Galvanization Guide
Galvanized Zinc Coating
All Red Brand® fence is galvanized, which means the steel has been immersed in molten zinc and is covered with a zinc alloy that is resistant to rust. Red Brand® fence uses three classes of zinc coating (Commercial, Class 1 and Class 3). Each class is associated with a minimum coating weight per square foot of wire.
Refer to the illustration table to see the classes of coating featured with different Red Brand® fence products.
| Type or Class |
Minimum ASTM Coating Weight
on 12-1/2 Gauge Wire |
 |
Regular |
None |
 |
Class 1 |
.28 oz/ft2 |
 |
Class 3 |
.80 oz/ft2 |
| Galvanization Guide |
 Red Brand® Traditional – Class 1 galvanized wire |
 Red Brand® Extended Life – Class 3 galvanized wire |
 Red Brand® High Tensile – Class 3 galvanized wire |
 Sierra Agricultural Fence – Commercial galvanized wire |
 Red Brand® Commercial Galvanized wire |
Strength Terminology
Tensile strength refers to the force needed to pull one square inch of steel apart. It is measured in pounds per square inch (abbreviated PSI). ASTM 116 Standards classify tensile strength as follows:
| Class |
Tensile Strength (PSI) |
| Low Tensile |
60,000 |
| Medium Tensile |
125,000 |
| High Tensile |
175,000 |
Break strength refers to the force needed to break a specific wire sample.
Yield strength refers to the force beyond which the steel will not go back to its initial length. If a customer tightens a steel wire at or close to its yield strength at installation, then temperature changes may eventually cause the wire to sag, as its ability to expand and contract with heat and cold is compromised.