868 Wire Mesh Fence

What Does 868 Mean - and When Do You Need It

868 is the wire configuration code for the heavy-grade double wire mesh fence panel: 8mm horizontal wire / 6mm vertical wire / 8mm horizontal wire. The two 8mm wires sandwich every 6mm vertical at each intersection, and the joint is resistance-welded on both faces. That makes an 868 panel roughly 60% heavier than a 6/5/6 panel of the same size - and far more resistant to cutting, bending and impact. If you are specifying a fence where balls hit the mesh hundreds of times a day, crowds lean on it, or bolt cutters are a real threat, 868 is the configuration to choose. For the general double wire product explanation, see our double wire fence overview.

868 vs 656: Which Configuration Fits Your Project

Double wire panels come in two standard configurations. The right choice depends on the security level, impact load and budget of your project:

A common approach on large sites is to use 868 on the high-impact perimeter and 6/5/6 on internal boundaries where the fence defines zones rather than stopping intruders. This splits the budget efficiently: you spend heavy where it matters, light where it does not.

868 Mesh Aperture Options & Panel Specifications

The 868 panel is available in three mesh aperture options. The aperture choice affects security level, wind transparency and visual appearance:

Why aperture matters for security: In a 50 × 200mm mesh, the 200mm vertical gap allows a determined climber to hook fingers over the 8mm horizontal wires. The 50 × 100mm aperture closes that gap - a hand cannot get a grip, making the panel genuinely anti-climb. If your project specification says "anti-climb," the 50 × 100mm aperture on an 868 frame is the correct choice without stepping up to full 358 mesh.

Panel dimensions and posts:

Panel width: 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0m (2.5m is standard)

Panel height: 1.2 / 1.5 / 1.63 / 1.83 / 2.0 / 2.4m

Posts: 60 × 60mm SHS (1.5–2.0mm wall) for standard use; 80 × 80mm SHS (2.0mm wall) for 2.4m+ heights and high-wind sites

Coating: Hot-dip galvanized + polyester powder coated (RAL 6005 green, RAL 7016 grey, RAL 9005 black, or custom RAL)

Gates: Matching single-leaf (1.2m) and double-leaf (3.0–5.0m) gates in 868 spec

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 868 the same as "double wire 8/6/8"?

Yes - 868, 8/6/8 and "8-6-8 twin wire" all refer to the same panel configuration. "868" is the shorthand used in tenders and product codes; "8/6/8" is the full notation. We manufacture to the exact diameters - no undersizing. An 8mm wire means 8.0mm nominal diameter, not 7.5mm.

Can an 868 panel replace 358 anti-climb mesh?

It depends on the specification. 358 mesh (76.2 × 12.7mm aperture, typically 4mm wire) is the prison-grade anti-climb/anti-cut standard. An 868 panel with 50 × 100mm aperture provides strong anti-climb performance and better cut resistance (8mm wire vs 4mm), but the 100mm gap is wider than 358's 12.7mm. For sites where the specification explicitly requires 358 mesh, you must use 358. For projects that require "high security" without mandating 358 specifically, an 868/50×100 panel is a cost-effective alternative that also resists cutting better.

How many 868 panels fit in a container?

An 868 panel at 2.5mW × 2.0mH weighs roughly 29 kg (steel only, before coating). A 40ft container holds approximately 350–420 panels with posts and fittings - fewer than a 6/5/6 load (500+ panels) because of the heavier steel. We optimize pallet stacking to maximize container utilization. The weight is something to factor into your landed cost calculation: heavier panels mean higher per-panel freight.

What is the 5/4/5 configuration listed on some spec sheets?

5/4/5 (5mm horizontal / 4mm vertical / 5mm horizontal) is a light-duty variant that some manufacturers offer for decorative or low-traffic internal boundaries. It weighs about 40% less than 6/5/6 and is not suitable for security or impact applications. We can produce it on request, but we do not recommend it for perimeter use. For most projects the choice is between 6/5/6 (standard) and 868 (heavy).

Do 868 panels come with an arched top?

Yes. Both flat-top and arch-top (convex) profiles are available in 868 configuration. The arch adds approximately 100–150mm to the center height and is popular in European residential and commercial estates. The arch profile does not reduce the structural strength of the twin-wire joint.