Fence panels and a modular fencing system

Abstract

The modular fencing system has a fence panel 10 and two fence posts 34. The fence panel has a pair of opposing side edges and front and rear faces. A pair of electrical connectors 26a with one of each

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a fence panel, particularly (but not necessarily exclusively) a decorative fence panel, a fence post, and a modular fencing system comprising a plurality offence panels coupled together in a required configuration by a plurality offence posts. Background of the Invention Fencing systems are well known and in widespread use in many different applications and sectors. Many such fencing systems comprise a plurality offence panels that are coupled together, end to end (i.e. side edge to side edge), by means offence posts between them. The fence posts are secured in the adjacent ground, and each pair of adjacent fence panels is coupled in some way to opposing side edges of a respective fence post. Fence panels are available in a wide range of materials, including timber, plastic and composite, and a wide range of designs and decorative finishes. Some such fence panels are supplied in sections, such that a complete panel comprises, say, three fence panel sections, mounted one above the other, between a pair offence posts. This, of course, makes the installation process longer and a little more complex, but the smaller fence panel sections have the benefit of being much easier to handle, carry and transport. Irrespective of the material or style of a selected fence panel system, these do not generally offer any other form of functionality. For example, features such as lighting, speakers or screens are required to be incorporated in a fencing system, the respective device must be mounted on the outer face of a fence panel (using brackets and screws) which, in turn, requires the drilling of holes through the fence panel, and very careful placement of the device because if it has to be moved, any holes already drilled may end up being visible. Furthermore, this process is additionally time consuming, and the results can be unsightly, especially if a power cable needs to be run from the device to a power supply. Indeed, the need for a nearby power supply also limits the locations at which electrical devices can be mounted. It is an object of aspects of the invention to address at least one or more of these issues. Statements of Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular fencing system comprising at least one fence panel and at least two fence posts, the fence panel having a pair of opposing side edges and front and rear faces, when oriented for use, at least one pair of electrical connectors with an electrical connector of the or each pair being mounted at each side edge of said fence panel, and an electric cable electrically coupled at its ends to, and extending along the rear face of the fence panel between, the or each pair of electrical connectors, each fence post comprising two opposing side edges, when oriented for use, and at least one pair of complementary electrical connectors with an electrical connector of the or each pair of complementary electrical connectors being mounted on one of said side edges of said fence post, the electrical connector(s) on one side of the fence post being electrically coupled to the adjacent electrical connector on the other side of the fence post, each fence panel being configured to be mechanically coupled between the side edges of a pair offence posts such that the complementary electrical connector(s) at each side edge of the fence panel are electrically coupled to respective electrical connector(s) on an adjacent side edge of the fence post. In an embodiment, the fence panel and fence posts may be configured to be mechanically coupled together by a tongue and groove coupling joint. The electric cable could, for example, be a power cable or a communication cable, depending on the application and, accordingly, the electrical connector(s) will match the type of electric cable being used. Beneficially, each opposing side edge of said fence panel may comprise mechanical coupling means for mechanically coupling said fence panel to a said fence post, and the electrical connectors of the or each pair of electrical connectors are mounted on said fence panel mechanical coupling means. The fence panel mechanical coupling means may comprise an elongate ridge and a pair of parallel grooves, one on each side of the ridge, extending along at least a portion of the length of a side edge of said fence panel. Beneficially, each opposing side edge of said fence post may comprise mechanical coupling means for mechanically coupling said fence post to a said fence panel, and the complementary electrical connectors of the or each pair of complementary electrical connectors are mounted on said fence post mechanical coupling means. The fence post mechanical coupling means may comprise an elongate groove configured, in use, to receive therein said elongate ridge of said fence panel mechanical coupling means, and extending along at least a portion of the length of a side edge of said fence post. Preferably, the electrical connectors of the or each pair of electrical connectors on the fence panel may be located substantially directly opposite to each other on the opposing side edges thereof, such that a respective power cable coupled therebetween extends substantially horizontally between the opposing side edges of the fence panel. The fence panel may, in an embodiment, comprise at least one outer panel mounted over a frame, wherein said electrical connectors are mounted on the side edges of said frame, and said side edges of said frame are shaped and configured to be mechanically coupled to respective side edges of said fence posts. Beneficially, the fence panel may comprise at least one integrated electrical device, located within an aperture in said outer panel and affixed to said frame, wherein the, or one of, said power cable is electrically connected to the power supply inlet of said electrical device by means of an electrical connector located along its length. