A Guide to Forced Entry Standards for Fencing and Gates

Forced entry protection is a fundamental requirement when designing secure sites such as critical national infrastructure, utilities, defence estates, data centres and high value commercial premises.

. However, navigating the range of available forced entry standards for fencing and gates can be complex. This guide provides an overview of the key standards used in perimeter security, explains why they matter, and outlines why LPS 1175 is now the recommended benchmark for high security fencing and gates.

A forced entry standard is a formal testing and classification system that measures how well a physical security product resists attack using defined tools over a set period of time. These tests simulate realistic intrusion attempts, allowing architects, specifiers and security consultants to compare products objectively and select systems that align with a site’s risk profile.

Forced entry standards are most commonly applied where perimeter delay is critical. Typical sectors include government and defence facilities, utilities and critical national infrastructure, transport and logistics hubs, data centres, and high risk commercial or public sector sites. In these environments, certified perimeter systems form a key part of a layered security strategy, working alongside detection, monitoring and response measures.

Historically, a number of standards have been used to assess fencing, gates and turnstiles. These include LPS 1175, LPS 2081, LPS 1673, and MTAS, with STS 202 also relevant for gates and pedestrian access points. However, following the removal of fencing and gates from the CSE (Catalogue of Security Equipment), LPS 1175 has become the most widely recognised and relied-upon forced entry standard for perimeter protection.

LPS 1175 is recommended because it offers the most comprehensive and flexible approach to assessing forced entry resistance. Developed by BRE, it evaluates performance against a wide range of threat levels, from opportunistic attacks to sustained assaults using heavy tools. The current Issue 8 classification system combines tool category and attack duration into a clear, granular matrix, enabling precise alignment between assessed risk and product performance.

Climbing considerations

While forced entry testing focuses primarily on resistance to cutting, levering, and impact, climbing risk should also form a key part of perimeter design. Fence height, design, rigidity, and the integration of toppings all influence how easily a fence can be scaled. A fence may perform well in a forced entry test but still present a climbing vulnerability if these factors are not properly addressed. For high-risk sites, specifying systems that combine certified forced entry resistance with proven anti-climb performance is essential to reduce overall intrusion risk.

Interaction with vehicle impact standards

On many sensitive sites, perimeter fencing and gates must also interface with vehicle mitigation measures (which still feature in the CSE). While forced entry standards assess human attack using tools, impact standards assess resistance to hostile vehicle threats. These regimes are separate, but the way systems interact is critical. Crash rated barriers, gates, and fences must integrate with forced entry rated elements without introducing weak points, gaps, or transition failures. Early coordination between physical security and hostile vehicle mitigation design helps ensure a continuous and effective security line.

Other standards serve more specialist purposes. LPS 2081 focuses on stealth attacks using low noise tools, making it suitable for residential or acoustically sensitive environments. LPS 1673 is primarily concerned with delaying violent, targeted attacks to protect occupants, often in domestic or public buildings. MTAS is typically used on projects aligned with National Protective Security Authority guidance, particularly within critical infrastructure. While each standard serves a specific purpose, careful consideration is required to ensure the chosen certification aligns with the intended threat profile and site requirements.

Durability, monitoring and long-term performance

Forced entry certification demonstrates performance at the point of testing, but long-term effectiveness depends on product durability and ongoing condition. Cheaper systems may degrade over time due to corrosion, UV exposure, or repeated loading, reducing their ability to perform as intended. Long manufacturer guarantees, backed by robust coatings and proven materials, are therefore essential to ensure the fencing or gate remains fit for purpose throughout its design life. Regular inspection and maintenance also play a key role in preserving certified performance.

Forced entry standards provide an evidence-based framework for designing secure perimeters. In the current landscape, particularly following the removal of fencing and gates from the CSE, LPS 1175 stands out as the most robust and widely accepted standard for high security perimeter protection. To find and verify LPS certified products, visit RedBook Live.

For a more detailed explanation of each standard and guidance on selecting certified fencing and gate systems, readers are encouraged to view the full article on the Jacksons Fencing website.