The K rating system helps commercial clients choose fencing that meets their unique security needs.
Commercial property owners who need fences for security purposes should know a thing or two about the K rating system. This system measures the stopping power of a fence with respect to the speed and weight of an incoming vehicle. Knowing about the K rating system can ensure you have the right fencing installed and provide greater security for your property.
Certified by the Department of State
A K rating, broadly speaking, is a crash test certification issued by the Department of State. This system has been in place since the year 2000. It can be issued on many types of barriers, from fences and gates to bollards. The K rating assumes the weight of an incoming vehicle to be 15,000 pounds and allows the vehicle to penetrate no further than 36 inches past the bed. There are 3 ratings corresponding to how fast the vehicle is traveling:
- K4: Vehicle travelling up to 30 MPH
- K8: Vehicle travelling up to 40 MPH
- K12: Vehicle travelling up to 50 MPH
How do Fences Achieve these Ratings?
K rated fences use crash rated material and other methods. Active barriers like drop arm barriers, wedge barriers, and pop up bollards have heavier materials and foundations to get their ratings. One common way is to use heavier gauges of steel, anchoring them to reinforced concrete footings. Government agencies are the obvious places to use K rated fencing, though some private companies may require a reinforced fence such as power plants and other important industrial properties.
The Standard for Anti-Terrorism Force Protection
With terrorism an increasing concern for many in the public and private sector, K rated fences have become the gold standard of protection. K ratings are not solely affixed to fortress-style barriers, either. Good looking, elegant fencing can utilize many different ways to create the protection needed to get the job done.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Residential or Commercial Fencing Needs
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your business and commercial property. Whether you’re excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a chain link fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
