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Temporary fencing is a system rather than a row of panels. For a basic installation, you will normally need fence panels, compatible feet and clamps. Depending on the site, you may also require gates, braces, ballast, ground pins, anti-lift devices, anti-tamper clamps, covers or storage stillages.
The correct combination depends on the fence layout, ground conditions, wind exposure, access requirements and the level of site security required. A simple enclosed run may need relatively few accessories, while an exposed perimeter with covers and vehicle gates will usually need more substantial support.
The basic temporary fencing components
Most conventional temporary mesh fencing runs begin with three main components:
- Panels to form the physical perimeter.
- Feet to support the panels at ground level.
- Clamps to connect adjoining panels.
These components create the basic fence line, but they should not automatically be treated as a complete specification. Additional support may be required around corners, ends, gates and exposed sections, particularly where the fencing is installed for a long period or close to public areas.
For broader help selecting a system, see Wade’s temporary fencing guide. It covers panel types, hoarding, installation, stability, security and site planning in more detail.
Temporary fence panels
The panels form the main physical boundary. Wade’s range includes anti-climb round-top panels and economy square-top mesh panels, along with gates and solid steel hoarding for sites requiring controlled access or greater privacy.
Anti-climb round-top panels
Mesh panels with rounded upper corners and a close mesh intended to make climbing more difficult.
Commonly used for: construction-site perimeters, compounds and security-sensitive boundaries.
Economy square-top panels
A standard temporary mesh-panel option for demarcation and general perimeter use.
Important distinction: Wade’s economy square-top panel is not classed as anti-climb.
Solid steel hoarding
Solid panels used where privacy, screening or separation from public-facing areas is more important.
Planning point: the solid face generally creates greater wind loading than open mesh fencing.
Panel choice affects the rest of the system. An open mesh panel, a covered mesh panel and a solid hoarding panel should not be assumed to require the same support arrangement.
You can compare available panels and related equipment in Wade’s temporary fencing range.
Temporary fence feet
Temporary fence feet hold the bottom tubes of the panels and establish the fence line. Wade supplies standard rubber blocks and high-visibility rubber blocks, both with multiple slots for positioning panels.
High-visibility feet can be useful where fencing is installed close to pedestrian routes or where the projecting foot needs to be easier to identify. The chosen slot and panel alignment should suit the intended layout without creating avoidable obstructions.
A fence foot supports the panel, but it does not necessarily provide sufficient resistance to wind or movement on its own. Long runs, exposed locations, uneven ground, gates, corners, covers and hoarding may require additional stabilisation.
Temporary fence clamps
Clamps connect adjoining fence panels and help the run behave as a connected system rather than a series of independent panels. Wade supplies standard clamps and anti-tamper clamps.
Standard clamps
Standard clamps are used for general panel-to-panel connections. For initial estimating, Wade advises allowing two clamps per panel. The final quantity should still reflect the actual layout, including the number of connections, separate runs, ends, gates and any unusual junctions.
Anti-tamper clamps
Anti-tamper clamps require a compatible specialist spanner, making them more resistant to casual removal with ordinary tools. They are appropriate where unauthorised dismantling is a concern.
They should be treated as one part of a perimeter-security arrangement rather than a complete solution. Gates, free ends, panel lifting, damaged mesh and poorly supported sections can still create weak points. See the guide to securing temporary fencing against unauthorised access for a more complete assessment.
Braces, stabilisers and ballast
Braces and ballast provide additional resistance where a basic panel-and-foot arrangement is insufficient. The correct method depends on factors including the surface, wind exposure, panel type, covers, fence height and available space beside the run.
| Component | Typical role | Where it may be suitable | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small brace | Provides additional local support to a panel. | Enclosed areas or locations with limited space. | It is not a universal solution for exposed fencing. |
| Long brace and ground pin | Transfers support from the panel into suitable ground. | Soft ground where penetration is permitted and appropriate. | Ground suitability and underground services must be assessed first. |
| Long brace and ballast tray | Provides bracing without driving a pin into the ground. | Hard, level surfaces where suitable ballast can be added. | The required ballast remains dependent on the installation. |
| Step-block strut | Supports the fence using a weighted ballast block. | Runs requiring additional external support. | The strut and block require space beside the fence line. |
| Windbreaker stabilising system | Creates a more substantial support arrangement with bracing and ballast trays. | Installations requiring greater support or a reduced trip profile. | The system must still be assessed against actual site conditions. |
Using ground pins
Ground pins may be used with long braces on suitable soft ground. Before driving a pin, the person responsible for the installation should judge whether the surface is suitable, whether ground penetration is permitted and whether buried services or other obstructions could be present.
Soft ground is not automatically reliable ground. Recently disturbed, waterlogged or loosely filled soil may not provide the resistance expected from a ground fixing.
Using ballast
Ballast trays, step blocks and other purpose-made weights may be used where ground penetration is unsuitable or where additional resistance is needed. The required amount and position of ballast cannot be determined from panel count alone.
Improvised materials such as loose bricks, timber or site rubble should not be assumed to provide a controlled or dependable support arrangement.
For more detailed planning around exposed fence lines, read Wade’s guide to temporary fencing in high winds.
