As a business owner or property manager, you invest in security to preserve your assets and protect your guests. The costs of doing so are rising, with organizations spending an average of 15.3% more annually in 2023 versus 2022.
Electric fencing is a practical, successful, cost-effective solution to maximize protection and spending. These systems deter crime with a physical barrier and a safe, legal, and memorable pulsed electric shock to would-be thieves. Dispelling the common myths about the cost of an electric fence will help you make a confident decision about installing one.
It’s Going to Increase Your Electric Bill Substantially
Electric fences consume far less electricity than you may initially assume — many options require less than 25 watts to operate. Compare that to a standard electric hair dryer using an average of 1,500 to 2,000 watts. Similar appliances, like televisions, consume between 50 and 200 watts on average. That means that electric fencing systems are more affordable to operate than many everyday conveniences.
Solar-powered options are highly energy-efficient and cost even less to run. In areas with enough UV exposure daily to generate the required power, this solution renders the cost of running an electric fence virtually negligible.
Installation Costs Will Require a Huge Investment
Accurately estimating the cost of installing electric fences can be challenging, with many factors that can affect the final price:
- Material type and quality: Electric fence posts are typically steel or galvanized steel, while the wires are made of conductive metals like steel, stainless steel, or copper. The quality and costs of the exact construction materials influence the final price.
- Height and length: The dimensions of your fence impact the expense since higher barriers covering a larger area require more materials.
- Upgrades and enhancements: The most effective security solution is one that has multiple layers. Options like video surveillance cameras and remote monitoring services boost both protection and price.
Remember that the investment you make in an electric fence:
- Counters theft costs.
- Results in lower insurance premiums for many property owners.
- Eliminates the need for expensive on-site security guards.
Modern solutions like security-as-a-service (SaaS) eliminate installation costs to save you even more. You pay a monthly subscription fee for cost-effective peace of mind — with no upfront investment required.
Electric Fences Are Costly to Maintain
When comparing options, many include maintenance expenses as they compute their business electric fence cost. The truth is that electric fences are often more economical to care for than other barriers.
For example, wood fences grow more susceptible to the elements and insect infestations over time. Boards may require more frequent resealing or replacement. Similarly, changing temperatures cause vinyl fences to expand and contract, which can lead to warping or cracking.
High-quality electric fencing generally needs minimal upkeep, limiting the time and money you must spend on those tasks. Investing in preventive electric fence maintenance can also help prevent more costly issues.
Meanwhile, SaaS plans include maintenance as part of the subscription, so you can allocate time and money elsewhere while professionally trained technicians care for your system.
Only Large Businesses Can Afford an Electric Fence
Larger properties housing bigger businesses are more tempting to thieves. Their land area translates to more potential entry points, and they often have extensive inventories and equipment to target.
Yet, electric fences aren’t just effective solutions for bigger enterprises. Small businesses need them too, as the costs of reactive security, significant theft, and 24/7 guards are high. With SaaS options, even smaller organizations can have customized, top-level security that fits within their budget.
Electric Security Fence Costs Are Unpredictable
Budgets for perimeter security can vary based on factors like size, risk, and the scope of your approach. However, commercial electric fence costs remain one of the most stable and predictable expenses of a customizable, multilayer strategy. Your system will never need higher salaries, benefits, or paid vacations like a human security guard. SaaS options make it even easier to anticipate and budget for with an all-inclusive, steady monthly subscription fee. Unlike the costs of an unexpected theft, you’ll have a predictable expense for your peace of mind.
Additionally, SaaS offers more favorable tax treatment since you can classify it as an operating expense versus a capital one. Write the monthly costs off in the current year instead of spreading out the deduction over several tax returns.
Electric Fencing Increases Liability and Insurance Premiums
Believing electric fences cause harm to potential intruders is one of the biggest myths to dispel. Contrary to popular thought, current — the amount of amperes introduced to the body — is more dangerous than voltage. Because they control the amperes and use a pulsed electric shock, electric fencing solutions are medically safe and legal. As a result, your business takes on no excess liability risks.
Additionally, insurance companies typically set premiums based on claims experience. The more claims you file, the higher your premiums go and the more time it takes from other responsibilities. We have even seen insurance companies deny commercial theft claims or threaten to drop clients for repeated events. One local business received a cancellation notice from its carrier — until the owner installed an electric fence. The insurer agreed to reinstate coverage and offered lower premiums due to the proactive security measure.
Electric Fencing Requires Significant Training Costs and Time to Operate
It’s normal to want to avoid a shock and be cautious of electric fencing — that’s why it’s so effective at deterring criminals. It naturally follows that many believe these barriers are challenging to run and require substantial training. In reality, today’s electric fences offer simple, user-friendly operation. Intuitive electronic controls and mobile apps make it easier than ever to arm and disarm the system.
Choosing an experienced electric fencing company eliminates uncertainty and a time-consuming learning curve. A reputable, knowledgeable partner will help everyone feel comfortable with the barrier. They’ll provide comprehensive training, ensuring you and your staff are ready to operate the system safely and confidently.
Choose AMAROK for Your Electric Fence Needs
Stop theft before it happens with AMAROK’s electric fencing solutions. Our smart approach to multilayer perimeter security is medically safe, legal, and a proven deterrent to attempted intrusion. We’ll work with you to assess your property’s specific risks and design the best strategy to reduce them. You pay no upfront installation, maintenance, or repair costs, and we include liability insurance for extra peace of mind.
Take the next step toward effective protection. Connect with your local AMAROK perimeter security expert or reach out to us online today.
