The value of installing electric fencing as a first line of defense when it comes to home security cannot be overstated. There are a few obvious advantages to electric fencing as a security barrier on your perimeter walls, as it acts as:
If your electric fence is correctly installed and wired, the possibility and magnitude of shock that may be experienced will be a huge deterrent for most intruders from trying to enter your premises. This psychological barrier the person must overcome is probably one of the best advantages an electric fence has as a first line of defense. It will deter most people and send them off to look for some easier pickings.
The best thing about this type of fence is that if the intruders do overcome their fears and decide to enter your premises in any case, the alarm system to which it is connected to, will immediately notify you or your security company about the breach. In this way the electric fence has served its purpose as a first line of defense and an early warning device.
Electric fencing was originally developed to restrict the movement of animals. Subsequently, the security industry used the technology and improved on the initial design and developed a system that acts as a very effective barrier for unwanted intruders at your home.
The system works by sending a high-voltage electrical pulse around a multi-wire perimeter fence. The source of this high-voltage pulse is called an "energizer". One terminal of the energizer is connected to the "Live" wire circuit and the other to the "Earth" wire circuit, which is also connected to a metal rod planted into the ground.
The potential of the pulse may vary between 2,500 and 12,000 Volts, depending on the equipment used, but the current is limited to a safe level and the pulse lasts only for a few milliseconds at a time, ensuring that it is non-lethal. When an intruder tries to breach the electric perimeter fence, he invariably becomes part of an electrical circuit and the high voltage pulse will now flow through his or hers body to the closest earth point. This will cause a severe shock and leaves the person temporarily incapacitated. The strength of the shock depends on the power available from the energizer and the total resistance of the circuit.
So, how does your system warn you...? There are a number of ways in which the system is monitored: If the wires are deflected by vertical movement, or If there is contact between the "Live" and "Earth" circuits, or If the wires are cut, then the system will cause a short circuit on the fence line and trigger the alarm system, giving an audible and visual indication of a breach. It is the best if the fence is zoned for easier detection of where the fence was breached. On some estates, the perimeter fence can be kilometres long and zoned fencing ensures that the guards can get to the entry point quickly
Nowadays, the monitoring and controlling of your system is so sophisticated that you can monitor and keep an eye on your system from anywhere in the world and you can:
Always connect your fence alarm to a security company for monitoring as well. This not only gives you a lot more ease of mind when your family is alone at home, but it also gives you a back-up plan for when you are home with them. Let's face it, us men might sometimes feel we are tough and invincible, but when you are woken in the middle of the night and has to face one or, God forbid, more than one hardened criminal/s, then the fact that someone else is on the way makes it much easier to make the right decisions.
Whether you decide to install your fence yourself, and it is quite easy, or get professionals in to do it for you, there are a few pointers that will ensure hassle free use of the system for many years to come.
Here are some guidelines that will make sure your fence is compliant: Owner must be in possession of an electric fence system certificate of compliance. If you did the installation yourself, then you will have to get a certificate of compliance from a registered installer.
The output should not be adjusted to make it more lethal. There must be proper warning signs visible on the fence, warning people about the dangers of the fence, that can be clearly seen from the driveway and pavement. It should not overhang into a neighbor's yard or pavement.
Always use the best materials available. I live in Cape Town and with the beautiful lifestyle that comes with this, there are a few disadvantages that goes with living so close to the sea. The one we are concerned about here is the salty air and corrosion.
Use only 316 grade stainless steel wire, strainers, springs and fittings. Use the best insulators available and buy a high quality energizer. Always make sure that all your uprights are hot-dipped galvanized to a standard that is accepted in your country for coastal installations.