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence panel for a modular fencing system substantially as described above, the fence panel comprising a first outer panel member mounted over one face of a substantially planar support having opposing side edges mechanically configured to be coupled to a side edge of a fence post, a first electrical connector mounted at one of the side edges of the support and a second electrical connector mounted at the second side edge of the support, and at least one power cable electrically coupled between said first and second electrical connectors, behind the first outer panel. In an embodiment, the fence panel may further comprise a second outer panel mounted over the opposing other face of the support. The planar support may, beneficially, comprise a frame defining a central opening. Optionally, each side edge of said support may define an elongate ridge extending along at least a portion of its length. Each side edge of said support may, optionally, also define a pair of elongate grooves extending on either side of said ridge along at least a portion of the length of a respective side edge. In this case, at least one electrical connector may be mounted on the peak of said ridge on each side edge of said fence panel. At least one electrical connector may be mounted in the trough of one of said grooves extending alongside said ridge. Optionally, a plurality of electrical connectors may be mounted on the peak of said ridge on each side edge of said fence panel. Optionally, a plurality of electrical connectors may be mounted in the trough of one or both of said grooves on each side edge of said fence panel. In an embodiment, the fence panel may have at least one electrical device mounted on said support and located within an aperture in said outer panel, the electrical device having a power supply inlet electrically coupled to one of said electric cables. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence post for a modular fencing system substantially as described above, said fence post comprising an elongate bar having a pair of opposing side edges, when oriented for use, and at least one electrical connector mounted on each said side edge, each said side edge being configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a side edge of a fence panel substantially as described above. The fence post may, beneficially, further comprise a connector strip configured to be connected to a mains power supply, said connector strip being electrically coupled to said electrical connectors mounted on said side edges of said fence post. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fence panel for a modular fencing system, the fence panel comprising a pair of outer panel members arranged back to back with a space therebetween, said outer panel members defining first and second opposing side edges when oriented for use, the fence panel further comprising a first electrical connector mounted in said space between said outer panel members, at or adjacent to a first of said side edges of said fence panel, a second electrical connector mounted in said space between said outer panel members, at or adjacent to the second side edge of said fence panel, and at least one power cable electrically coupled between said first and second electrical connectors, in said space between said outer panel members. The fence panel describe above is, therefore, capable of carrying power from one side edge to the other by means of a cable that is not externally visible or accessible, which, in turn, allows the fence panel to be electrically connected to another such fence panel, via a fence post that carries complementary electrical connectors. This, in turn, allows a large fencing system to be configured, wherein power can be carried throughout the fencing system without unsightly cables, and it allows for electrical devices to be integrated into any or all of the fence panels, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a fence panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figures 1B is a schematic plan view of the fence panel of Figure 1 A; Figure 1C is a schematic side view of the fence panel of Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of an inner frame of a fence panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a schematic front view of the inner frame of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of an example fence post for use in a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B is a plan view of an example fence post for use in a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3C is a schematic side view of an example fence post for use in a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3D is a schematic close-up partial perspective view of the fence post of Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a pair offence panels and a fence post forming part of a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is a schematic partial view of a cable in the fencing system of Figure 4A; Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of a pair of fence panels and a fence post of a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the section of a fencing system illustrated in Figure 5A; Figure 6A is a schematic plan view of an example gravel board for use with the fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of a pair of example fence panels, an example fence post and an example gravel board forming part of a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description Referring to Figures 1Aand 1B of the drawings, there is illustrated schematically a fence panel 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, having no integrated electrical devices. The fence panel 10 comprises a first, substantially square or rectangular outer panel 12 and a second outer panel 14 of substantially identical shape and dimensions as the first outer panel 12, the first and second outer panels 12, 14 being arranged back to back with a space therebetween. The first and second outer panels 12, 14 could be formed of any suitable material and may, beneficially, comprise a composite “skin”. It will be understood that each of the two outer panels or “skins” 12, 14 could be substantially identical, or they could, alternatively, be formed of a different material and / or have a different finish so as to allow the visual effect on two sides of a boundary fencing system to be different, as required by the application. A frame 16 is located in the space between the first and second outer panels 12, 14, such that the frame 16 is ‘sandwiched’ between the inner or ‘rear’ planar surfaces thereof. The thickness of the frame 16 is substantially greater than that of the outer panels 12, 14. As can be seen in Figure 1B of the drawings, the frame 16 comprises a ridge 18 that extends along at least a portion of the height of each of the two opposing side edges thereof (when the fence panel 10 is oriented for normal use). Referring additionally to Figures 2A and 2B of the drawings, the frame 16 comprises an outer frame member 20 of a shape and dimensions similar to that of the first and second outer panels 12, 14, with a horizontal strengthening bar 22 extending