Cover image for 5 Best Wire Partition Systems for Warehouse Security

Introduction

Warehouse security challenges carry substantial financial consequences. In 2022, inventory shrinkage cost U.S. retailers $112.1 billion, with internal and external theft accounting for 65% of total losses. Cargo theft surged to $725 million in 2025, a 60% increase from the prior year. Unauthorized access to hazardous zones also remains a leading cause of workplace injuries across the warehousing sector.

Wire partition systems are modular, OSHA-compatible barriers that secure high-value inventory, restrict access to sensitive areas, and divide operational zones—while maintaining visibility and airflow throughout the facility.

Not all systems perform equally. Wire gauge, mesh opening size, certifications (ANSI, UL), and customization depth vary significantly between manufacturers, making some solutions far better suited to specific environments than others. This guide compares the five best wire partition systems based on those criteria, so you can match the right system to your warehouse's security needs.

TLDR

  • Modular steel mesh enclosures that restrict access, secure inventory, and separate zones—all while maintaining visibility and airflow
  • Key selection factors: mesh gauge and opening size, panel height options, certification compliance (ANSI, UL), and modularity for future reconfiguration
  • Systems compared here vary in customization depth, price range, and application fit, covering tool cribs, DEA cages, and full inventory enclosures
  • Certifications matter: facilities subject to OSHA, DEA, or ANSI standards require specific mesh configurations and panel ratings

What Are Wire Partition Systems?

Wire partition systems are steel mesh panels mounted on posts and frames to create secure, semi-permanent enclosures or barriers within warehouses. Unlike solid walls, they preserve visibility, airflow, and facility lighting—critical for maintaining operational efficiency while enforcing access control.

Construction Types: Woven vs. Welded Wire

Two construction methods dominate the market, and choosing between them affects both security level and long-term durability:

FeatureWelded Wire MeshWoven Wire Mesh
ConstructionWires resistance-welded at every intersection, forming a rigid gridWires crimped and interlaced in an over-under pattern
DurabilityWon't unravel if cut; retains shape for cutouts and modificationsFlexible; high impact resistance but can unravel if cut
Common GaugeTypically 10-gauge (0.135" diameter)Ranges from 6-gauge (0.192" diameter) to 12-gauge (0.105" diameter)
Best ApplicationsGeneral storage, machine guarding, pallet rack backingHigh-security cages, DEA storage, evidence rooms

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Mesh size and wire gauge determine both security level and application suitability. Smaller openings (½" x ½" or ¾" x ¾") prevent pilferage of small items like pharmaceuticals or electronic components, while standard 2" x 2" mesh balances visibility with security for bulk inventory.

Industry Applications

Wire partitions handle a wide range of security and access control needs across industrial settings:

  • DEA-compliant enclosures for controlled substance storage (Schedule III-V)
  • Driver cages that limit non-employee access to designated receiving areas
  • Tool cribs securing high-value maintenance equipment from general floor access
  • Machine guarding around automated equipment for OSHA 29 CFR 1910 compliance
  • Server cages for data center hardware protection

5 Best Wire Partition Systems for Warehouse Security

These five systems were evaluated on security performance, build quality, customization flexibility, certifications, and application range.

Cogan Wire Partitions

Cogan has supplied wire partitions to warehousing, distribution, and industrial facilities across North America for decades. The system is sold through authorized material handling dealers nationwide and is available in pre-engineered and custom configurations.

Cogan stands out for its 4-gauge welded and woven wire options, tool-free panel assembly, and compatibility with accessories including swing doors, sliding doors, pass-through windows, and roof panels—making it one of the most versatile systems on this list.

Key Specifications:

FeatureDetails
Mesh OptionsStandard 2" x 2" x 10-gauge welded wire; 2" x 1" and 1" x 1" variants available
Panel ConstructionFramed in 1¼" x 1¼" x 12-gauge structural angle; panels 8' and taller reinforced with ½" solid round bars
FinishPowder-coated Cogan Grey (standard)
Panel VariantsSheet metal and Lexan (polycarbonate) options for privacy or spark containment
Best ForHigh-security tool cribs, inventory enclosures, driver cage applications

Cogan partitions are engineered for 24/7 security and meet DEA requirements for Schedule III-V drug storage when properly configured with tight mesh and self-closing doors.

SpaceGuard Products

SpaceGuard produces a modular wire partition line built for fast installation and future reconfiguration. Its systems are used in warehousing, pharmaceutical, server room, and manufacturing settings.

