Non destructive testing of fence mounted PIDS

There has always been a need to test fence mounted perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) to be sure that they are working effectively. The most basic test often consists of a guard kicking the fence during a patrol. Generally a more scientific and repeatable approach is called for. This paper looks at why simulated climbing and cutting tests on fences are needed. It also examines a variety of methods that have been employed or postulated to simulate these cutting and climbing attacks. It looks at the strengths and weaknesses of different ways of simulating attacks including the addition of sacrificial panels, fence mounted solenoids and the variety of automatic centre punches that have been used. Cutting attacks have long been a feature of simulated testing, but climbing attacks on fences are more difficult to simulate. This paper explains some of the problems foreseen and explores some possible solutions.