Walk past any industrial estate, utility complex, or storage yard, and you’ll often see perimeter fencing that looks tough and built to last. But here’s the thing; not every “tough‑looking” fence is built to last.
This is where BS 1722 (specifically Parts 12 and 14) quietly does its job in helping to separate the fences that look the part from the ones that are actually up to the job.
About BS 1722
BS 1722 is a series of British Standards specifying requirements for various types of fences and their components. The general standard covers aspects like materials, construction, installation, and protective treatments, but today, we’re talking specifically about Parts 12 and 14 of the standard:
- BS 1722-12:2016 – Fences – Steel palisade fences. Manufacturing and installation. Specification
- BS 1722-14:2017 – Fences – Specification for open mesh steel panel
Parts 12 and 14 set various ground rules that are specific to steel palisade and open mesh fencing, so lets take a look at how these fit in.
BS 1722-12 – Steel Palisade
Part 12 of BS 1722 covers steel palisade fences, including the manufacture, installation and general specification of this type of fence.
This standard describes how thick the steel should be, how the posts are planted in the ground, and how the fixings hold everything together. It even covers how to protect the fence against rust – because a corroded fence isn’t a secure fence.
BS 1722-12 specifies different requirements for steel palisade fences depending on the use/purpose:
- General Purpose (GP) Fences – For heights up to 2.4m
- Security Purposes (SP) Fences – For heights of 3m and 3.6m
Both of these uses/purposes require the posts to be installed at 2.75m centres. In addition, the BS 1722 Part 12 standard also covers fences between 2.4m and 3m in height, providing components are constructed to the ‘SP’ specification.
Fences built to BS 1722‑12 are typically used where both physical deterrence and good levels of security are required, in combination with a durable construction/installation that will prove to stand the test of time. All of this helps to offer reassurance that the product has been manufactured and installed in accordance with a rigorous standard, known and respected for its quality.
All of our steel palisade products can be supplied as conforming to BS1722 Part 12.
BS 1722-14 – Open Mesh Steel Panel
Part 14 of BS 1722 covers an entirely different type of fence. These are your welded mesh panels – the type that looks like a wire grid with small apertures to help resist climbing and cutting, all whilst maintaining good levels of visibility for CCTV cameras and security guards.
The standard describes the type of wire diameter to use, how small the gaps (apertures) between wires should be, and how to fasten the panels so they’re secure under pressure. It also defines different categories for various purposes:
- Category 1 – General purpose fences
- Category 2 – Boundary/perimeter fences
- Category 3 – Security fences
- Category 4 – Higher security fences
These categories allow you to choose a BS 1722-14 fence for everything from a simple boundary up to the protection of a higher value asset, but all of them will offer good levels of durability and reassurance that the product has been manufactured and installed correctly.
All of our open mesh fencing can be supplied as conforming to BS 1722 Part 14.
Why These Standards Actually Matter
Without these rules, one company’s “highly durable fence” might be another’s “decorative boundary.” Parts 12 and 14 make sure that a fence isn’t just metal in the ground – it’s tested, consistent, and performs the way it should.
They also let you match the fence to the risk, giving you different options of both palisade and mesh depending on what you are looking to protect. But, for enhanced security purposes, we would always recommend purchasing a fence that’s constructed to a specific security standard such as LPS 1175 or NPSA as these cover real world attack criteria to ensure the product meets a required attack delay time against a certain range or type of tool. But, for your day-to-day durability, BS 1722 is what matters. If specific security ratings are required instead, you can find all of our security-rated mesh and palisade products here.
In short, for installers and buyers, BS 1722 is a safety net. You know exactly what you’re getting, and if it ever comes into question (insurance claims, audits, site security checks, etc.), then you’ve got a spec to point to.
Conclusion
BS 1722 Parts 12 and 14 are the difference between a fence that looks durable and one that’s actually built to last. They’re the blueprint for strength, durability, and proper installation.
Should you wish to discuss the BS 1722 standard and how this fits into our product offering, our experts are always on hand and happy to discuss this with you. Simply get in touch with your questions.
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