An electric fence is usually the better choice for a wall because it does two jobs: it is a barrier and it raises the alarm the moment someone cuts, shorts or climbs it. Razor wire is a strong physical barrier but it is silent, so nobody knows when it has been beaten. Many properties combine the two.
What does razor wire do well?
Razor or concertina wire is cheap to install, needs no power and is hard to climb over without injury or special tools. It suits boundaries far from the house, farms and sites where no one is present to respond to an alarm.
What does an electric fence do that razor wire cannot?
It detects. When an intruder cuts or touches the wires the siren sounds, and with zoned monitoring you know which side of the property the breach happened on. That gives guards, neighbours or you time to respond. The visible warning signs also deter many intruders from trying at all.
Should I combine electric fencing and razor wire?
On high risk walls, yes. A common design runs electric fence strands on brackets along the wall top, with razor wire behind or below them. The razor wire slows the intruder down and the fence raises the alarm.
How much maintenance do they need?
Razor wire needs little beyond replacing damaged rolls. Electric fences need vegetation kept off the wires and a periodic check of the battery, earthing and alarm, which we cover with a maintenance visit.
Which one is right for my property?
It depends on the length of the wall, how close the neighbours are, whether there is a guard on site and your budget. Our free survey answers that for your property. See electric fencing systems, electric fence installation in Kiambu and Kajiado, or browse all areas we serve.
