ASTM F3296-19

Standard Practice for Commercial Application of Electric Security Fences

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Electric security fences, in view of their high-deterrent impact, are a safe method to reduce security costs or enhance existing security. They are deployed in a wide variety of environments and geographies. In particular, electric security fences are used to decrease the need for security guards and other security systems.  
4.2 This practice provides information to users and manufacturers of electric security fences, filling a void.  
4.3 International standards exist at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) (see Section 2) that cover some aspects of these systems.  
4.4 A standard issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) (UL 69) covers electric-fence controllers to be used on lighting or line circuits in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. However, UL 69 covers specifically electric-fence controllers used only for the control of animals. Its requirements cover portable and permanently mounted electric fence controllers with peak-discharge or sinusoidal-discharge output for indoor or outdoor use, including battery operated controllers intended to operate from battery circuits of 42.4 V or less, line-operated controllers intended to operate from circuits of 125 V or less, combination controllers intended to operate from either a battery or a line circuit, and photovoltaic module battery operated controllers. The scope states that the requirements of UL 69 do not cover electric fence controllers for the continuous (uninterrupted) current type or intermediate equipment, such as a converter, a rectifier, or the like, that is sometimes used between the primary source of supply and an electric fence controller and is investigated only as part of a complete controller. UL 69 also states that the requirements do not cover electric fence controllers for use with electrified security fences.  
4.5 In contrast to UL 69, this practice specifically addresses the use of electric security fences...
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the selection and use of electric security fences to deter, detect, and delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter in a commercial application.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. The tolerance on physical dimensions is ±10 % unless otherwise specified.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2019
• ICS: 13.310 - Protection against crime
• Technical Committee: F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F33.06 - Control Systems

Overview

ASTM F3296-19 is the recognized international standard practice for the commercial application of electric security fences. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses the guidance needed for the selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric security fencing in commercial environments. Unlike standards focused on agricultural or animal control settings, ASTM F3296-19 specifically targets applications aimed at deterring, detecting, and delaying unauthorized perimeter breaches within a broad range of commercial contexts.

Electric security fences, known for their high deterrent value, serve as a cost-effective alternative or enhancement to traditional security systems. Their adoption in commercial installations helps to reduce dependence on security personnel while increasing the overall robustness of facility security.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  The standard provides practical advice for deploying electric security fences in commercial environments. The objective is to deter, detect, and delay unauthorized access in compliance with safety and regulatory expectations. SI units are used throughout, with tolerances on dimensions specified as ±10%.

• System Components
  Essential components of an electric security fence system include:

  • Wire fence array
  • Electric energizer (controller)
  • Access gates
  • Insulators

• Design and Performance Criteria
  Requirements address aspects such as:

  • Pulse repetition rate (limited to 1 Hz)
  • Impulse duration and energy per pulse
  • System redundancy and backup power
  • Wire material and configuration based on site needs

• Maintenance and Training
  The standard outlines regular inspection and testing routines to maintain system integrity. It also prescribes effective training practices for personnel to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Signage and Safety
  Warning signs must be visible and placed at intervals not exceeding 19 meters and at every gate to inform about the presence of electrified fencing.

Applications

The commercial application of electric security fences spans a variety of sectors and environments, such as:

• Industrial Facilities: Protecting critical infrastructure, warehouses, and storage yards.
• Distribution Centers: Securing large perimeters against theft and unauthorized entry.
• Correctional Institutions: Enhancing perimeter security while minimizing staff requirements.
• Utilities and Energy Sites: Safeguarding substations, water treatment plants, and similar assets.
• Commercial Property Management: Offering a visible deterrent for office parks and campuses.

By integrating electric security fences, organizations can improve physical security, reduce costs associated with human guards, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Related Standards

Several international and national standards interface with the requirements of ASTM F3296-19. Relevant references include:

• IEC 60335-2-76 & IEC 60335-1: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards addressing general and specific safety requirements for electric fence energizers.
• BS EN 60335-2-76: British Standard Institution’s adoption of IEC requirements for safe electric fencing components.
• NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code): Addresses the national electrical safety considerations relevant for installation.
• UL 69: Covers requirements for electric fence controllers for animal control, but notably does not encompass security fence controllers as addressed by ASTM F3296-19.

Organizations considering the installation of commercial electric security fences should ensure conformance with ASTM F3296-19 and review these related standards for comprehensive coverage of safety and regulatory aspects.

