductive items that could cause a short and energize a conductive object.
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- Power source: The power source runs the energizer. Depending on your setup, you can connect the electric fence to batteries, mains, or solar power. Many businesses prefer solar power, as it protects their assets during power outages and other unforeseen events.
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- Monitoring: Not all but most electric fences are monitored. This practice will make you aware of any attempted breaches before the intruder steps foot on your site.
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- Wire poles: These poles prevent the wires from sagging to improve fence performance.
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- Grounding rod: All electric fences need a galvanized steel grounding rod to safely pass electricity through the fence’s system.
Additional Security Enhancements
An electric fence protects your property by making it difficult for criminals to access. Depending on the type of fence you purchase, you may have access to several security enhancements. These additions form a cohesive whole that boosts your overall security. Some optional security add-ons include:
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- Access control: While your electrified fence provides a powerful deterrent, adding features like access control can enhance your security posture. Access control gives you the power to choose who enters your property. It comes in various forms, from keypads to remote access via an app. Only those with authorization can enter your property without breaking in.
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- Lighting: Many thieves wait for the cover of darkness to attempt unauthorized entry. Lighting denies them this opportunity. It’s instrumental in remote areas of your perimeter where criminals are most likely to try to access your property.
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- Building intrusion protection: Building intrusion protection safeguards the buildings inside your perimeter fence, denying access to at-risk doors and windows. It involves placing wireless motion detection and door contacts on all vulnerable entry points.
How to Choose the Right Electric Fence for Your Security Needs
Now that you know how electric fencing works, the next step is choosing the best security option for your business. Your choice depends on several factors, including your property size and budget. Some tips and tricks for choosing electric fencing to maximize your security include:
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- Match the fence and the intended purpose: The primary purpose of your electric fence is to keep intruders out. If you store rare or expensive items or are in a high-risk area, you want a fence with more poles and tighter wire spacing for additional protection.
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- Consider energizer quality: The energizer powers your entire electric fence system, generating and delivering the electric pulses along the fence. Your energizer should be durable, high-quality, and reliable so you can trust your electric fence to perform when you need it most.
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- Research permitting regulations: Many states have different electric fencing regulations. Before you install your perimeter security fence, check local regulations and permitting needs. When selecting a partner, it is good to understand if they handle this or if it is your responsibility.
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- Plan around property size and layout: If you have a large property, you’ll need a fence with the ability to cover that area. Irregular boundaries and obstacles also require a different approach.
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- Compare power sources: Electric fences rely on main power grids or batteries. Each option has benefits and drawbacks. Mains electricity is relatively reliable unless you experience a power outage. Batteries offer flexibility but require maintenance and replacements. Solar-powered systems are ideal in climates that can support them, as they boost sustainability and provide security even during outages.
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- Work with experienced professionals: Choosing the best electric fencing for commercial properties can be challenging. An unsuitable system can put your assets at risk. Working with experienced professionals ensures you get the best possible value and a high-quality fence built to do the job. They can guide you through your selection, helping you choose the ideal perimeter fence for your needs and budget.
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- Planning ongoing maintenance: Your fence will require maintenance as any other security solution ensure you are working with experts in electric fencing. You will want to ensure you include this in your budget.
Learn How AMAROK’s Electric Security Fences Can Protect Your Property
If perimeter security is a priority for your business, AMAROK is the most effective solution. As an award-winning, industry-leading perimeter security solutions provider, we’re passionate about protecting commercial properties and assets. Our electric fences deliver a safe but memorable 7,000-volt pulse every 1.3 seconds, providing security for over 8,000 happy customers nationwide. They’re medically safe and backed by the AMAROK liability guarantee. Our solutions save you money, preventing external theft and reducing the need for on-site security personnel.
Nothing stops crime like an electric fence. Find an AMAROK representative today or call us at 800-432-6391 to experience our high-quality security solutions firsthand.
