FIRST FENCE ENHANCES SECURITY WITH REDESIGNED TOPPER RANGE

Since the launch of its first-generation X Sleeve security toppers in April 2022, First Fence has established itself as a leader in up-sell retrofittable anti-climb solutions for fences supported by 60x60mm posts. These advancements demonstrate the company’s commitment to evolving perimeter security while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Addressing Overlooked Security Risks

In security planning, we found the focus often centres on the resistance of fences to direct attacks, as outlined in the “security triangle”—Detection, Response, and Delay. However, vulnerabilities such as climbing or slinging items over a fence are frequently underestimated. While the Loss Prevention Certification Board’s LPS 1175 standard (Issue 8) rigorously defines resistance to physical attacks using prescribed tools, it does not address climbing risks, leaving room for innovation in anti-climb solutions that enhance security beyond the minimum certified fence height.

Enhancements Designed for Real-World Challenges

Recognising the importance of integrating security solutions seamlessly with certified designs, First Fence has taken proactive steps to upgrade its security toppers. Toby Roberts-Davies, Product Innovation Manager at First Fence, explains:

“We have taken the LPS 1175 market seriously with the launch of our 868 and 358 SR1 (A1) mesh fence and gate range, ProFence®. It was critical to ensure that enhancements, such as security toppers, did not compromise the approved design of the security fence. This philosophy drove our decision to upgrade the X Sleeve to meet emerging security concerns.”

Key Innovations in Security Topper Design

  • Improved Fixing Methods
    The first major enhancement involved redesigning how barbed, concertina, and straining wires are attached to toppers. Historically, the toppers relied on 12mm through holes, requiring users to manually attach straining wire with tying wire. While functional, this method proved cumbersome, particularly at the start and end of a run where fixing strainers lacked clear anchoring points.
    “We often found that one of the three strainers would fall out of line due to the tension, creating an unsightly appearance to the topper.”
    To address this, First Fence introduced welded lugs that allow easy assembly using M8 bolts and shear nuts. This upgrade ensures consistent alignment of strainers, eliminating slack and tension discrepancies while simplifying installation.
  • Enhanced Stability Under Tension
    Another innovation tackles the movement of toppers under high-tensile wire tension. Previous designs experienced noticeable movement at the start and end of runs, creating a less visually appealing installation. While this did not reduce security, First Fence sought to refine the system further.
    The redesigned toppers now feature a male square hollow section for improved surface area and additional points of contact. This new design significantly reduces movement, ensuring greater stability while retaining the anti-lift tab, a hallmark of the system’s tamper-resistant properties.
  • Expanded Configuration Options
    The product range now includes lugged end, lugged intermediate, and lugged corner configurations for straight, cranked, and Y toppers. These additions cater to varied barbed wire lengths and security needs, providing customers with more flexibility and enhanced protection for diverse applications.

Meeting Customer Expectations

Roberts-Davies highlights the value of customer feedback in shaping these updates:
“It’s been an interesting journey understanding customer preferences for such a seemingly simple product. We now believe offering a wider variety of configurations is key to capturing more retrofit security topper projects.”

First Fence’s redesigned security toppers represent a thoughtful evolution in perimeter defence, addressing overlooked vulnerabilities while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

For more information, visit www.firstfence.co.uk.

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