One only needs to read the headline to understand why there has been a massive demand for advanced security solutions worldwide. One solution that’s gaining ever- increasing acceptance is electric fencing. Electric fences were a common sight in farms and other places. They were typically used to prevent animals from grazing in restricted areas. However, their utility has now extended to securing high-security premises such as military bases, camps, prisons, borders, and other critical infrastructures.
Electric fences appear in recent history too. The Russian army used it during the Russia-Japan war, and the German army installed it during World War 1. More recently, India set up electric barbed wire fences at Ladakh and Rajasthan along the India-China and India-Pakistan borders, respectively. Electric fences have also grown in demand during the Russia-Ukraine war as governments worldwide focus on strengthening their border security.
Research shows that the electric fencing market size was valued at $305.5 million in 2021 and would reach $484.2 million by 2029.
Given the increased demand for electric fencing solutions in the modern world, let’s delve deeper to understand what electric fencing is and how it will protect industries and countries worldwide from attacks and intrusions.
Electric fencing is a type of fencing that delivers a shock anytime some intruder or animal touches or tries to pass through it. The intensity of the shock depends upon the voltage. It could range from slight discomfort to intense pain. This security measure protects the premises from intruders, trespassers, etc.
Typically, an electric fencing system consists of ground wires, live wires, insulated posts, a grounding rod, and an energiser. Modern electric fencing systems also come with centralised software that allows security teams to monitor the fences from anywhere using a web browser or a smartphone app.
Modern electric fencing solutions are easy to install and cost favourably compared to non-electric fencing solutions. They don’t require any complicated setup or installation. Besides, most modern electric fencing solutions are not susceptible to rust. So, maintenance is easy too.
The best part is that the security team doesn’t require additional special skills to operate the system. It’s easy to operate and safe to use. The sensors and intelligent systems will closely monitor the movements and alert the team when they identify something dubious.
2. Facilitates Proactive SecurityTraditional fencing solutions were somewhat reactive. The security team would investigate after the incident occurred. However, modern ones are intelligent and facilitate proactive security. The sensors record and pass on the data to the security team, which helps them understand the behavioural patterns of authorised and unauthorised visitors. In the future, modern electric fences can further be enhanced by integrating them with other sensors and enhancing the Command and Control software. As technology progresses, this could potentially provide a smooth path to adopting machine learning, reduce nuisance alarms, and increase its effectiveness.
3. Monitor Remote LocationsIt has been seen that electric fences in remote areas can act as a deterrent to both humans and animals. In urban settings they act largely as a deterrent due to the threat of a shock. That said, monitoring and securing remote locations can be cumbersome, especially in areas with limited access and visibility. The chances of intrusions are high in remote locations with less security. As it stands, traditional fencing solutions are not equipped to monitor activities in remote and inaccessible areas.
However the combination of Electric Fence integrated with other sensors, can provide an effective solution to prevent unauthorized intrusion and nuisance alarms.
However, modern electric fencing solutions can help overcome this problem. The centralised software system will relay the data transmitted from the electric fence to the security team. They can monitor all the remote locations in real-time from anywhere using mobile applications and web browsers and take immediate action in case of an intrusion.
4. Improved Performance in inclement weather and ability to alarm based on weightBad weather conditions or darkness are an ideal opportunity for intruders to enter the premises, as security teams have limited visibility. Whilst criminals continuously evolve in their approach, so do electric fences to become more sensitive and useful. The evolved electric fences work well in most weather conditions. The new designs are alarm-based, i.e. they set off alarms even when certain weight is exerted on a single strand. This has helped many security teams enhance the overall security posture. The modern electric fences monitor the premises 24/7/365 and enable the security team to protect them at all times. Although electric fences don’t require extensive maintenance, security teams must ensure they are well-maintained and functional even in volatile weather conditions.
Electric fences, when integrated with other sophisticated perimeter intrusion detection systems become the first lines of defence for securing critical infrastructure. Hence, choosing the right security solution is essential. It has to be intelligent, work as an integrated unit, and have in-built capabilities to analyse data and provide accurate insights to the security team in real time.
We at Athena are committed to providing state-of-the-art security solutions that safeguard people and critical infrastructure like oil and gas plants, airports, borders, military base camps, and industrial and civil facilities. Our team of experts understands the business needs and designs security solutions like Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems, Pipeline Intrusion Detection Systems, and Counter Drones to enable the security teams to protect people and assets efficiently.
To know more about our solutions, contact us.