Description: Taut wire sensors utilize either plain or barbed wire strands attached to electro-mechanical sensors in order to detect changes in tension on the fence fabric, rather than the vibration or stress associated with fence disturbance sensors.
They are one of the most expensive fence sensor systems, because of the laborious installation and maintenance time required. However the exertion needed on the wire for an activation is substantial and for this reason they offer very high detection rates and very low false alarms.
Classification: Passive - Overt - Terrain Following
Application: Can be installed as a stand-alone fence creating a dual-purpose physical barrier as well as a detection system or to existing fence systems (subject to suitability) or even to roofs and buildings etc. where such buildings may presents a weak spot.
Advantages: No terrain or environmental limitations, no limit on length, extremely low false alarm rate, high probability of detection
Possible Causes of Nuisance Alarms: Poor maintenance of the fence or incorrect tensioning of the sensor wires will lead to unreliable operation, medium to large animals.
Methods of Defeat: Tunnelling or bridging over the fence.