The bolt-together design requiring no welding on-site significantly reduces installation time. The company also offers DEA-compliant cage configurations with tight mesh options that meet federal controlled substance storage requirements under 21 CFR 1301.72.

Key Specifications:

FeatureDetails
Mesh OptionsStandard: 10-gauge welded wire in 2" x 2" pattern; Heavy-duty: 6-gauge welded wire in 2" x 2" pattern; Optional: 10-gauge woven wire in 1½" diamond mesh
Panel HeightsAvailable in one-foot increments up to 5' x 10'
InstallationUniversal hole pattern for through-bolt connections; panels stack vertically
DEA ComplianceMeets 21 CFR 1301.72-1301.76 requirements: No. 10 gauge steel fabric, openings ≤2.5", posts spaced ≤10' apart
Best ForPharmaceutical storage, DEA cages, server room security cages

SpaceGuard's systems feature 2" square, 14-gauge steel tube posts with welded base plates and self-closing, self-locking doors compliant with federal regulations—critical for facilities handling controlled substances.

Folding Guard Saf-T-Fence

Folding Guard's Saf-T-Fence is a frame-and-panel system widely used for both machine guarding and warehouse security partitions. The company holds ISO certification and manufactures its panels to ANSI/RIA standards, making it a go-to for facilities requiring compliance documentation.

The system's dual-use capability is its most practical advantage: the same panels serve as perimeter safety fencing around automated equipment and as inventory security enclosures. That flexibility lowers total infrastructure cost for facilities needing both. A heavy-duty variant, Saf-T-Fast HD, is available for higher-impact environments.

External

Key Specifications:

FeatureDetails
Saf-T-FenceFramed welded mesh bolted into 16-gauge posts; modular machine guarding and warehouse partitioning
Saf-T-Fast HD10-gauge welded wire; 1.25" x 2.5" (32mm x 64mm) grid opening; 19mm x 19mm x 1mm tube frame; 2" x 2" (50.8mm) posts, 0.1875" thick
CertificationsISO-certified manufacturing; meets or exceeds ANSI/RIA, OSHA, and CSA standards
Best ForMachine guarding perimeters, automation safety zones, general warehouse security enclosures

Folding Guard's systems are particularly valuable for facilities that must satisfy both OSHA machine guarding requirements and inventory security needs with a single infrastructure investment.

Wirecrafters

Wirecrafters has manufactured wire partitions in the U.S. for several decades, with deep customization options spanning window inserts, multiple door swing configurations, and varied finish choices. The product line covers tool cribs, locker rooms, evidence rooms, and server cages in addition to standard warehouse security partitions. Woven wire panels are available in gauges from 6 to 12, covering needs from general inventory to pharmaceutical-grade containment.

Key Specifications:

FeatureDetails
Woven Wire OptionsStandard: 10-gauge wire in 2" x 1" rectangular mesh (Style 840); Heavy-duty: 6-gauge in 2" x 2" square mesh; High-security: 12-gauge in ½" x ½" square mesh (stops items as small as a dime)
Welded Wire OptionsStandard: 10-gauge in 2" x 2" square mesh; Machine guarding: 10-gauge in 1¼" x 2½" rectangular mesh
Panel ConstructionMesh welded to 1¼" x 1¼" x ⅛" steel angle frame
DEA ComplianceStyle 840 partitions meet DEA requirements for Schedule III-V substances with self-closing/locking doors and hardware non-accessible from exterior
Best ForTool cribs, evidence rooms, pharmaceutical storage, high-value inventory enclosures

Wirecrafters' mesh range lets facilities match security level to inventory type—from bulk warehouse goods to small pharmaceutical vials requiring ½" x ½" mesh.

Amco Enclosures

Amco Enclosures produces durable, powder-coated wire partition systems for industrial and commercial environments, with stock panel availability that makes it a practical option when lead times matter.

Amco offers both off-the-shelf panel kits for smaller or budget-conscious installations and fully custom configurations for large-scale deployments. Panels are typically constructed in 2" x 2" welded wire and are compatible with standard accessory hardware, simplifying future expansion.

Key Specifications:

FeatureDetails
MeshStandard: 10-gauge steel wire woven into 2" x 1" rectangular opening
Posts2" x 2" x 14-gauge steel tubing with welded base plates
Panel SizesStock panels available in 1-foot increments from 1' to 10' wide; heights of 4' and 5'
DoorsHinged and sliding doors; same material as panels; padlock lugs standard (cylinder lock optional)
FinishGray acrylic enamel (standard); powder coat options available
Best ForGeneral warehouse security, budget-conscious installations, small-to-mid-size enclosures

Amco's stock panel availability makes it an efficient choice for facilities that need rapid deployment without the lead times associated with fully custom systems.

