By FencingWise Editorial Team · Updated 3 November 2026.
Reading the three numbers
The traditional name refers to 3 inches × 0.5 inches with an 8-gauge wire reference. The corresponding wire-centre spacings are 76.2 × 12.7 mm. The traditional gauge is commonly described as approximately 4 mm, but a purchase specification should state actual wire diameters in millimetres rather than rely on a gauge label.
Distinguish centre-to-centre measurements from clear openings. The distance between wire centres is larger than the clear space between their surfaces; confirm which measurement the specification uses.
Centres and clear openings are different measurements
For straight, parallel wires of equal diameter, clear opening is approximately the centre spacing minus the wire diameter.
An illustrative panel with 12.7 mm horizontal-wire centres and 4.0 mm finished wire diameter has an approximate short clear opening of 8.7 mm. Across the other direction, 76.2 − 4.0 gives 72.2 mm. These are calculated examples, not FencingWise supplied-size tolerances.
The coating and measurement position can affect the observed dimensions. A drawing should identify whether its aperture values are centres or clear openings and whether its wire diameter is measured before or after coating. The mesh aperture guide develops that distinction.
Why the surrounding components matter
In a manufacturer enquiry, include the post and clamping arrangement, gate interfaces and ground-line requirements with the mesh specification. A close opening in the panel face does not control a gap beside a post or under a gate. Ask for the offered assembly to be shown on one coordinated drawing, and require any claimed security evidence to identify that construction and its permitted configuration.
Gates introduce further interfaces: the frame, hinges, locking arrangement and clearance around a moving leaf. A 358 infill does not automatically make those interfaces equivalent to the adjacent fixed fence.
Flat and profiled forms
Specify whether the custom order uses a flat panel or a formed profile, then confirm its depth and fixing interface. If a supplier proposes a profiled substitute for a flat panel, compare clips, post geometry, clearances and evidence before accepting it. Matching the 358 name and nominal height is insufficient for replacement orders where the retained connections were designed around a different section.
Flat 358 panels have an unprofiled face. Profiled versions include formed bends, changing the panel depth and its connection geometry. They belong to the same close-mesh family, but the post arrangement cannot be assumed interchangeable. See flat and profiled 358 for the practical differences.
For a supply enquiry, the 358 product page sets out the panel and component information. Where a project calls for a tested security level, evidence must identify the actual system and permitted configuration; the numbers 358 are a construction description, not a rating.