Q. What’s the difference between “high tensile” and “low carbon” fence? Is one a better choice than the other for my fencing project?
A. Wire fencing products are manufactured using either high tensile wire or low carbon wire. Low carbon wire is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. This type of wire is easy to work with and fairly forgiving. However, it is prone to elongation (stretching and sagging), which produces as lower breaking than high tensile wire.
High tensile wire is made with higher carbon content at approximately 0.28%. The increased carbon content significantly increases the wire's strength and reduces elongation minimizing the need for future tensioning and repair. This allows you to use a smaller diameter high tensile wire replacing the thicker low carbon wires.
High tensile wire can be installed using fewer posts than low carbon fences. Once properly installed, high tensile wire remains tight for years and requires very little maintenance. Low carbon wire begins to stretch and sag over time requiring regular maintenance. The video below showcases the differences in breaking strength between high tensile wire and low carbon wire. Bekaert offers three strengths for a variety of livestock and exclusion applications outlined below.
