What is 358 Security Fencing?

358 mesh is a high-security welded mesh fencing system designed specifically to resist climbing and cutting. It is the product used on correctional facilities, substations, airports and critical infrastructure — which is why it is often referred to as prison mesh or anti-climb mesh.

The design principle is simple: make the apertures too small for fingers, footwear or cutting tools, while keeping the fence transparent enough for cameras and patrols to see through it.

Where the name comes from

"358" is not a product code — it describes the mesh geometry in imperial units:

• 3 inches between vertical wires
• 0.5 inches between horizontal wires
• 8 gauge wire (4mm diameter)

Converted to metric, that produces a mesh aperture of 71mm x 9mm in 4.00mm wire.

Full specifications

Panel sizes

• 1800mm (H) x 2404mm (W)
• 2100mm (H) x 2404mm (W)
• 2400mm (H) x 2404mm (W)

Custom sizes are available on request. Matching 358 gates are available in hinged and sliding configurations.

Why 358 resists attack

Anti-climb

The 9mm horizontal gap is too narrow to admit fingers or the toe of a boot. There is nothing on the face of the fence to grip or stand on, so the panel has to be defeated with tools rather than climbed.

Anti-cut

Standard bolt cutters need to open around a wire to bite it. With a 9mm aperture there is no room to seat the jaws, and the 4mm high-tensile wire resists hand tools even when they can be positioned. Every intersection is welded, so cutting one wire does not loosen the surrounding mesh.

Surveillance-friendly

Despite the tight aperture, the fence has a low visual profile. CCTV coverage and patrol sightlines are maintained through the fence line, which is why 358 is preferred over solid barriers on secured perimeters.

Durable

The zinc/aluminium coating at a minimum of 260g/m² gives a long service life in both urban and remote conditions, including exposed and coastal sites.

Finish options

• Hot-dip galvanized — the standard finish for infrastructure and industrial perimeters
• Powder coated — available in a range of colours, allowing the fence to be matched to its surroundings where visual impact is a planning consideration

Typical applications

• Prisons and correctional centres
• Substations and electrical infrastructure
• Airport and port perimeters
• Rail corridors and bridge protection
• Bridge and walkway anti-climb screening
• Water treatment plants and utility compounds
• Psychiatric and medical facilities
• Secure factory and warehouse perimeters
• Machine guards and balustrades
• High-security window screens

Corromesh 358

Corromesh 358 is a variant of standard 358 mesh with horizontal corrugations pressed into the panel. The corrugation adds a ribbed visual texture and additional panel stiffness, while retaining the same aperture, wire diameter and security properties as flat 358.

It exists to solve a specific problem: sites that need genuine anti-climb performance but sit in public view, where a bare institutional fence is not acceptable. Parks, waterways, bridges and council assets are typical.

Corromesh applications

• Public parks and waterways
• Government utility facilities — electricity, gas, rail
• Industrial developments
• Security fencing for bridges
• Substations and depots
• Balustrades

Relevant Australian Standards

• AS 2423-2002 — coated steel wire fencing products; 358 weld shear strength exceeds its requirements
• AS/NZS 4534:2006 — zinc and zinc/aluminium-alloy coatings on steel wire; governs the 260g/m² minimum coating
• AS 4506-2005 — thermoset powder coatings, where a colour finish is specified
• AS/NZS 4680:2006 — hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated ferrous articles, applicable to gates and fittings

Specifying 358

For a compliant order, state:

1. Panel height (1800mm, 2100mm or 2400mm)
2. Flat 358 or Corromesh 358
3. Finish (galvanized or powder coated, with colour)
4. Post type and centres
5. Fixing type — security shear nuts or tamper-proof fasteners on any exposed face
6. Gates required, hinged or sliding, with opening widths

Common questions

Does 358 mean the mesh is 358mm?

No. It refers to 3 inch x 0.5 inch spacing in 8 gauge wire, which is 71mm x 9mm in 4.00mm wire.

Is 358 the same as prison mesh?

Yes. Prison mesh and anti-climb mesh are informal names for 358.

Can 358 be cut with bolt cutters?

The 9mm aperture leaves no room to seat bolt cutter jaws around the wire, and the 4mm high-tensile wire resists hand tools. It is designed to defeat conventional cutting attempts.

Can it be powder coated?

Yes, in a range of colours, which is common where the fence is in public view.

What is the difference between 358 and Corromesh 358?

Corromesh adds horizontal corrugations for appearance and stiffness. Security performance is the same.

Are gates available?

Yes — matching 358 hinged and sliding gates, with standard or high-security fixings.