Security Fencing Compliance in Australia: What AS 1725, AS 5394 (2026) and Perimeter Standards Actually Require
Specifying security fencing in Australia without understanding the underlying standards is a risk that shows up at inspection time. Architects, facility managers, procurement teams, and builders working on schools, warehouses, government buildings, or critical infrastructure all need to know which standard applies to their project and what it actually requires.
This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you a plain-English breakdown of the key Australian security fencing standards, what changed in 2026, and how to match products to requirements.
The Core Australian Security Fencing Standards
AS 1725 Series: Chain Link Fabric Fencing
The AS 1725 series covers chain link (chainwire / cyclone) fencing used in security applications. It classifies fencing by security level and sets out requirements for mesh aperture size, wire gauge, coating mass, post spacing, and installation method. There are five security classes ranging from Class 1 (low-security boundary) to Class 5 (high-security perimeter).
Key requirements include minimum galvanised coating mass (measured in grams per square metre of wire surface), post diameter and embedment depth, and top and bottom rail specifications. If your project calls for AS 1725 compliance, you need a product data sheet confirming the wire gauge, coating mass, and mesh aperture meet the specified class.
AS/NZS 4534: Zinc and Zinc Alloy Coatings on Steel Wire
This standard sets the galvanised coating mass requirements for steel wire used in chainwire fencing. It's the reference standard when a spec sheet says "meets AS/NZS 4534" for coating mass. For fuse-bonded chainwire, the coating is applied before weaving, giving more uniform coverage. PVC-coated variants must also meet the underlying galvanised wire standard before the PVC coating is applied.
AS 5394:2026 (Draft): High-Security Anti-Personnel Fencing
This is the most significant development in Australian security fencing standards for years. AS 5394 is a new dedicated standard specifically for high and extra-high security anti-personnel steel fences, including anti-climb panels and vertical members. It was open for public comment until June 2026.
Before AS 5394, specifiers working on high-security sites had to piece together compliance from multiple referenced standards. AS 5394 consolidates this into a single benchmark, making tender comparisons clearer and the line between compliant and non-compliant products harder to blur. Once it's finalised, it will be the go-to reference for corrections facilities, critical infrastructure, and government perimeter fencing.
Compliance Requirements by Sector
| Sector | Relevant Standard(s) | Typical Fence Type | Common Spec Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schools (NSW DET) | DET School Spec + AS 1725 | Steel security crimp top panel | Gap 80 (childcare), Gap 90/110 (school), zinc primer HD |
| Commercial / warehouse | AS 1725 Class 2-3 | Chainwire or flat top panel | 50mm diamond, 2.5mm wire, galv + PVC or fuse bond |
| Government / utilities | AS 1725 Class 4-5 / AS 5394 | Anti-climb mesh / crimp top HD | Small aperture, zinc-rich primer, Class 4-5 spec |
| Corrections / defence | AS 5394 (once finalised) | Anti-personnel perimeter fencing | Anti-climb, anti-tamper, tested to new standard |
| Transport infrastructure | AS 1725 + project spec | Chainwire perimeter or panel | Project-specific; check with specifier |
Chainwire Fencing and Australian Standards: Key Specs
Chainwire fencing used in commercial and security applications must meet specific coating mass requirements under AS/NZS 4534. Here's what to look for on a product data sheet:
- Wire gauge: Minimum 2.5mm core wire diameter for AS 1725 Class 2 and above. Heavier gauges (3.15mm or 4.0mm) for higher security classes.
- Mesh aperture: 50mm diamond mesh (measured centre-to-centre) is standard for most commercial applications. Smaller apertures are required for anti-climb and higher security classes.
- Galvanised coating mass: Minimum 245 g/m2 for Class 1; 275 g/m2 or above for Classes 2-5.
- Fuse bonded vs PVC coating: Fuse bonding applies the coating before weaving, giving full coverage even at wire crossings. PVC coating adds a coloured layer for aesthetics and additional corrosion resistance. Both must meet the underlying galvanised wire spec.
How to Verify Compliance Before Installation
Before a fence is installed on a compliant project, get the following from your supplier:
- A product data sheet confirming the wire gauge, mesh aperture, and coating mass.
- Evidence of testing or certification to the applicable standard (AS 1725 class, AS/NZS 4534 coating mass).
- For school and government projects, confirmation the panel meets the DET or agency-specific spec (panel gap, coating type, frame dimensions).
- For AS 5394 projects once finalised, third-party test reports from an accredited facility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is AS 1725 and does it apply to my project?
AS 1725 is the Australian standard for chain link fabric fencing used in security applications. It covers five security classes and sets requirements for mesh aperture, wire gauge, galvanised coating mass, post spacing, and installation method. It applies to any commercial, government, or infrastructure project specifying chainwire security fencing.
What is the difference between AS 1725 and AS 5394?
AS 1725 covers chain link fencing for general security applications. AS 5394 (draft 2026) is a new standard specifically for high-security anti-personnel fencing, including anti-climb mesh and vertical member systems used at corrections facilities, defence sites, and critical infrastructure. AS 5394 is more prescriptive and applies to higher-risk perimeters.
Is AS 5394 in force yet?
As of October 2026, AS 5394 is still in the draft stage. It was open for public comment until June 2026. Until it is officially published as a finalised standard, existing standards (AS 1725, project-specific specs) remain the applicable references. Check with your project specifier for the most current status.
What coating mass is required for chainwire fencing under Australian standards?
Under AS/NZS 4534, the minimum galvanised coating mass depends on the application. For most commercial security chainwire, 275 g/m2 is the baseline. Higher security classes and coastal or corrosive environments may require higher coating mass. Always check the product data sheet and confirm it matches your specification.
Do I need a different fence spec for a school vs a warehouse?
Yes. Schools in NSW must comply with the DET School Specification, which prescribes specific panel gap widths, coating types, and heavy-duty requirements. Warehouses typically reference AS 1725 Class 2 or 3. Government and utilities may require Class 4 or 5. Always get the site-specific specification before ordering.
What is the DET school spec for fencing?
The NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) school specification requires steel security panels with specific gap widths: Gap 80 for childcare and pedestrian areas, Gap 90 or Gap 110 for standard school perimeters. Panels must be heavy-duty with a zinc-rich primer coating. Products must be listed as meeting DET School Spec to be used on DET-funded projects.
Can fuse-bonded chainwire replace PVC-coated chainwire on a compliant project?
It depends on the specification. Both fuse-bonded and PVC-coated chainwire can meet AS/NZS 4534 coating mass requirements, but the spec may call for one or the other for aesthetic or maintenance reasons. Fuse bonding applies coating before weaving, giving more uniform wire-to-wire coverage. Always check whether the spec requires a specific coating type.
How do I know if a security fence product is genuinely compliant?
Request a product data sheet and a test report or certification from the manufacturer. The data sheet should specify wire gauge, mesh aperture, coating mass (in g/m2), and the standard it meets. Be cautious of products that only state "meets Australian Standards" without specifying which standard and which class.
Sourcing compliant security fencing?
All Fencing Components steel security panels include product data sheets. Confirm the spec matches your project requirements before ordering.