Choosing third party tested products is highly advisable if you are securing a high-security perimeter.
To ensure your fence is as secure as possible, there are several widely used third-party accreditations to look for,
Two of the leading accreditations are the ASTM (American Society For Testing Materials) F-2781, which is the primary source of fence specifications in the US, and The Loss Prevention Standard 1175 (LPS 1175), published by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) part of BRE Global.
These accreditations prove that the fencing is effective, even when met with the challenge of an intruder during certain circumstances. But which should you choose?
Which Materials Are Each Standard Testing For?
When it comes to the tools that each intruder might be wielding, there are a range of threats that must be considered. Each intruder could be attempting an attack using different classifications of tools and equipment, which all need testing.
ASTM F-2781 has three classifications to measure the efficiency of the fencing they test:
- Low (protecting against hand tools)
- Medium (including hand tools and battery tools)
- Aggressive (which includes a wider range of tools, battery powered tools and larger petrol driven tools operated by two people).
For each level, a product is attributed an average delay capability, measured in decimal minutes which indicates how long the teste fence can delay an attacker using each of the tools specified above.
On the other hand, the LPCB offers a comprehensive testing process, where LPS 1175 toolset A and B attacks use the same attackers with the same determination as any of the higher test levels. These letters refer to a lettered scale (A to H) corresponding with the toolkit used to evaluate the product’s intruder resistance and number of attacks involved.
Furthermore, the LPS 1175 standard uses a matrix made up of 8 tool classifications ranging from bodily force and basic tools through to heavy machinery such as petrol grinders.
At first glance it may seem like the “Low” classification tested by an ASTM could be comparable to the A and B toolsets of the LPS 1175 standard, however this wouldn’t be a fair comparison.
At no point would the LPS 1175 test involve someone attempting an attack without appropriate weapons being used on the fence panel, which is what “low” level ASTM testing suggests. This is something to keep in mind when considering what kind of attackers you might encounter.
In short, ASTM F-2781 covers ballistic, forced entry and low impact resistance, however, not together. Whilst standards such as LPS 1175 standards test for anti-personnel and forced entry.
What Is The Longevity Of Each Standard?
We have covered that accredited fences are tested against different tool types, however, an accredited fence is also tested to determine how long they can delay a potential attack. Is your site in a quiet location that an intruder could have a lengthy period of time to attempt an attack?
Within LPS 1175, the 8 tool classifications are paired with a time delay of 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. This is also takes into account that the attacker has prior knowledge of the type of security fencing present at the site and therefore is well equipped to attack it.
Alternatively, the ASTM accreditation uses a decimal minute system based on the results of the tests carried out on the fence panels.
However, this doesn’t mean each test is comparable. The LPCB’s tests are carried out on the entire system including posts, fixings and the joints between rail, panel and post.
Meanwhile, the ASTM’s tests only target the fence panel itself. These tests do not focus on any other section of the fence, or attack methods such as attempting to prise it from the ground.
On a successful test, ASTM F-2781 provide you with a test report and certificate for your product, with no on-going checks to ensure the product is made as per the certificate.
In contrast, the LPCB offers continual auditing, which ensures that suppliers are giving their clients products that are always compliant.
Which standard suits you?
Of course, each standard has benefits depending on what type of system you are assessing. The ASTM is the main source for specifications in America and the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, whereas the LPS 1175 is primarily used in Australia, Europe, and Asia. However, LPCB is on the rise globally, offering a highly comprehensive standard.
It’s important to choose your standard wisely. As the thoroughness of testing can be compromised depending on which standard you choose, and the location of your site, it’s crucial you consider this before purchasing.
For LPS 1175, testing can be provided in any location. Although this is a more expensive option, the testing is controlled and thorough.
The testing standard of ASTM F-2781 can often be compromised due to the sheer number of locations in which the testing is offered.
Depending on your site location, you might be considering a certain accreditation due to the time it would take to be tested, and how far the specifiers would be willing to travel. For the LPS 1175, tested by the LPCB, testing can be done at their offices in Watford or they offer to travel all over to world to offer testing. Although this could be a more expensive option overall, the testing is controlled and thorough, encouraging companies in further areas to meet these standards.
Conclusion
By reading this comparison guide, the differences between the two standards should help you to consider which standard is right for you.
There are crucial differences between the LPS 1175 standard and the ASTM F-2781, such as the continual auditing offered by LCPB, that could make the decision for your business.
If you are looking for an approved fence, Barkers Fencing provide a variety of approved security fences.
Contact Barkers Fencing today for more advice on the type of security fencing you need.