So you are looking for barbed wire fencing and don’t know how to identify a good product in the market? Make sure you ask the following 7 questions to the retailer.
1) Which steel has been used?
Barbed wire made from good quality steel supplied by reputed manufacturers will have adequate strength. They will not sag or stretch over time. Before purchasing, always ask for the steel from which the barbed wire is made.
2) Is the wire coating given by hot dip method or electro galvanization?
There are two primary methods by which the protective coating (a layer of Zinc over Steel) is given; Hot Dip or Electro Galvanization. In the Hot Dip Method, the steel is dipped in a bath of molten Zinc whereas in Electro Galvanization, the Zinc is coated on steel through a process called electroplating.
The Hot Dip method is able to achieve much higher coating thickness and is suitable for applications like barbed wires, since the product is exposed to the atmosphere at all times. Hot dipped wires will last much longer without corrosion, thereby being cheaper in the long run. Always ask for barbed wires that have been coated using the Hot Dip Method.
3) Does the barbed wire meet Indian Standards (IS 278)?
You look for ISI mark in electrical appliances? Similarly, there are Indian Standards for barbed wire as well! Insist on buying a product that manufactures as per Indian Standards.
Indian Standards for barbed wires standardize the materials used, length and angle of the barb, and the distance between two barbs. These parameters are very important for the barbed wire to perform its function of asset protection. Indian Standards also standardize the quality testing to be done on the barbed wire.
4) What are the dimensions of the barbed wire?
Barbed wire are specified based on the diameter of the line wire and the point wire (from which the barb is made). Typically, the dimensions vary from 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm. Thicker wires are stronger and offer better protection from intrusion. Always compare the prices of barbed wire of same dimensions.
5) Is the barbed wire manufactured using modern machines with latest technology?
Barbed wires manufactured through manual methods or basic machines usually fail to meet Indian Standards. The quality will tend to vary, leaving you disappointed afterwards. Have a look at the product; if the individual barbs look different from each other or the distance between barbs is not uniform, the product has not been manufactured with latest technology.
6) How is the barbed wire packed?
Barbed wire bundles weigh more than 30 kg. The barbs can hurt during handling and transportation if not packed properly. Always check the packaging and your ability to handle the product easily at the retail shop, before purchase.
7) Is the barbed wire from a reputed brand?
Finally, make sure you buy from a trusted brand. Has the brand been in existence for a long time? Is the product available easily at leading retailers? Do they manufacture in India using latest technology? Using a smartphone, you can do a quick search at the shop itself!
