Securing a commercial or industrial perimeter requires a balanced approach, and access plays a major role in it. A 358 mesh gate is one of the most effective security solutions available in itself, but it can benefit from adding automated keypads, card readers, or electric locks.
Here is a practical roadmap from the team at P&C Fencing to help you plan a seamless access control project.
Step 1: Assess Traffic Flow and Access Requirements
Before selecting any electronic hardware, P&C Fencing experts always recommend evaluating how the entrance will be used on a daily basis.
- Pedestrian versus Vehicle Traffic: You must begin by deciding whether your 358 mesh gate will serve foot traffic, cars, or heavy trucks. It is seen that pedestrian entrances often require quick-latching magnetic locks, while vehicle access points need heavy-duty automated sliding or swinging gate motors.
- Volume of Entries: If we look deeper, we see that high-traffic points require fast-acting mechanisms designed to handle continuous opening cycles without mechanical fatigue.
- Authentication Methods: It is smart to determine if users will gain entry via RFID keycards, mobile phone apps, numerical PIN codes, or biometric scanners.
Step 2: Select the Right Locking Mechanism
The tight aperture design of P&C Fencing’s 358 security mesh fencing makes it an ideal backdrop for electronic locks, as unauthorised individuals cannot easily reach through the wire gaps to access internal hardware.
- Electro-Magnetic Locks: These are excellent for high-traffic pedestrian gates. Magnetic locks require constant power to remain locked. In power outages, they release automatically (fail-safe mode), making them ideal for emergency egress routes.
- Solenoid Mortise Locks: These heavy-duty locks fit right inside the steel gate frame. They offer fail-secure functionality, remaining locked even if power is lost, which is vital for high-security perimeters.
- Automated Motors: Often considered for larger sliding or swinging gate designs, industrial motor drives connect directly with access readers to manage smooth opening and closing cycles.
Step 3: Plan Hardware Positioning and Pedestrian Safety
Positioning keypads, readers, and exit buttons correctly ensures smooth operation while maintaining full perimeter integrity.
- Gooseneck Pedestals: In general, placing card readers or intercoms on dedicated steel pedestals allows drivers or pedestrians to authenticate comfortably before reaching the gate line.
- Request to Exit Buttons: For convenience, we suggest positioning internal exit buttons at least 1.2 metres away from the gate edge. This is because even though the 358 security mesh fencing has narrow gaps, preventing hands from passing through, keeping release controls at a distance prevents any attempt to press buttons using long tools from the outside.
- Safety Sensors: Also, automatic gates can feature sensors to stop movement immediately if an object or person blocks the path.
Step 4: Protect Cabling and Power Supply
At P&C Fencing, we always remind our readers that an access control system is only as reliable as its underlying power and wiring infrastructure.
- Concealed Wiring: It is best to route all electrical cables inside the hollow steel posts of the gate frame. This protects wires from weather exposure and vandalism.
- Armoured Flexible Conduits: Where wiring bridges the gap between the fixed fence post and the moving gate leaf, use stainless steel armoured conduit loops to prevent pinching or cutting.
- Backup Power Systems: We recommend installing a dedicated power supply unit equipped with continuous battery backup to ensure the site remains operational during local power failures.
- Fire Alarm Connections: Lastly, ensure that the wire fail-safe locks directly into the site fire panel. This is so gates unlock instantly during an emergency site evacuation.
A Quick Summary of Key Aspects
| Planning Phase | Key Focus Area | Main Benefit |
| Traffic Evaluation | Assess entry volume, vehicle types and user access requirements | Determines the appropriate lock type, gate configuration and motor sizing |
| Lock Selection | Choose between fail-safe and fail-secure locking systems | Balances site security with safe emergency egress and operational requirements |
| Cable Routing | Use internal post conduits and armoured cable loops | Protects wiring from physical damage, tampering and weather exposure |
| Safety Integration | Connect photoelectric beams, fire alarms and emergency release systems | Ensures safe operation and compliance with relevant Australian standards |
Work with the Original Fencing Experts of NSW
Integrating electronic access controls with high-security fencing requires clear coordination between fence fabricators and security installers. At P&C Fencing, a 358 mesh gate or a fencing gate can be custom built to accommodate the emerging tech upgrades and structural upgrades as well.
Contact P&C Fencing today to discuss your site requirements and plan a reliable perimeter access solution.
FAQs
1. What does the number 358 actually stand for in a 358 mesh gate?
The designation comes from imperial measurements representing three inches long by half an inch high mesh apertures, constructed using eight gauge wire. In metric measurements, this translates to approximately 76.2 millimetres by 12.7 millimetres with a wire diameter of four millimetres.
2. Why is 358 security mesh fencing considered anti-climb and anti-cut?
The narrow aperture prevents fingers or shoes from gaining purchase, making climbing virtually impossible without specialised equipment. Furthermore, the tight wire spacing prevents conventional bolt cutters from entering the mesh security gaps to gain leverage against the four millimetre steel wire.
3. Is it possible to retrofit access control devices onto an existing 358 mesh gate?
Yes. Retrofitting access hardware is straightforward if the gate frame has sufficient structural clearance. Installers attach mounting plates to the secure internal side of the steel frame and run protected cables through flexible armoured conduits.
4. How do intercom systems work when installed on a 358 mesh gate post?
Audio or video intercom units can be mounted on steel posts or gooseneck pedestals near the gate. Visitors press the call button, allowing security personnel inside to verify identity visually and remotely signal the electric lock to open.
5. Can biometric readers work reliably on outdoor 358 mesh gates?
Yes, provided the biometric readers carry sufficient weatherproof rating (IP65+) and include protective weather hoods. Facial recognition and contactless palm readers are increasingly preferred for outdoor environments due to speed and reliability.
6. What ongoing maintenance is required for an automated 358 mesh gate with access control?
Routine maintenance includes testing safety sensors, inspecting cable loops for wear, lubricating mechanical hinges and lock latches, checking battery backup health and verifying lock release mechanisms during fire drill testing.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form the basis of any legal claim.