ASTM F3297-19
(Practice)Standard Practice for Corrections Application for Non-Lethal Electric Security Fences
Standard Practice for Corrections Application for Non-Lethal 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 have broad applications for situations in which both minimum or maximum security are needed. 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 IEC and 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 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 in detention ...
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the selection and use of non-lethal electric security fences to deter, detect, and delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter.
1.2 The intended applications of this practice are detention and correctional facilities.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 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
- 31-Dec-2018
- Technical Committee
- F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
- Drafting Committee
- F33.06 - Control Systems
Overview
ASTM F3297-19: Standard Practice for Corrections Application for Non-Lethal Electric Security Fences provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, deployment, and maintenance of electric security fences, specifically intended for detention and correctional facilities. As non-lethal perimeter security solutions, electric security fences play a significant role in deterring, detecting, and delaying unauthorized intrusions, while reducing the dependency on traditional security personnel and other costly systems. This standard addresses a crucial gap in guidance for these specialized security measures and outlines requirements for both users and manufacturers to ensure safe, reliable, and effective operations.
Key Topics
Scope and Application
- Focused on non-lethal electric security fences for corrections and detention perimeter security.
- Addresses advice for selection and use, including system components, environmental factors, and site-specific needs.
- SI units are the basis for measurement consistency within the standard.
System Components and Operation
- Defines essential components: wire fence arrays, energizers (controllers), access gates, and insulators.
- Outlines operational requirements, such as pulse rates, impulse durations, and energy limits per safety benchmarks.
- Specifies robust backup power requirements, redundancy measures, and lightning suppression.
Design and Installation
- Recommends materials, corrosion resistance, wire tensioning, and post configuration to ensure system longevity and effectiveness.
- Details installation configurations, wire spacing, and the necessity for self-cleaning and UV-resistant materials.
- Emphasizes the importance of adaptable zones and controlled access for ease of maintenance and enhanced security.
Control and Monitoring
- Advocates for programmable logic controllers and reliable, self-healing communications networks.
- Supports integration with alarms and other security systems for real-time monitoring and tamper detection.
- Guides the use of illuminated indicators and programmable outputs for operational efficiency.
Maintenance and Training
- Establishes daily, weekly, and annual maintenance protocols for operational reliability.
- Stresses regular testing of alarms, visual inspections, and battery management.
- Recommends comprehensive training in line with the facility’s security policies.
Applications
Correctional and Detention Facilities
- Specifically designed for high-security environments where breach deterrence and rapid response are critical.
- Supports both minimum and maximum security scenarios, adaptable for various facility layouts and perimeter requirements.
Cost-Effective Security Enhancement
- Electric security fences reduce the need for constant human patrols and provide automated, immediate responses to intrusion attempts.
- Suitable for retrofitting existing physical barriers or as standalone security measures, providing flexibility for facility upgrades or expansions.
Broader Security Environments
- While focused on correctional facilities, the standard’s principles can inform best practices for any institution requiring robust, non-lethal perimeter security, such as critical infrastructure sites or custodial environments.
Related Standards
IEC 60335-1 & IEC 60335-2-76
- Cover safety requirements for electric fence energizers and relevant electrical appliances at the international level.
BS EN 60335-2-76
- Addresses particular requirements for electric fence energizers under the British Standards Institution.
UL 69
- Pertains to electric fence controllers for animal control applications, with clear distinctions from this standard’s focus on human perimeter security systems.
NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
- Provides electrical safety guidelines relevant for installation and operation, especially regarding power circuits and safety compliance.
Keywords: electric security fence, correctional facility security, non-lethal fencing, perimeter protection, energizer, intrusion detection, ASTM F3297-19, security fence standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F3297-19 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Corrections Application for Non-Lethal Electric Security Fences". This standard covers: 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 have broad applications for situations in which both minimum or maximum security are needed. 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 IEC and 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 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 in detention ... SCOPE 1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the selection and use of non-lethal electric security fences to deter, detect, and delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter. 1.2 The intended applications of this practice are detention and correctional facilities. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
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 have broad applications for situations in which both minimum or maximum security are needed. 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 IEC and 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 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 in detention ... SCOPE 1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the selection and use of non-lethal electric security fences to deter, detect, and delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter. 1.2 The intended applications of this practice are detention and correctional facilities. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
ASTM F3297-19 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.310 - Protection against crime; 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general; 91.090 - External structures. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F3297-19 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: F3297 − 19
Standard Practice for
Corrections Application for Non-Lethal Electric Security
Fences
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3297; 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 electric fence energizers
2.3 NFPA Standard:
1.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide advice for the
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
selection and use of non-lethal electric security fences to deter,
2.4 UL Standard:
detect, and delay an unauthorized breach of the perimeter.
UL 69 Standard for Electric-Fence Controllers
1.2 The intended applications of this practice are detention
and correctional facilities.
