Specifying Data Centre Security Fencing: 5 Things You Should Know

Specifying Data Centre Security Fencing: 5 Things You Should Know

Protecting data is arguably one of the most sensitive (and challenging) of areas when it comes to security fencing. A breach in data security could have catastrophic consequences for businesses and individuals, particularly if that information were to impact the safety of a Nation’s citizens, if in the wrong hands.

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In , there was an incident in which a man was orchestrating a plan to blow up an Amazon data centre in the US. This in itself is a stark reminder of the threat from technological terrorism. And the physical security of a data centre is at the heart of this.

In today’s post, we identify five key things you should know if you’re involved in the design, specification or responsible for the security of a data centre facility, whether in the EMEA, APAC, Australia or America.

Don’t Overlook Installation of Your Security Fence

This doesn’t just apply to data centre fencing. Every project should closely consider the security fencing’s installation methods. If a security fence that has been tested by a third party is incorrectly installed, it’s very unlikely it will perform as tested and its security rating will become invalidated.

In fact, you could have a high-security, CPNI-rated fence, but if incorrectly installed, the performance of the fence can not be guaranteed in the same way.

Data centre design includes routers, switches, firewalls, storage systems, servers, and application delivery controllers. These components store and manage business-critical applications and data.

The tools which keep the data centre functioning such as generators also need protecting as downtime is disruptive and replacement is costly. If you have decided your facility needs a tested system and you have invested in one, your physical security should not be compromised by an incorrectly installed fence system.

Accredited installers have undergone appropriate training to ensure they install and implement perimeter fencing in accordance with its certification. Getting an installer who doesn’t understand the system or the importance of installing accredited solutions correctly may lead to issues and delays during installation or to the integrity of the complete fence.

Mesh Fencing Considerations

Many people specify mesh fencing over palisade fencing based purely on their aesthetics as it’s considered more aesthetically pleasing.

However, there are so many other differences in the system design which will affect its installation and performance, particularly on your data centre project.

Many data centres within the EMEA region will be located in rural environments, and consequently, will have uneven ground surrounding the building. In this instance, mesh fencing is perhaps not the best solution as it is difficult to install on uneven ground, making the process more complicated and labour intensive.

Costing Considerations

When you select a security fence, you won’t just be paying for the fence and/or gates themselves. Installation, labour costs, lifting machinery and foundation requirements should all be closely considered.

Choosing a cheaper fence may be counter-productive if the fence takes longer to install and therefore has higher labour costs.

Data Centre Security Fencing With Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)

If your data centre is located near a busy road – or in an environment in which a car can gather enough speed to make a significant impact with the fence, you may have considered an HVM solution.

Typically, HVM comes in the form of a barrier aimed to physically stop a vehicle from making contact with a perimeter fence. However, you can get palisade fencing with HVM as a single solution.

Palisade Fencing With HVM

Specifying a palisade fence with built-in HVM has numerous benefits, for example:

• One set of footings, meaning a reduction in time digging
• Reduced labour/manpower
• Subtle aesthetic (from the front, it looks like a standard fence)
• Appropriate if you’re low on space

Combined, these benefits could potentially save you time and budget. Bear in mind, however, that you should look carefully at the footing details, as these will take longer to dig and obviously large concrete foundations are extremely heavy.

Integrating Automated Entrance Security For Your Data Centre

A secure site will often use a number of different solutions to control entry and exit to site. From pedestrian gates and turnstiles to sliding or bi-folding gates, rising arm barriers, bollards or road blockers.

With many products on the market, it may be appealing to buy the multitude of products required from different places. However, it’s probably most important to consider how all of the products integrating. With automated entrance security, it’s important that all of the techs works together as required so that there are no security mishaps.

We strongly recommend you source your gates, turnstiles and barriers from the same providers. That way you will ensure that every component of your security is compatible with each other.

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It’s important not to forget the purpose of fencing and gates is security and it’s not to be compromised.

There is no room for ‘value engineering’ when it comes to data centre security.

Conclusion

As you’ll be aware, data centre security is a challenging topic. As such, your research process is crucial. To recap, you should consider the following:

• Choosing training installers if you have invested in a tested system
• Look past the aesthetics because it will be the first thing forgotten about if the system is not fit for its purpose
• Added costs that may occur during the project (the cost and labour intensity of installation)
• HVM Palisade fencing can provide HVM for sites that have limited space
• How your entrance security will Integrate on-site

If you have an upcoming data centre project and you’re operating within the EMEA, APAC or  Australia, why not speak to an expert today.

