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Agricultural fencing consists of low carbon wire or high tensile wire.


Low carbon wire is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. While this type of wire is easy to work with and somewhat forgiving, it is prone to elongation (stretching and sagging) and is weaker than high tensile wire. High tensile wire is made with steel rod which has a carbon content of approximately 0.28%

 

The increased carbon content in high tensile wire significantly increases the wire’s strength and reduces elongation. Because of these improvements, it is possible to replace low carbon wire fencing with high tensile wire fencing of a smaller diameter.

 

High tensile fencing is easier to install because of its lighter weight and requires fewer posts during installation than low carbon fencing. Once properly installed, high tensile fences require little maintenance and remain tight for years. Low carbon fences require regular maintenance and will stretch and sag over time.

 

With Bekaert high tensile fencing, you can build a longer lasting, low maintenance fence for nearly half the price of a conventional low carbon fence.

 

 

Wire Diameter High Tensile Low Carbon
9 gauge n/a 1030 lbs
10 guage n/a 860 lbs
10.5 gauge 1610 lbs n/a
11 gauge n/a 685 lbs
12.5 gauge 960 lbs 460 lbs
12.5g (Fixed Knot) 1345 lbs n/a
14 gauge 630 lbs n/a
14.5 gauge 565 lbs 270 lbs
15.5 gauge 480 lbs n/a

Breaking load of typical fence wires according to ASTM Standards