generally centrally across the central ‘window’ defined by the outer frame member 20, between its two opposing vertical sides or ‘stiles’ (when the fence panel 10 is oriented for normal use). A pair of vertical, equi-spaced support bars 24 extend across the ‘window’ defined by the outer frame member 20, between its top and bottom rails (again, when the fence panel 10 is oriented for normal use). The width of the support bars 22 may be less than that of the rails and stiles of the outer frame member, and that of the strengthening bar 22, although this is not essential. It is important to note that in this exemplary embodiment, two vertical support bars 24 are provided, but this may not be essential in all cases, depending on, for example, the dimensions of the fence panel 10, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. The frame 16 may be formed of metal, for example, pressed steel or, more preferably, a lightweight material such as aluminium. Referring to Figure 1C of the drawings, one or more electrical connectors are integrated into the vertical side edges of the outer frame member 20 (when the fence panel 10 is oriented for normal use). In this particular example, a first set of electrical connectors 26a is provided on the peak of the ridge 18, close to the top of the frame member 20, second and third sets of electrical connectors 26b, 26c are provided generally centrally, within respective grooves, on either side of the ridge 18, and a fourth set of electrical connectors 26d is provided on the peak of the ridge 18, close to the bottom of the frame member 20. Corresponding sets of electrical connectors are provided on the opposite side edge of the frame member 20. Each set 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d of electrical connectors may comprise one or more electrical connectors. Indeed, there are a number of different options in relation to the electrical connectors, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. For most use cases, it is expected that electrical connectors rated for external use would need to be utilised. For example, waterproof magnetic pogo pin connectors could be used. In an example, the electrical connectors of each set 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d may comprise the male part of a spring-loaded (e.g. three-pin) electrical connector, which will be familiar to a person skilled in the art. In the illustrated example, each set of electrical connectors comprises four electrical connectors, but the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. Referring back to Figures 2A and 2B of the drawings, one or more electric cables 30 extend generally horizontally across the central ‘window’ defined by the outer frame member 20, the ends of each cable 30 being electrically coupled between a respective corresponding pair of electrical connectors on each side edge of the outer frame member 20. Thus, in the example, one end of each electrical cable 30 is coupled to a respective electrical connector on one side edge of the outer frame member 20 and the other end of each cable is electrically coupled to a respective electrical connector, directly opposite, on the other side edge of the outer frame member 20. Referring additionally to Figure 2C of the drawings, cable clips 32 (or similar devices) are provided on the vertical support bars 24, along their length and in-line with the electrical connectors on the opposing side edges of the frame member 20, to anchor the cable(s) 30 against the frame 16. Referring to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D of the drawings, an example fence post 34 comprises an elongate, generally rectangular bar having a pair of longitudinal grooves 35 in each opposing side edges thereof (when the fence post 34 is oriented for normal use). Each longitudinal groove 35 is configured to receive therein the ridge 18 of the frame 16 of a fence panel of the type described above, in use, such the peak of the ridge 18 sits against the base of the groove 35 and the edges of the fence post 34 on either side of the groove 35 sit in respective grooves running alongside the ridge 18 on the fence panel 10. Accordingly, the fence panel 10 and fence post 34 can be coupled together in the manner of a tongue and groove joint. One or more sets of complementary electrical connectors are provided on the side edges of the fence post 34, their relative locations along its length corresponding to those of the electrical connectors on the side edge of the frame 16. Accordingly, in this example, four sets of four complementary electrical connectors (e.g. the male parts of three-pin spring-loaded electrical connectors) are provided along the length of each of the two side edges of the fence post 34 (when it is oriented for normal use). A first set 36a of electrical connectors is provided on each of the two opposing side edges of the fence post 34, close to the top, a fourth set 36d of electrical connectors is provided lower down the fence post 34, closest to the bottom thereof (although space needs to be provided right at the bottom of the fence post 34 to allow it to be embedded into the ground 38), and second and third sets 36b, 36c of electrical connectors are provided approximately mid-way between the first and fourth sets 36a, 36d. As can be seen particularly in Figures 3B and 3C of the drawings, the first and fourth sets 36a, 36d of electrical connectors are located within a respective groove 35, whereas the second and third sets 36b, 36c of electrical connectors are located either side of a respective groove, such that, in use, with a fence panel 10 coupled to a side edge of a fence post 34, the first and fourth sets 26a, 26d of electrical connectors on the ridge 18 along the side edge of the frame 16 of the fence panel 10 make contact with (and become electrically coupled to), respective, first and fourth sets 36a, 36d of complementary electrical connectors in the groove 35 in that side edge of the fence post 34, and the second and third sets 26b, 26c of electrical connectors in the grooves on either side of the ridge 18 on the side edge of the frame 16 make contact with (and become electrically coupled with) the second and third sets 36b, 36c on either side of the groove 35 in that side edge of the fence post 34. Clearly, another fence panel 10 can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the other side edge of the fence post 34 in a similar manner. Corresponding sets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d of electrical connectors on each side edge of the fence post 34 will be electrically connected together by, for example, a short cable (not shown) so that, in use, power can pass “through the fence post from a fence panel 10 coupled on one side edge thereof to a fence panel 10 coupled to the opposing side edge thereof. On each of the opposing rear and front sides of the fence post 34 (when it is oriented for normal use), there is provided a recess 39 in which is provided a connector strip 40 to which a power supply (not shown), for example, could be connected to supply power to a fencing arrangement comprising a plurality offence panels electrically and mechanically connected together via fence posts 34 therebetween. A removable (in this case, slidable) panel door 42 is provided to cover the connector strip 40 if / when it is not in use. Each connector strip 40 is electrically coupled to the sets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d of electrical connectors on at least one of the side edges of the fence panel 10. In use, a number offence panels 10 and fence posts 34 such as those described above provide a modular fencing system, wherein any desired fence configuration can be built by embedding fence posts 34 into the ground 38 as required, each fence post 34 being spaced apart by the width of the fence panel 10. Once a pair offence posts 34 has been secured as required, a fence panel can be mounted between them by sliding the ridge 18 on each side edge of its frame 16 into a respective groove in the adjacent fence posts, thereby mechanically and electrically coupling the fence panel between two fence posts 34. In the embodiment described above, a single, full-sized fence panel carrying all of the electrical connectors and power cables is described. However, it will be appreciated that the fencing system could be further modularised by utilising fence panel sections. Thus, a complete fence panel could, in fact, be made up of a plurality offence panel sections, stacked between two fence posts (bottom edge to top edge). For example, three fence panel sections could be provided: a first section carrying the first set 26a of pairs of electrical connectors and respective cables, a second section carrying the second and third sets 26b, 26c of pairs of electrical connectors an respective cables, and a third section carrying the fourth set 26d of pairs of electrical connectors and respective cables. Referring now to Figure 4A of the drawings, there is illustrated schematically (and in exploded form), a pair offence panels 10’ and a fence post 34 of a fencing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this example, each fence panel 10’ once again comprises a pair of outer panels 12’, 14’ arranged back to back with a frame 16’ therebetween. The frame 16’ is substantially as described above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, with four sets of four cables extending generally horizontally across the central ‘window’ defined by the frame member 20’, between respective pairs of electrical connectors located at the side edges of the frame member 20’. A cable jumper 44 may be provided on any or each of the cables 30’ (see Figure 4B), allowing the respective cable to be connected to an electrical device to be integrated into the fence panel 10’, thereby enabling power to be supplied thereto. Thus, in the example shown, a security camera 46 and speaker 48 could be integrated into one of the fence panels 10’, and a lighting strip 50 and a switched socket 52 could be integrated into another fence panel 10’. There is, in theory, no limit to the number of devices that could be integrated into a single fence panel - it is dependent only on the number of cables 30’ available to supply power thereto and the physical space available to incorporate the devices into the outer panels 12’, 14’. In order to integrate an electrical device into a fence panel 10’, it need only be bolted (or otherwise affixed) to the frame member 20’, close to the cable jumper 44 to be used to connect it to the power supply, and a suitable-sized opening would be provided in one of the outer panels 12’ to accommodate the device such that it is (aesthetically) visible on the outside of the fence panel 10’. It will be apparent that any number of different electrical devices could be integrated into each fence panel, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited to the type or number of such integrated electrical devices. Referring to Figures 5A and 5B of the drawings, elongate panel covers 54 may be provided to cover the top (and, optionally, bottom) edges of the fence panels 10, once they have been installed into a fencing system; and a post joint cover 56 can be provided to cover the fence post and the joints between the fence post 34 and the fence panels 10, for improved aesthetics and to prevent the ingress of water into the electrical connectors. Referring to Figures 6A and 6B of the drawings, an example fencing system may include gravel boards 100. The gravel board 100 comprises an elongate decorate strip 102 formed of, for example a composite material, and an integrated rail 104 extending along one side edge of the decorative strip 102. The upper surface of the rail 104 (when it is oriented for normal use) is profiled and configured to fit, in use, against the bottom edge of a fence panel 10. A ridge 106 is provided at each end edge of the rail and there is a groove 108 alongside each side of each ridge 106. In an embodiment, an electrical connector may be mounted on the peak of each ridge 106 and in each trough of each groove 108. Electric cables (not shown) are coupled between respective electrical connectors at each end of the gravel board. The fence post 34, in this case, would include another set of electrical connectors close to the point to which the fence post 34 would be embedded in the ground, in use. One of these electrical connectors would be located generally centrally in the groove 35 and there would be one electrical connector on each side edge of the fence post 35 so as to correspond with the locations of the electrical connectors on the gravel board 100. Thus, the rail 104 of the gravel board 100 can be mounted to a fence post by way of a tongue and groove joint, electrically coupling the electrical connectors on the gravel board 100 and the fence post 34, and the decorative strip would fit, at the intersection between the decorative strip 102 and the rail 104, against the bottom edge of a fence panel 10. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be 5 made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the electric cable could, for some applications, comprise a communication cable for audio and / or digital communications. In that case, the electrical connectors (on the fence panel and fence post) would comprise respective communication connectors.

