The electrified fence as a component of a physical protection system

Abstract

The concept of using electrified barriers or fences for security reasons has been employed for many years. However, today's electrified fences bear little resemblance to the crude, rudimentary fences of yester-year. Modern fences make use of electronic circuitry to provide detection capabilities, and on long lengths include microprocessors to determine the point of intrusion. In the event of a power failure, an electrified fence can be either switched automatically to an inverter mode, enabling it to continue to act as an "aggressive barrier", or it can be switched to what is termed the self-guard mode of operation, whereby it acts as a low volt intrusion detection system. This paper discusses the effects of electrical current on the human body and looks at the physical and technical aspects of electrified fence systems, the application of such fences and the operation of these fence systems with regard to the physical protection of an area and the safety of site personnel and the general public.