3. Terminology
1.3 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
a controller.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
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- ofthefencelinethatismonitoredseparatelyfromothersection
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of the fence line.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 gripple, n—wire torque-tensioning device that incor-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
porates a ceramic roller as the main tension ratchet part.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.4 pulse, n—burst of electricity for a short period of time
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
on a regular interval as opposed to continuous power.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 pulse rate, n—number of pulses per second.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
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:
4. Significance and Use
BS EN 60335-2-76 Household and similar electrical appli-
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:
existingsecurity.Theyhavebroadapplicationsforsituationsin
IEC 60335-1 Household and similar electrical appli- which both minimum or maximum security are needed. They
ances – Safety – Part 1: General requirements
are deployed in a wide variety of environments and geogra-
IEC 60335-2-76 Household and similar electrical appli- phies.Inparticular,electricsecurityfencesareusedtodecrease
ances – Safety – Part 2-76: Particular requirements for the need for security guards and other security systems.
4.2 This practice provides information to users and manu-
facturers of electric security fences, filling a void.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on Detention
and Correctional Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F33.06
4.3 InternationalstandardsexistatIECandBSI(seeSection
on Control Systems.
2) that cover some aspects of these systems.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published January 2019. DOI: 10.1520/
F3297-19.
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
F3297 − 19
3 21.34
4.4 A standard issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) impulse duration 5 41.885 310 3 output current (1)
~ !
(UL69) covers electric fence controllers to be used on lighting
5.1.4.2 For an impulse duration of less than 0.1 ms, 15 700
or line circuits in accordance with NFPA 70. However, UL 69
mA.
covers, specifically, electric fence controllers used only for the
NOTE 2—IEC 60335-2-76 provides background for safe use including
control of animals. Its requirements cover portable and perma-
range of maximum current and duration combinations, maximum fre-
nently mounted electric fence controllers with peak-discharge
quency of pulse, and maximum energy per pulse.
or sinusoidal-discharge output for indoor or outdoor use,
5.2 All energized wires in a multi-energizer system shall be
including battery operated controllers intended to operate from
energized simultaneously. Pulse repetition rates less than 1 Hz
battery circuits of 42.4 V or less, line-operated controllers
shall be allowed.
intended to operate from circuits of 125 V or less, combination
controllers intended to operate from either a battery or a line
5.3 The controller shall be able to function in an operating
circuit, and photovoltaic module battery operated controllers.
environment with temperature ranges of -20 to +60°C and
The scope states that the requirements of UL 69 do not cover
relative humidity ranges of up to 95 %.
electric fence controllers for the continuous (uninterrupted)
5.4 Each energizer shall have a backup power supply
current type or intermediate equipment, such as a converter, a
appropriate for the site-specific application under full load in
rectifier, or the like, that is sometimes used between the
the event of a power failure. Eight hours of backup shall be the
primary source of supply and an electric fence controller and is
minimum, but additional coverage is encouraged.
investigated only as part of a complete controller. UL 69 also
5.5 The energizers shall, depending on conditions, activate
states that the requirements do not cover electric fence con-
alarms when any of the following conditions occur: circuit
trollers for use with electrified security fences.
opens, conductor-to-conductor shorts, conductor-to-ground
4.5 In contrast to UL69, this practice specifically addresses
shorts, and sufficient circuit-resistive loading.
the use of electric security fences in detention and correctional
5.6 Key Additional Features—The following additional fea-
facilities.
tures shall be allowed to aid redundancy, ease of use, and
NOTE 1—Extensive research on the safety of pulsed electrical devices,
maintenance with the tradeoff being increasing complexity and
which are used in electric fence controllers, is found in work by Amit
6 cost.
Nimunkar and John Webster. This research provides background on the
5.6.1 Independent switchable energizers increase cost and
safety of electric security fences and is of value to those wishing to
understand the basic science behind these systems.
complexity, but they enhance redundancy so that, when an
energizer fails, at least a portion of the system will remain
4.6 Limitations of Electric Security Fences—It is likely that
active.
electric security fences are not appropriate for use in environ-
5.6.2 Two or more auxiliary supervised alarm inputs allows
ments associated with juvenile, mental health, or other special
for the setting of multiple trigger points for alarms. This is
populations.
helpful in minimizing false alarms and giving early warning of
5. Design Characteristics for the Safe Operation of potential maintenance needs.
Security Fences
5.6.3 Two or more programmable outputs allows for inte-
gration with other security systems such as gates or cameras.
5.1 Electric security fences have the following key compo-
5.6.4 Illuminated indicators on the energizer allow for ease
nents: (1) a wire fence array (Section 6), (2) a controller (or
of monitoring proper system functioning, monitoring, and
electric fence energizer) that continuously monitors an electric
indication of alarms. They are useful for showing the follow-
fencea
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