Claims

1. A modular fencing system comprising at least one fence panel and at least two fence posts, the fence panel having a pair of opposing side edges and front and rear faces, when oriented for use, at least one pair of electrical connectors with an electrical connector of the or each pair being mounted at each side edge of said fence panel, and an electric cable electrically coupled at its ends to, and extending along the rear face of the fence panel between, the or each pair of electrical connectors, each fence post comprising two opposing side edges, when oriented for use, and at least one pair of complementary electrical connectors with an electrical connector of the or each pair of complementary electrical connectors being mounted on one of said side edges of said fence post, the electrical connector(s) on one side of the fence post being electrically coupled to the adjacent electrical connector on the other side of the fence post, each fence panel being configured to be mechanically coupled between the side edges of a pair of fence posts such that the complementary electrical connector(s) at each side edge of the fence panel are electrically coupled to respective electrical connector(s) on an adjacent side edge of the fence post.

2. A modular fencing system according to claim 1, wherein the electric cable comprises a power cable and / or communication cable.

3. A modular fencing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fence panel and fence posts are configured to be mechanically coupled together by a tongue and groove coupling joint.

4. A modular fencing system according to claim 3, wherein each opposing side edge of said fence panel comprises mechanical coupling means for mechanically coupling said fence panel to a said fence post, and the electrical connectors of the or each pair of electrical connectors are mounted on said fence panel mechanical coupling means.

