Galvanized wires from ULAMEX are hot-dip galvanized low-carbon steel wires engineered for maximum versatility across construction, fencing, agricultural and industrial applications. Manufactured from wire rod per EN 10016 and galvanized in accordance with EN 10244-2, our galvanized wire programme spans diameters from 1.0 to 6.0 mm with zinc coating classes A, B and C — providing 30 to 70+ g/m² of zinc protection for service lives of 20 to 50+ years in outdoor environments.
Hot-Dip Galvanized Wire: The Industry Standard for Outdoor Durability
Hot-dip galvanized wire carries a substantially thicker zinc coating than electro-galvanized alternatives. Where electro-galvanized wire typically provides 10–25 g/m² of zinc, hot-dip galvanized wire per EN 10244-2 delivers 30 g/m² (Class A), 50 g/m² (Class B) or 70 g/m² (Class C) depending on the diameter and specified class. This difference is critical: a Class B galvanized wire at 3.0 mm diameter will outlast an electro-galvanized equivalent by a factor of 3–5x in identical exposure conditions.
The zinc coating provides dual corrosion protection. First, it forms a physical barrier between the steel substrate and the environment. Second, it provides cathodic (sacrificial) protection at any point where the coating is scratched, cut or damaged — the zinc corrodes preferentially, protecting the underlying steel. This self-healing property is unique to zinc coatings and is the fundamental reason galvanized wire is specified for all long-life outdoor applications.
Applications
- Fence construction — line wire, tension wire and lacing wire for panel fence systems, chain link fences and agricultural fencing
- Gabion construction — 2.7–4.0 mm galvanized wire for gabion baskets, mattresses and Reno mattresses in civil engineering and landscaping (often specified as Galfan or Zn-5Al coated for enhanced corrosion resistance)
- Vineyard and orchard trellis systems — high-tensile galvanized wire for grape vine training, apple orchard support and hop growing frameworks
- General construction — bracing wire, hanger wire, suspension wire and utility wire for building services installations
- Packaging and bundling — wire ties for steel bale pressing, timber packaging and industrial bundle securing
- Handicraft and mesh production — base wire for welded mesh, woven wire cloth and expanded metal production
- Animal enclosures — poultry netting wire, livestock fencing and aviary mesh construction
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameters | 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 mm |
| Base material | Low-carbon steel rod per EN 10016-2 (SAE 1006/1008 equivalent) |
| Tensile strength | 350–550 MPa (varies by diameter and drawing grade) |
| Galvanizing standard | EN 10244-2 (hot-dip zinc coating) |
| Zinc Class A (≤ 1.5 mm) | ≥ 30 g/m² (~4 µm per side) |
| Zinc Class B (1.5–3.0 mm) | ≥ 50 g/m² (~7 µm per side) |
| Zinc Class C (> 3.0 mm) | ≥ 70 g/m² (~10 µm per side) |
| Coil weights | 25 kg, 50 kg (larger coils on request) |
| Elongation at break | ≥ 10% (drawn), ≥ 15% (annealed) |
Zinc Coating Classes Explained (EN 10244-2)
EN 10244-2 defines minimum zinc mass per unit area for hot-dip galvanized wire. The zinc class determines outdoor service life:
| Class | Min. Zinc Mass | Typical Service Life (C3 environment) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 30 g/m² | 15–25 years | Indoor-to-mild outdoor, general construction |
| Class B | 50 g/m² | 25–40 years | Agricultural fencing, tension wire, gabions |
| Class C | 70 g/m² | 35–50+ years | Marine-adjacent, buried applications, infrastructure |
For applications requiring even higher corrosion resistance, Galfan (Zn-5%Al) or Zn-10%Al coated wire can be sourced on request.
Standards and Compliance
- EN 10244-2 — Non-ferrous metallic coatings on steel wire — Zinc or zinc-alloy coatings (primary galvanizing standard)
- EN 10016-1/2 — Non-alloy steel rod for drawing and cold rolling
- EN 10218-1/2 — Steel wire and wire products — General requirements / Dimensions and tolerances
- EN 10223-3 — Steel wire and wire products for fences — Hexagonal steel wire netting
- EN 10223-8 — Steel wire and wire products for fences — Welded mesh gabion products
Why ULAMEX for Galvanized Wire
- Complete diameter range 1.0–6.0 mm — one supplier for all galvanized wire needs
- All three zinc classes (A/B/C) stocked for immediate dispatch
- Consistent quality from certified mills — every delivery includes EN 10204 mill test certificate 3.1 with zinc mass verification
- Competitive wholesale pricing — volume discounts for distributors, contractors and fabricators
- EN 1090 certified supply chain — view certifications
- Pan-European logistics — warehouse stock programme with delivery to DE, AT, CH, Benelux, Scandinavia and UK
- Since 1988 — 37+ years serving the European steel distribution market
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hot-dip galvanized wire and electro-galvanized wire?
Hot-dip galvanized wire is immersed in molten zinc at approximately 450 °C, producing a thick, metallurgically bonded zinc coating of 30–70+ g/m². Electro-galvanized (electroplated) wire receives a thin zinc layer of only 10–25 g/m² through an electrochemical process. Hot-dip galvanized wire lasts 3–5 times longer outdoors and is the correct specification for all permanent outdoor, agricultural, fencing and civil engineering applications.
What galvanized wire diameter do I need for gabion baskets?
Gabion baskets typically require 2.7 mm, 3.0 mm or 4.0 mm galvanized wire depending on the basket size and design loading. EN 10223-3 specifies minimum wire diameters for gabion mesh. For civil engineering gabions in flood defence or retaining wall applications, a minimum Class B zinc coating (50 g/m²) or Galfan coating is typically specified by the consulting engineer.
Can galvanized wire be welded?
Yes, galvanized wire can be resistance-welded (spot welded) and MIG/MAG welded, but the zinc coating burns off in the weld zone, creating zinc fumes that require adequate ventilation or respiratory protection. The weld zone loses its corrosion protection and may need post-weld zinc touch-up (cold galvanizing spray). For welded mesh production, the wire is typically welded first and galvanized afterwards (hot-dip galvanizing of the finished mesh).
Request a Quote
ULAMEX is your galvanized wire wholesale partner across Europe. From single-coil orders to multi-tonne supply contracts, we deliver hot-dip galvanized steel wire with full certification from our stock programme. Contact us today for pricing on your required diameters and quantities. Browse our complete wire and band iron range including tying wire, steel band irons and construction nails.