Palisade security fencing is one of the popular security fencing solutions in Melbourne. But have you ever heard of electrified or electric palisade fencing? No? Yes? Regardless if you have any interest to learn something new about palisade fencing, keep on reading.

In today’s blog we’ll concentrate on electrified palisade fencing. And we’ll answer the following palisade fencing related questions.

1. What is palisade fencing?
2. What is electric or electrified palisade fencing?
3. Benefits of palisade and electrified palisade fencing?
4. When to install one or the other?
5. Using electrified palisade fencing

1. Let’s start nice and easy with a simple definition of palisade fencing. A palisade (stakewall or a palling) is usually a fence or a wall made out of either wooden or iron stakes, and is used as a defensive structure.

Being more interested in electrified palisade fencing, or palisade fencing overall, then let’s define palisade fencing. Palisade fence is a fence made out of painted mild steel, galvanized steel or aluminium palisades. The height of the fence is usually 2.4m, but can always be modified to the exact needs of the customer.

2. When it comes to electrified palisade fencing, simply add electricity to the palisade. The high voltage electric pulses are sent through the palisade at a frequency of one pulse per second (1Hz).

3. When it comes to the benefits of palisade fencing, there are few things to remember. Firstly the durability of the palisade fencing. Wooden palisade fencing not so much, but if the material used is either mild steel, galvanized steel or aluminium, then yes, it’s a very strong and durable security fencing solution for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Galvanizing adds the ability for your fence to fight the corrosion, expanding its lifecycle noticeably. 

Palisade fencing can add aesthetic value to your home. You might be after palisade fencing, but not really keen to use wooden material. Then steel or aluminium palisade fencing might be right for you. You can choose silver galvanized steel, or similar to tubular steel fencing, palisade fencing can be powder coated into the colour of your preference. Powder coating not only gives you a chance to choose the colour, it also adds an extra protective layer against corrosion.

Electrified palisade fencing is for very high security reasons. Before rushing into installing electrified fence, there are few things you have to make sure of.

Firstly, if you are planning to purchase a fence from a fence supplier/installer, make sure that it’s a reputable fence provider. Diamond Fence‘s experience in the industry has helped us to build an excellent reputation throughout the region. We are members of the Master Builders Association and Chainlink Association, and we have a current EBA with the C.F.M.E.U. This way when turning to Diamond Fence,  you know you’re getting a service you can rely on.

Once it’s clear that the fence supplier you’re using has a good reputation and you can trust the quality of their services, you’ll also have to know if it’s allowed to install an electrified fence in your residential area. It’s not illegal to do so, but only when you have the permission of the local council. So before installing electric palisade fence, or any other electric fence, make sure that the fence meets all your local council criteria and Australian Standards.

4. When to install one or the other? You have to know the reason, why you’re planning to install either palisade fencing or electrified palisade fencing. Is it for residential area? Then non-electric palisade fence might do the job: keep people out of your property and at the same time look nice and welcoming. If there’s a need for higher security, but you still want palisade fencing, then electrified palisade fencing might be your solution. If your local council doesn’t allow you to install an electric fence, then you have to stick with the plan to install a non-electric palisade fence, or some other steel security fence.

Remember the cost of the fence installation as installing electric palisade fence is more expensive than installing a non-electric palisade fence. Also the electricity used for the electric fence is a continuous expense. There’s possibility to use solar power for supplying energy for your electric fence to keep the cost of electricity lower. Just think of the actual need of the electric fence and the cost of it (installing the fence and running costs).

5. There are many ways to use electrified palisade fences. In many countries they are used in places where the cost of the security personnel is high in relation to automated security equipment.

1. Prisons
2. Keeping away the wildlife in farming areas
3. Residential areas (if allowed by the council)
4. Industrial areas for a higher security

If you have an idea or the need to install palisade fence, turn to Diamond Fence. Our fencing specialists will be able to advise if that’s the best security fencing choice you could make, or maybe there are much better fencing solutions that would suit your needs!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of palisade fence supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.