Nexus Barrier System: A UK Guide to Water Filled Barriers, Panels and Couplers

A water filled barrier is a hollow plastic barrier that you fill with water or sand on site. It weighs 28kg empty, so it is easy to move, and 408kg once filled, so it stays where you put it without ground fixing. This guide covers the Nexus Water Filled Barrier and the four parts that complete a run: mesh panels, hoarding panels, B1 buttress flags and SMLC couplers. It shows what each part does, how many to order and where the system sits against other options.

Nexus Water Filled Barrier 2m

L2313 x H845 x D400mm. 28kg empty, 408kg filled.

From £185.00 ex VAT

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Nexus Mesh Panel

L1949 x H1345 x D183mm. 13.5kg. White steel.

£49.00 ex VAT

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Nexus Hoarding Panel

Same size and fixings as the mesh panel. 20kg.

£125.00 ex VAT

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Nexus B1 Buttress Flag

L305 x H1345 x D76mm. 3.5kg. Fixed with 4 SMLC couplers.

£95.00 ex VAT

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SMLC Coupler

Two-arm clamp with threaded bolt. Tightened with a 21mm spanner.

£4.50 ex VAT

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Planning a project? Use the run planner below, then request a quote or call us on 0330 056 4420.

What is the Nexus system?

Nexus is a modular perimeter system built around one barrier. The barrier has a 2m working length and 90 degree jigsaw links, so the same ballasted unit forms a straight run, a corner, a fork or a T, X or Y junction. It also links to other barrier types, which makes it useful where you are joining new barriers to ones already on site.

Water filled barriers suit places where ground fixing is not an option. You move the barrier empty, fill it where it stands and drain it when the job ends. The Nexus holds up to 380L of water or sand through a 95mm fill hole and drains through a 25mm drain hole. Bolt-on panels then take the barrier from 0.8m to 2.15m high, with mesh where you want to see through the perimeter and solid hoarding where you want to screen it.

Nexus barrier at a glance

Looking at the whole range? See our Chapter 8 and water filled barriers.

The five parts of a Nexus run

A run is built from five products. Only the barrier is essential, because the panels, flags and couplers are what turn it into a 2.15m perimeter. Quantities follow a simple rule for each part:

Mesh and hoarding panels are the same size and use the same fixings, so you can mix them along a run. A panel fitted to a barrier gives a total height of 2145mm.

Where the B1 buttress flag fits

The flag is fitted at forks and B1 buttress junctions, where mesh or hoarding panels meet. It stands the same 1345mm high as the panels and is fixed with 4 SMLC couplers and a 21mm spanner. It is an optional extra, so check your layout with us if you are unsure whether a junction needs one.

How a Nexus run goes together

The order matters, mainly because the panels go on last. This is the sequence from the Nexus fitting instructions, in plain terms. Follow the instructions supplied with the product and your own site method statement for the full detail.

Nexus run planner

Enter the length of your perimeter and choose your panels. The planner works out the barriers, panels, couplers and flags to order, with list prices ex VAT and links to each product.

Corners, junctions and sloping ground can change the count by a barrier or two. If your site layout is complicated, send us a plan and we will check it before you order.

Choosing the barrier: colour and options

The barrier comes in six variations: three colours, each with a Standard or an Option 1 version. Option 1 adds 2 x reflective strips. Red is the only colour without a minimum order, so it is the practical choice for small and mid-size runs.

For a custom shade, tell us the RAL code and the quantity and we will confirm availability before you order. Call 0330 056 4420 or request a quote.

Mesh panel or hoarding panel?

Both panels bolt to the same barrier in the same way, so the choice comes down to what the perimeter has to do. Mesh lets you see through the line. Hoarding is solid, so it screens the site from view.

On smaller screens, swipe the table sideways to compare both panels.

Check your site's wind and exposure requirements before choosing a solid panel for a long or exposed run. Our team can advise, and a B2 configuration may help on straight perimeters.

View the Nexus Mesh Panel or the Nexus Hoarding Panel. If you only need a steel hoarding that is fixed to the ground rather than ballasted, see our hoarding range.

Linking Nexus to other barriers

The Nexus links to other barriers through its stack lugs and its jigsaw link, using the SMLC coupler. This is useful when a site already has other water filled barriers or pedestrian barriers and you want one continuous perimeter. The table shows what the Nexus data sheet lists as compatible.

Quantities and positions depend on the combination you are building, so tell us what is already on site before you order. We will confirm the couplers and any adapters you need.

Six ordering mistakes to avoid

1. Fitting panels before the barrier is filled. The instructions say to install panels only after the ballast is added. Fill first, then fit.
2. Not counting the couplers. You need 1 SMLC coupler per panel, 4 per B1 buttress flag and 2 per B2 barrier. Ask us what is packed with your panels so you do not buy duplicates or run short.
3. Forgetting the tools. Panels need an 8mm Allen key for the M12 screws, and couplers and flag nuts need a 21mm spanner.
4. Assuming ballast is supplied. The barrier is sold empty. Plan for up to 380L of water or sand per barrier.
5. Choosing white or Bespoke RAL for a small run. Both are supplied in minimum quantities of 96. Choose red for smaller orders.
6. Skipping the layout check. Corners, forks and exposed edges can change quantities and may call for flags or a B2 configuration. Send us the plan and we will check it.

When to choose something else

• Other water filled barriers: for a different size or a stackable format, look at the Evo Stackable barrier or the EvoGator.
• Crash-rated and road safety barriers: these are a separate product group. Check the rating you need in our Chapter 8 and water filled barrier range.
• Ground-fixed or foot-supported fencing: where feet and couplers are enough, see our temporary fencing panel guide and temporary fencing range.
• Steel hoarding: where you can fix to the ground, the Galvanised Steel Hoarding Panels give a solid screen without ballast.
• Pedestrian-only separation: read our pedestrian barrier comparison guide or the expanding concertina barrier guide.

Not sure which route suits your site? Call us on 0330 056 4420 and we will point you to the right product.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions buyers ask most. Select a question to see the answer.