Saxon Engineering

RPZ Backflow Cages
Secure, Compliant Protection

At Saxon Engineering, we design and manufacture heavy-duty RPZ backflow cages to protect reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention devices from vandalism, accidental damage, and unauthorised access. Proudly Australian-made in South Australia, our RPZ cages are built for durability, safe access, and practical compliance across commercial, industrial, and public environments. RPZ backflow devices are critical components in water supply systems and are commonly installed in accessible outdoor or plant areas. A properly designed steel RPZ backflow cage helps protect this essential infrastructure while maintaining the clearances and access required for inspection, testing, and ongoing maintenance.

Why RPZ Backflow Cages Are Important

RPZ backflow prevention devices play a vital role in protecting potable water supplies. When these units are damaged or tampered with, it can result in service disruption, costly repairs, and compliance issues.

Installing a purpose-built RPZ backflow cage helps to:

Protect critical water infrastructure

Reduce the risk of vandalism or unauthorised interference

Improve site safety by restricting access to mechanical services

Protect valves, pipework, and test points

Support authority, council, and asset-owner requirements

Our RPZ cages are designed to provide physical protection without restricting authorised access, ensuring testing and servicing can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Condenser cage 036

Designed for Commercial & Public Environments

Saxon Engineering’s RPZ backflow cages are commonly supplied for:

  • Commercial buildings and offices

  • Shopping centres and retail developments

  • Schools, universities, and childcare centres

  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities

  • Industrial sites and warehouses

  • Councils, utilities, and government facilities

  • Apartment complexes and strata properties

These environments often require solutions that balance security, durability, and accessibility, which is exactly what our RPZ cages are designed to deliver.

Heavy-Duty Steel Construction

Our RPZ backflow cages are fabricated using robust galvanised steel construction developed through extensive experience in custom plant and security enclosures.

Typical construction features:

  • Galvanised steel framing using SHS or equal angle sections

  • Welded galvanised steel mesh infill to all sides and top

  • Smooth-finished welds and removal of sharp edges for safety

  • Open mesh design to allow visibility and ventilation

  • Built for long-term outdoor exposure

Framing sizes and mesh apertures are selected to suit the project specification and authority requirements, providing strength while maintaining airflow and inspection visibility.

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Custom RPZ Backflow Cages to Suit Your Site

No two RPZ installations are the same. Pipe layouts, valve orientations, test points, and authority requirements vary significantly between sites. For this reason, Saxon Engineering specialises in custom RPZ backflow cages.

Our cages can be designed to accommodate:

  • Single or multiple RPZ assemblies

  • Ground-mounted or wall-mounted installations

  • Vertical or horizontal pipework configurations

  • Required clearances for testing and maintenance

  • Integration with existing services or structures

A range of standard sizes may be suitable for common installations, with custom fabrication available where site conditions require it.

Access, Clearance & Serviceability

Access for licensed testers and maintenance personnel is a key consideration in every RPZ cage design. Our cages are configured to allow:

  • Clear access to valves and test points

  • Visibility of the RPZ assembly for inspection

  • Practical working space within the enclosure

  • Secure restriction of unauthorised access

Access is typically provided via hinged, padlockable lids or access panels, allowing authorised personnel to safely carry out testing and servicing.

Cages are generally supplied with an open-bottom design, allowing clearance for pipework, drainage, and installation over existing services without obstructing ground conditions.

Finishes to Suit the Environment

RPZ backflow cages are available in a range of finishes to suit exposure conditions and project specifications, including:

  • Pre-galvanised steel for sheltered or lower-corrosion environments

  • Hot-dip galvanised steel for exposed or high-corrosion locations

  • Stainless steel for highly corrosive or specialist applications

  • Powder-coated finishes for architectural or visually sensitive sites

Finish selection is confirmed based on site location, environmental exposure, and authority requirements.

Flat-Pack & Efficient Supply

Where practical, RPZ backflow cages are supplied flat-packed, with interlocking panels and bolted assembly to reduce freight costs and simplify transport. This approach is particularly beneficial for interstate or regional projects while maintaining structural integrity and security once assembled.

Based in South Australia, Saxon Engineering supplies RPZ backflow cages Australia-wide, with delivery arranged to suit project requirements.

Standard Stock Sizes

Available Surface Mounted (flanges) or In-Ground (400mm legs)

25mm Mesh

ItemcodeWidth (mm)Height (mm)Depth (mm)
090906/25900900600
100906/251000900600
121006/2512001000600
121206/2512001200600
121406/2512001400600
121606/2512001600600
121806/2512001800600
Saxon Logo

Why Choose Saxon Engineering?

Australian-made RPZ backflow cages

Manufactured in South Australia

Heavy-duty galvanised steel construction

Custom designs to suit site-specific installations

Padlockable access and open-bottom designs

Finishes to suit authority and environmental requirements

Trusted by councils, utilities, and facility managers

Technical Specifications

The following outlines typical design and construction features. Final specifications are confirmed prior to fabrication to suit project and authority requirements.