Gates and access components
Access points should be planned before panel quantities and accessories are finalised. Wade’s range includes integrated pedestrian gates, separate pedestrian gates and vehicle gates.
- Integrated pedestrian gates place a pedestrian opening within the width of a standard panel.
- Separate pedestrian gates create a dedicated access point within the fence run.
- Vehicle gates provide wider openings for plant, deliveries and site traffic.
Gates introduce moving parts and concentrated loads. Hinges, latches, castors, adjoining panels and free-standing ends all need to be considered. Wider vehicle openings may require additional support around the gate posts or neighbouring panels.
The guide to temporary fencing gates explains pedestrian and vehicle-access options in more detail. Available products can also be viewed in the temporary fence gates collection.
Security accessories
Where the perimeter is intended to restrict unauthorised access rather than simply mark a boundary, additional security components may be appropriate.
Anti-lift devices
An anti-lift device helps prevent a panel being lifted vertically out of its foot. It addresses a different weakness from a clamp: the clamp joins neighbouring panels, while the anti-lift device helps retain the panel at ground level.
Anti-tamper fixings
Anti-tamper clamps make panel connections more difficult to undo with standard tools. Fixings should normally be positioned so they cannot be conveniently accessed from outside the secured perimeter where the layout allows.
Controlled access
A secure perimeter still requires suitable gates, latches, locks and operational control. It is of limited value fitting enhanced clamps throughout a run if access can be gained through an unsecured gate or unsupported end panel.
Fence covers, acoustic barriers and storage equipment
Some accessories do not form part of the basic fence structure but may be needed for privacy, noise control, branding, transport or site organisation.
Fence covers
Plain or branded covers can provide visual screening and a surface for project or company branding. Their effect on wind loading must be included in the stability assessment. Browse Wade’s fence covers where screening is required.
Acoustic barriers
Acoustic quilts and barriers can be attached to suitable fencing arrangements to reduce the transmission of site noise. Product compatibility, fixing method and the additional load placed on the fence should be considered as part of the complete system.
Panel and foot stillages
Stillages make fencing panels and feet easier to handle, count, store and transport. They are particularly relevant to larger projects, repeated deployments and sites where fencing may be moved as work progresses.
Example temporary fencing component lists
The examples below illustrate how requirements can differ. They are starting points for planning, not universal specifications.
Basic enclosed-site run
- Mesh fence panels
- Compatible fence feet
- Standard clamps
- A planned gate where access is required
Check: ends, corners, surface condition and exposure may still require extra support.
Exposed construction-site boundary
- Suitable fence panels
- Feet and clamps
- Braces or a stabilising system
- Ground pins or ballast where appropriate
- Supported pedestrian or vehicle gates
Check: wind exposure, public proximity and changes in ground condition.
Higher-security perimeter
- Anti-climb panels
- Compatible feet
- Anti-tamper clamps
- Anti-lift devices
- Controlled gate access
- Site-appropriate stabilisation
Check: free ends, gates, damaged panels and fixings accessible from outside.
How to calculate what to order
-
Measure each fence run separately
Record the length of each straight section rather than combining unrelated boundaries into one total.
-
Calculate the panel quantity
Divide the run length by the usable width of the selected panel and round up where a complete additional panel is required.
-
Add feet and clamps
Account for panel junctions, separate runs, free ends, corners and the actual connection arrangement. Wade advises allowing two clamps per panel for initial estimating.
-
Allow for gates
Include each pedestrian or vehicle opening and assess the support required by the gate and adjoining panels.
-
Assess stability and security
Choose braces, ballast, ground pins, anti-lift devices or anti-tamper clamps according to the surface, exposure, covers and security needs.
For worked examples covering panels, feet, clamps, gates and separate runs, use the guide to calculating how many temporary fence panels you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do temporary fence panels come with feet and clamps?
Do not assume panels automatically include feet, clamps or other accessories. Check what is included in the product or quotation and calculate the complete system before ordering.
How many clamps do I need for temporary fencing?
Wade advises allowing two clamps per panel for initial estimating. The final number should be checked against the actual panel connections, gates, separate runs and layout.
Does all temporary fencing need ballast?
No. Ballast requirements depend on the fencing type, layout, surface, exposure, covers and support arrangement. Some installations may use ground-fixed braces, while others may need ballast trays, blocks or a stabilising system.
Can I use ground pins anywhere?
No. Ground pins are intended for suitable ground where penetration is permitted. Assess the ground, check for buried services and make a site-specific judgement before driving a pin.
What does an anti-lift device do?
An anti-lift device helps prevent a temporary fence panel from being lifted vertically out of its supporting foot.
Do fence covers require additional stabilisation?
In most cases, fitting a cover changes the wind loading and therefore the support requirement. The fence arrangement should be reassessed after any cover, screening or acoustic product is added.
Planning a complete fencing system?
Send Wade your site requirements
Provide the approximate fence length, layout, access points, ground conditions, exposure, covers and security requirements. Wade can help assemble the appropriate panels, feet, clamps, gates, stabilisation and accessories for the project.
You can also browse Wade’s temporary fencing accessories, including clamps, feet, braces, ballast products, ground pins and anti-lift devices.