How We Chose the Best Wire Partition Systems

Systems were assessed on five primary criteria:

  • Mesh and gauge options — security level and material strength
  • Certification compliance — ANSI and UL Listed standards
  • Customization depth — panel configurations, heights, and finishes
  • Installation and reconfiguration ease — bolt-together vs. welded construction
  • Application range — fit across warehouse security use cases

These criteria were developed specifically to address the most common purchasing mistakes we see in the field.

Common Buyer Mistakes

Warehouse operators frequently make three critical errors when selecting wire partition systems:

  1. Choosing based solely on price. Lower-cost systems often use lighter gauge wire (12-gauge vs. 10-gauge) that compromises security and durability. The difference between 10-gauge (0.135" diameter) and 12-gauge (0.105" diameter) wire represents a 28% reduction in material thickness.

  2. Selecting the wrong mesh opening size. Standard 2" x 2" mesh won't secure small parts, pill bottles, or electronic components. Pharmaceutical facilities and tool cribs storing small items require ¾" x ¾" or ½" x ½" mesh to prevent pilferage through the grid.

  3. Overlooking modularity. Warehouse layouts change. Systems requiring welding or permanent installation create costly barriers to reconfiguration. Bolt-together systems with universal hole patterns allow future expansion without replacing existing infrastructure.

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Certification Requirements

Facilities subject to regulatory oversight must verify specific compliance before purchasing:

DEA Controlled Substance Storage (21 CFR 1301.72):

  • Minimum No. 10 gauge steel fabric
  • Mesh openings not exceeding 2.5 inches
  • Steel posts at least 1 inch diameter, spaced ≤10 feet apart
  • Horizontal reinforcement every 60 inches
  • Self-closing, self-locking doors

OSHA Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910):

  • Barriers must prevent personnel from reaching over, under, around, or through guards into hazard zones
  • ANSI/RIA R15.06 compliance for robotic installations

UL Listed Components:

  • Electrical components (locks, access controls) must carry UL certification for industrial environments

Source Equipment Company Inc. supplies UL Listed, ANSI Compliant wire partition systems matched to each facility's layout and security requirements, serving warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution operations across the country.

Conclusion

The right wire partition system depends on your facility's specific security needs, application type (tool crib, DEA cage, machine guard, inventory enclosure), and compliance requirements. A pharmaceutical facility storing controlled substances requires DEA-compliant 10-gauge mesh with ≤2.5" openings, while a general warehouse securing bulk inventory may perform well with standard 2" x 2" welded wire.

Evaluate systems on long-term scalability, reconfiguration ease, and certification alignment upfront. Bolt-together systems with universal hole patterns allow future expansion as your operation grows. Verify that certifications (ANSI, UL, DEA compliance) match your regulatory requirements to avoid costly retrofits.

If you're working through those decisions, Source Equipment Company Inc. can help. Call 1-800-743-5545 to discuss wire partition options, configuration requirements, and technical specifications with their team. Serving warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution operations nationwide since 1989, they specialize in customized material handling solutions that scale with your operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are wire mesh partitions?

Wire mesh partitions are modular steel panel systems that create secure enclosures or barriers within industrial facilities. Their open mesh design maintains visibility and airflow while restricting access to high-value inventory, tool cribs, or hazardous zones.

What are the pros and cons of wire mesh?

Pros: Visibility for supervision, airflow for temperature-sensitive storage, lower cost than solid walls, modular and reconfigurable for layout changes.

Cons: Less privacy than solid walls, larger mesh openings may not secure small items, heavier gauges required for higher-security applications.

What are the sizes of wire mesh?

Common mesh opening sizes include ½" x ½", ¾" x ¾", 1½" x 1½", and 2" x 2". Wire gauge ranges from 6-gauge (0.192" diameter, heaviest) to 12-gauge (0.105" diameter, lighter duty). Smaller openings and lower gauge numbers indicate stronger, more secure panels. Standard warehouse applications use 10-gauge 2" x 2" mesh.

How much weight can wire mesh hold?

Wire mesh panels are not load-bearing structural elements — weight capacity depends on the post and frame system. Panels are designed for security and separation, not to support shelving or roofing loads. Consult manufacturer specifications for post and frame ratings.

Why is wire mesh so expensive?

Cost is driven by steel commodity prices, wire gauge (6-gauge uses far more raw material than 10-gauge), panel size, and finish type such as powder coating or galvanizing. Choosing modular systems with standard panel sizes reduces costs by eliminating custom fabrication.