Barbed Wire Specifications
- Wire Diameter: Wire diameters typically span 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm (BWG 11–18). Common options include 2.5 mm (12 gauge), 2.0 mm (14 gauge), and 1.6 mm (16 gauge). Heavier gauges provide increased strength.
- Barb Spacing: Barb spacing ranges from 50 mm (2 inches) to 150 mm (6 inches). Most standard installations use 75 mm, 100 mm, or 125 mm for balanced security.
- Barb Length: Barb lengths commonly include 10 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. Longer barbs offer enhanced deterrence. Agricultural fencing often uses 13 mm or 15 mm.
- Twist Type: Available twists are single-twist, double-twist, and traditional twist. Single-twist gives basic security; double-twist ensures greater stability; traditional twist offers intermediate balance.
- Gauge Combinations: Common main wire/barb wire pairings are 12×12, 12×14, 14×14, 14×16, and 16×18. Lower gauges (12×12 or 12×14) suit high-security fencing needing extra strength.
- Coil Length: Standard coil lengths vary widely, from compact 50 m and 100 m coils to larger 200 m, 250 m, 400 m, or 500 m commercial coils. Custom lengths are available.
- Coil Diameter: Common coil diameters range from 300 mm to 900 mm. Standard transportable coils are often 450 mm to 600 mm for easy handling and storage.
- Coil Weight: Coil weights vary from light 5 kg coils to heavy-duty 50 kg+ coils. Most standard coils are 10 kg, 15 kg, 25 kg, or 30 kg, depending on length.
- Tensile Strength: Tensile strengths range from low (350–550 MPa) for flexibility, medium (550–800 MPa) for balanced strength, to high (800–1200 MPa) for maximum durability.
- Surface Treatment: Standard treatments include electro-galvanized (light corrosion), hot-dip galvanized (heavy-duty corrosion), Galfan-coated (advanced zinc-aluminum corrosion), and stainless steel (superior corrosion).
- PVC-Coated Colors: PVC-coated barbed wire comes in green, grey, black, white, and brown. PVC coating improves corrosion resistance, lifespan, and aesthetics.
- Material Types: Materials include low-carbon steel (economical), high-carbon steel (high strength), stainless steel (304 or 316 for corrosion), and aluminum-coated steel (corrosion, lightweight).
- Standard Packing: Standard packaging includes individual coils wrapped in plastic film, woven bags, hessian cloth, or cardboard cartons. Coils can also be bundled and palletized.
- Loading Quantities: Common container loads are 15–20 tons for 20-foot containers, and 25–28 tons for 40-foot containers. Quantities depend on coil size and packaging.
- Barb Shape: Barbs typically come in 2-point or 4-point configurations. Two-point barbs are standard and economical; four-point barbs offer enhanced security.
- Zinc Coating Levels: Galvanized barbed wire zinc coating ranges from 40 g/m² (economical) to 275 g/m² (maximum protection). Higher levels ensure extended outdoor life.
- Core Wire Hardness: Core wires vary from soft (easy bending), medium (balanced handling), to hard drawn (high rigidity, maximum strength for security).
- Installation Accessories: Optional accessories include tensioners, clips, strainers, staples, fixing wires, and support posts (steel, concrete, wood). They aid faster installation.
- Temperature Resistance: Barbed wire typically withstands -30°C to +80°C. Stainless steel and coated options extend service temperatures, enhancing durability in harsh conditions.
- Applicable Standards: Common international standards include ASTM A121 (American), BS EN 10223 (British/European), and ISO standards. Adherence ensures consistent quality and performance.
Typical Applications
- Agricultural Fencing: Barbed wire is commonly used with steel post fences to manage livestock. Installed along or between steel posts, it keeps animals within fields and withstands pressure from livestock, maintaining boundary integrity.
- Perimeter Security for Warehouses: Barbed wire is placed on top of steel mesh fences around warehouses to prevent unauthorized access. Its sharp barbs deter climbing, while the steel fencing forms a strong, visible barrier.
- Military Base Protection: Military sites use high-tensile barbed wire coils with steel palisade or chain-link fences for enhanced security. This combination creates a tough perimeter, blocking entry and marking controlled zones.
- Border and Customs Zones: Along national borders, barbed wire is paired with steel fencing, such as 358 anti-climb mesh, to prevent illegal crossings. This setup offers long-lasting durability and high resistance to tampering.
- Prison Facilities: Prisons use layers of barbed wire with tall steel fences to secure perimeters. Multiple strands of razor or barbed wire on fence tops reinforce containment and prevent inmate escapes effectively.
- Airport Perimeters: Airports install barbed wire above steel chain-link fences to secure runways and restricted areas. This prevents trespassing and protects airport infrastructure, needing minimal maintenance and resisting weather.
- Highway and Railway Boundaries: Barbed wire boosts the safety of steel fences along highways or railway lines. It prevents animals or people from entering, reducing accidents and ensuring smooth transportation flow.
- Construction Site Security: Temporary steel fences at construction sites often include barbed wire on top to deter theft and vandalism. This system is easy to install and remove once the project concludes.
- Residential Compound Protection: In private communities or estates, barbed wire is subtly added to decorative steel fences. This provides extra security without harming the property’s visual appeal or boundaries.
- Agricultural Storage & Equipment Yards: Steel fencing with barbed wire protects farm equipment, fuel tanks, and storage barns from unauthorized access. This is especially vital in rural areas lacking regular surveillance.
