Electric fence vs Razor wire vs Steel spikes

Are you choosing between installing razor wire or electric fence or steel spikes? This article will run you through the major factors you need to take into account.

1. Deterrent-factor When it comes to deterring intruders from trying to invade your home or office, all 3 options help. And having one of them installed, is better than having nothing.

2. Ease of disabling Intruders can cut through razor wire with bolt-cutters. But, such an intruder would need an electric grinder to cut through steel spikes. And if they attempt to temper with electric fence, they will be electrocuted.

3. Reliance on electricity Spikes & razor wire do not need electricity. But electric fence does. That means that if there is a power cut and the battery goes flat, you will be left unprotected. Having a backup power source for your property will eliminate this risk.

4. Detection-factor Electric fence comes with an in-built alarm. Every time someone or something comes into contact with it, the alarm is triggered. With spikes & razor wire, an intruder can try cut through several times – without you knowing.

5. Maintenance & Durability Razor wire and spikes don’t need much maintenance. Though, both need repainting touch ups after every 10 years or so. With electric fence you may need to service it and have some parts rewired after every 5 to 6 years. It could be more often or less often depending on the number of intrusions over the years. Also, some strands may be damaged when tree branches fall onto or grow near the strands.

7. Price: At the time of publishing this article, the average prices per meter are around: Steel spikes $8/metre Razor wire $9/metre Electric fence $12/metre ​The prices quoted are all-inclusive – material, labour, installation. ​

Making your final choice

In summary, if you need to secure your perimeter wall, invest in ONE of these options. Take into account:

1. the inherent strengths & weaknesses of each option
2. any other security measures that you already have for your home or office (sensors, a guard, burglar bars, alarm system etc.)
3. your budget

It’s also common to use a combination, eg.

• spikes alongside electric fence
• razor wire alongside electric fence
• spikes alongside razor wire

TSG Wall Security Services

We supply & install Razor wire, Electric fence and Steel spikes.

To get the current catalogue and price list use the form below. Once you submit an email will be automatically sent to your email address.

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If you’re not 100% certain on the right set-up for your property, invite us for a site visit. This will ensure that you get a quote for the right installation package for your property.
Site visits are FREE within Harare. For outside of Harare, a nominal transport fee applies.

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