5. A modular fencing system according to claim 4, wherein said fence panel mechanical coupling means comprises an elongate ridge and a pair of parallel grooves, one on each side of the ridge, extending along at least a portion of the length of a side edge of said fence panel.

6. A modular fencing system according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein each opposing side edge of said fence post comprises mechanical coupling means for mechanically coupling said fence post to a said fence panel, and the complementary electrical connectors of the or each pair of complementary electrical connectors are mounted on said fence post mechanical coupling means.

7. A modular fencing system according to claim 6, wherein said fence post mechanical coupling means comprises an elongate groove configured, in use, to receive therein said elongate ridge of said fence panel mechanical coupling means, and extending along at least a portion of the length of a side edge of said fence post.

8. A modular fencing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connectors of the or each pair of electrical connectors on the fence panel are located substantially directly opposite to each other on the opposing side edges thereof, such that a respective power cable coupled therebetween extends substantially horizontally between the opposing side edges of the fence panel.

9. A modular fencing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fence panel comprises at least one outer panel mounted over a frame, wherein said electrical connectors are mounted on the side edges of said frame, and said side edges of said frame are shaped and configured to be mechanically coupled to respective side edges of said fence posts.

10. A modular fencing system according to claim 9, further comprising at least one integrated electrical device, located within an aperture in said outer panel and affixed to said frame, wherein the, or one of, said power cable is electrically connected to the power supply inlet of said electrical device by means of an electrical connector located along its length.

11. A modular fencing system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a gravel board having at least one electrical connector at each of its two opposing side edges, and at least one electric cable extending between, and electrically coupling, said electrical connectors.

12. A modular fencing system according to claim 11, wherein at least one channel or groove extends through said gravel board, between its side edges, and said electric cable is located within said channel or groove.

13. A fence panel for a modular fencing system according to any of the preceding claims, the fence panel comprising a first outer panel member mounted over one face of a substantially planar support having opposing side edges mechanically configured to be coupled to a side edge of a fence post, a first electrical connector mounted at one of the side edges of the support and a second electrical connector mounted at the second side edge of the support, and at least one power cable electrically coupled between said first and second electrical connectors, behind the first outer panel.

14. A fence panel according to claim 13, further comprising a second outer panel mounted over the opposing other face of the support.

15. A fence panel according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said planar support comprises a frame defining a central opening.

16. A fence panel according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein each side edge of said support defines an elongate ridge extending along at least a portion of its length.

17. A fence panel according to claim 16, wherein each side edge of said support defines a pair of elongate grooves extending on either side of said ridge along at least a portion of the length of a respective side edge.

18. A fence panel according to claim 16, wherein at least one electrical connector is mounted on the peak of said ridge on each side edge of said fence panel..

19. A fence panel according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein at least one electrical connector is mounted in the trough of one of said grooves extending alongside said ridge.

20. A fence panel according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein a plurality of electrical connectors is mounted on the peak of said ridge on each side edge of said fence panel.

21. A fence panel according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein a plurality of electrical connectors is mounted in the trough of one or both of said grooves on each side edge of said fence panel.

22. A fence panel according to any of claims 13 to 21 having at least one electrical device mounted on said support and located within an aperture in said outer panel, the electrical device having a power supply inlet electrically coupled to one of said electric cables.

23. A fence post for a modular fencing system according to any of claims 1 to 12, said fence post comprising an elongate bar having a pair of opposing side edges, when oriented for use, and at least one electrical connector mounted on each said side edge, each said side edge being configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a side edge of a fence panel according to any of claims 13 to 22.

24. A fence post according to claim 23, further comprising a connector strip configured to be connected to a mains power supply, said connector strip being electrically coupled to said electrical connectors mounted on said side edges of said fence post.

25. A gravel board for a modular fencing system according to any of claims 1 to 12, said gravel board comprising two outer panels arranged back to back with a space therebetween, at least one pair of electrical connectors located one on each respective side edge of said gravel board, and an electric cable extending between, and electrically coupling, said pair of electrical connectors, said electric cable extending through the space between said two outer panels.

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