Commercial Chain Link

The standard commercial chain link fence consists of terminal posts, line posts, top rail, brace rail, truss rod, fabric, bottom coil wire, hog rings, ties and fittings. Commercial fencing can also contain other specifications such as mid-rails, bottom rails, barbed wire and razor wire.

Commercial fence, is basically, a term used to encompass all chain link fencing that is not used in residential applications but , it is also a grade of fencing. The two main classifications are; Commercial and Industrial. These classifications, in general, refer to the framework specifications as both are mainly constructed using 9 gauge galvanized fabric (8 gauge should be used for vinyl systems). Fences using a 6 gauge or larger fabric should always use an industrial specified frame (though it is not uncommon to use industrial posts and commercial top rail).

Commercial specifications are a little trickier to explain and follow compared to residential fence specification. Part of the reason is the ability to mix specifications, the other, wholesalers like to use their own names for pipe, leaving no standardized naming. The best bet is to always check numerical measurements when in doubt as wall dimension and weight per foot are standardized. Below are some of the more common names associated with Commercial and Industrial grade fence.

Commercial Grade Galvanized: SS20 – LG20 – CQ20
Commercial Grade Vinyl: LCX - CQ20
Industrial Grade Galvanized & Vinyl: Sch40 – Schedule 40 – Standard Weight
Commercial Galvanized Fabric: 9 gauge
Commercial Grade Vinyl Fabric: 8 gauge
Industrial Grade Galvanized Fabric: 9 gauege – 6 gauge – 3 gauge
Industrial Grade Vinyl Fabric: 8 gauge – 6 gauge – 3 gauge

Fabric ties, in general and at the very least, should be 9 gauge aluminum ties though heavier aluminum ties as well as steel ties are available. Bottom coil wire for galvanized chain link fences are generally a 7 gauge wire and for vinyl, a 6 gauge wire. This wire is helpful in stiffening the bottom of the fabric as not to allow easy exit from under the fence. The fabric is fastened to the wire with hog rings (steel or aluminum "c" clips that are squeezed around a link of fabric and the coil wire). Bottom rail is also a commonly used addition when looking to secure the bottom of the fence, especially in warehouse uses.

Barbed wire, commonly seen on fencing where security is an issue, comes in a variety o f specification though in general, the most commonly used is Class III. Razor Ribbon or Razor Wire (sometimes called Barbed Obstacle Wire) is places where high security is a must. This wire commonly comes in single and double coil rolls.

That pretty much wraps up your basic Commercial grade fence specification overview. There are some variances but in general, one should not specify materials any less than stated here for such stated applications in order to have a quality finished product. As always, the more information you have the better off you are so make sure all specifications are included on your proposals.