Construction

Galvanised steel framing (SHS or equal angle sections)

Welded galvanised steel mesh infill to sides and top

Smooth-finished welds and removal of sharp edges

Mesh Options

Typical mesh sizes include 50 × 50 or 25 × 25 weldmesh

Mesh selection to suit security, airflow, and authority requirements

Access & Security

Hinged lids or access panels

Provision for padlocking

Designed for authorised testing and maintenance access

Base Configuration

Open-bottom design for pipework clearance and drainage

Fixing & Mounting

Designed for fixing to concrete or structural substrates

Fixed using M10 chemical or mechanical anchors

Fixing method confirmed to suit installation substrate

Finish

Pre-galvanised steel

Hot-dip galvanised steel (optional)

Stainless steel (optional)

Powder-coated finish (optional)

Zinc touch-up recommended to apply where site welding is required

Design & Supply

Supplied flat-packed where practical

Modular panel construction for efficient transport

Australia-wide delivery available

 

SMALL RPZ SPec
MEDIUM RPZ Spec
LARGE RPZ Spec
(SA Water Size – not SA Water spec)
SA Water SPEC

FAQ

An RPZ backflow cage is used to protect reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention devices from vandalism, accidental damage, and unauthorised access while maintaining the access and clearances required for testing, inspection, and maintenance.

No. Our RPZ cages are specifically designed to allow clear and practical access for authorised testers and maintenance personnel. Hinged, padlockable lids or access panels are incorporated to ensure testing and servicing can be carried out safely without removing the enclosure.

RPZ backflow cages can be designed and fabricated to align with council, water authority, or project-specific requirements, provided those requirements are nominated at the time of enquiry or order. Final compliance depends on the applicable specification, which is reviewed and confirmed prior to fabrication.

No. RPZ cages are typically supplied with an open-bottom design, allowing clearance for pipework, drainage, and installation over existing services without trapping water or debris.

RPZ cages are designed to be fixed to concrete slabs or structural substrates using mechanical or chemical anchors. The fixing method and base plate details are confirmed based on the installation substrate and project requirements.

To provide an accurate quotation, we typically require:

  • RPZ device size and configuration

  • Pipework layout and valve orientation

  • Approximate overall dimensions

  • Preferred material and finish

  • Installation substrate (e.g. concrete slab)

  • Delivery location

If full details are not yet available, we can assist in defining the scope.

Saxon Engineering offers a range of finishes for RPZ backflow cages to suit different environments, durability requirements, and aesthetic preferences. The most suitable option depends on the site location, exposure conditions, and any applicable project or authority specifications.


Pre-galvanised steel

Best suited for:

  • Sheltered or semi-sheltered locations

  • Standard commercial and residential installations

  • Lower-corrosion environments

  • Cost-effective projects

Pre-galvanised RPZ cages provide reliable corrosion protection for many typical installations where exposure to salt air or harsh conditions is limited.


Hot-dip galvanised steel

Best suited for:

  • Outdoor and fully exposed installations

  • Coastal or high-corrosion environments

  • Industrial sites

  • Government, education, and infrastructure projects

Hot-dip galvanising provides a thicker, more durable zinc coating and is recommended where long service life and minimal maintenance are required. Where any site welding is necessary, appropriate zinc-rich touch-up protection is recommended.


Stainless steel

Best suited for:

  • Highly corrosive environments

  • Food processing, healthcare, or specialist facilities

  • Architecturally sensitive sites requiring a premium finish

  • Locations where long-term durability and appearance are critical

Stainless steel RPZ cages offer excellent corrosion resistance and a clean, high-quality finish, making them ideal for demanding or specialist environments.


Powder coated finishes

Best suited for:

  • Architecturally sensitive locations

  • Commercial or public-facing sites

  • Projects requiring colour matching or visual integration

Powder coating can be applied over suitable base materials to achieve a specific colour or aesthetic outcome. This option is often selected where the RPZ cage needs to blend with surrounding buildings or meet architectural design requirements.


If you’re unsure which finish is best for your project, our team can recommend the most appropriate option based on the site location, exposure conditions, and intended application.

Based in South Australia, Saxon Engineering supplies Backflow RPZ Cages Australia-wide, working with builders, mechanical contractors, facility managers, and government clients on projects of all sizes. Where practical, RPZ backflow cages will be supplied flat-packed, with interlocking panels and bolted assembly. This helps reduce freight costs and simplifies transport, particularly for interstate or regional projects.

We have multiple sizes on display at our facility located at:

23 Heath Street, Lonsdale SA 5160

As this is a working factory site, inspections are available by appointment only. Please call ahead to ensure safe access, and all visitors must wear enclosed shoes when attending.