---

Keywords: electric security fence, ASTM F3296-19, perimeter security, commercial security fencing, security system standards, electric fence energizer, maintenance, IEC 60335, UL 69

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3296 − 19
Standard Practice for
Commercial Application of Electric Security Fences
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3296; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the
2.4 UL Standard:
selectionanduseofelectricsecurityfencestodeter,detect,and
UL 69 Standard for Electric-Fence Controllers
delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter in a commercial
application.
3. Terminology
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions:
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in
3.1.1 electric fence energizer, n—electrical device that is
this standard. The tolerance on physical dimensions is 610 %
used to convert continuous power to a short-duration pulse
unless otherwise specified.
usingafast-dischargeelectricalstorageunit;itisalsoknownas
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a controller.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 electric security fence zone, n—predetermined section
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the fence line that is monitored separately from another
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
section of the fence line.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.3 gripple, n—wire torque-tensioning device that incor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
porates a ceramic roller as the main tension ratchet part.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 pulse, n—burst of electricity for a short period of time
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
on a regular interval as opposed to continuous power.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 pulse rate, n—number of pulses per second.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 security alarm panel, n—device that detects a drop in
the power of the pulse and, based on a specific algorithm,
2. Referenced Documents
initiates an alarm.
2.1 BSI Standard:
BS EN 60335-2-76 Household and similar electrical appli-
4. Significance and Use
ances – Safety – Part 2-76: Particular requirements for
4.1 Electric security fences, in view of their high-deterrent
electric fence energizers
impact, are a safe method to reduce security costs or enhance
2.2 IEC Standards:
existing security. They are deployed in a wide variety of
IEC 60335-1 Household and similar electrical appli-
environments and geographies. In particular, electric security
ances – Safety – Part 1: General requirements
fences are used to decrease the need for security guards and
IEC 60335-2-76 Household and similar electrical appli-
other security systems.
ances – Safety – Part 2-76: Particular requirements for
4.2 This practice provides information to users and manu-
electric fence energizers
facturers of electric security fences, filling a void.
4.3 International standards exist at the International Elec-
trotechnical Commission (IEC) and the British Standards
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on Detention
Institution (BSI) (see Section 2) that cover some aspects of
and Correctional Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F33.06
on Control Systems. these systems.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2019. Published January 2019. DOI: 10.1520/
F3269-19.
Available from British Standards Institution (BSI), 389 Chiswick High Rd.,
London W4 4AL, U.K., http://www.bsigroup.com. Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Varembé, 1st Floor, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http:// Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 N.W. Lake Rd., Camas,
www.iec.ch. WA 98607-8542, http://www.ul.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3296 − 19
range of maximum current and duration combinations, maximum fre-
4.4 A standard issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
quency of pulse, and maximum energy per pulse.
(UL69) covers electric-fence controllers to be used on lighting
orlinecircuitsinaccordancewiththeNationalElectricalCode,
5.2 All energized wires in a multi-energizer system shall be
NFPA 70. However, UL 69 covers specifically electric-fence
energized simultaneously. Pulse repetition rates less than 1 Hz
controllers used only for the control of animals. Its require-
shall be allowed.
ments cover portable and permanently mounted electric fence
5.3 The energizer shall be able to function in operating
controllers with peak-discharge or sinusoidal-discharge output
environment with temperature ranges of –10 to +40°C and
for indoor or outdoor use, including battery operated control-
noncondensing 0 to 95 % humidity.
lers intended to operate from battery circuits of 42.4 V or less,
5.4 Each energizer shall have a backup power supply
line-operated controllers intended to operate from circuits of
appropriate for the site-specific application under full load in
125Vorless,combinationcontrollersintendedtooperatefrom
theeventofamainspowerfailure,ifapplicable.Eighthoursof
either a battery or a line circuit, and photovoltaic module
battery power shall be the minimum; additional coverage is
battery operated controllers. The scope states that the require-
encouraged.
ments of UL 69 do not cover electric fence controllers for the
continuous (uninterrupted) current type or intermediate
5.5 Key Additional Features—The following additional fea-
equipment, such as a converter, a rectifier, or the like, that is
tures shall be allowed to aid redundancy, ease of use, and
sometimes used between the primary source of supply and an
maintenance with the tradeoff being increasing complexity and
electric fence controller and is investigated only as part of a
cost.
complete controller. UL69 also states that the requirements do
5.5.1 Independent single or switchable energizers that in-
not cover electric fence controllers for use with electrified
crease cost and complexity, however, enhance redundancy.
security fences.
When an energizer fails, at least a portion of the system will
4.5 In contrast to UL69, this practice specifically addresses
remain active.
the use of electric security fences in a commercial application.
5.5.2 A
...