Stranded Steel Wire for Cables: Technical Specifications and Selection Guide

Stranded steel wire serves as a critical component in cable manufacturing, primarily designed to enhance mechanical strength and tensile resistance. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of stranded steel wire characteristics, covering specifications, applications, material requirements, and galvanization standards. Aligned with China's National Standard GB/T 20118-2006, it offers professional recommendations for product selection and usage.

1. Specification Categories

1.1 Small-Diameter Stranded Wire

Common configurations:

• 1×7 structure: 0.85mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm

• 1×19 structure: 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm

Applications:

• Small-diameter cables and fiber optic cables.

• Scenarios demanding high mechanical strength and tensile performance.

1.2 Large-Diameter Stranded Wire

Common configurations:

• 1×7 structure: 2.4mm, 2.7mm, 3.0mm, 3.96mm, 4.8mm

Applications:

• Large-scale communication and power transmission projects.

• Environments requiring exceptional load-bearing capacity and durability.

1.3 Fiber Optic Cable Reinforcement Wire

Common specifications:
0.45mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm

Most-used sizes:
0.45mm and 1.0mm

Applications:

• Core reinforcement for fiber optic cables to improve tensile resistance.

2. Material Requirements

2.1 Phosphated Steel Wire

Features:

• Phosphating surface treatment ensures rust resistance and adhesion.

• Strict requirements for coating thickness and uniformity.

Applications:

• Ideal for fiber optic cables operating in harsh environments.

2.2 Galvanized Steel Wire

Types:

• Hot-dip galvanized: Thicker zinc layer for superior corrosion resistance.

• Electro-galvanized: Thinner coating suitable for short-term use.

Zinc Coating Standards:

• Compliance with GB/T 20118-2006 for zinc content and thickness.

Applications:

• Cables and fiber optics requiring enhanced corrosion protection.

3. Galvanization Standards (GB/T 20118-2006)

3.1 Zinc Coating Requirements

Hot-dip galvanized wire:

• Thickness: 20–60 μm

• Weight: Determined by wire diameter and application.

Electro-galvanized wire:

• Thickness: 5–20 μm

• Weight: Determined by wire diameter and application.

3.2 Testing Methods

• Thickness: Magnetic gauges or microscopy.

• Weight: Chemical dissolution or gravimetric analysis.

4. Selection Guidelines

4.1 Small-Diameter Cables

Recommended specifications:

• 1×7: 0.85mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm

• 1×19: 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm

Material options:

• Phosphated wire: Standard environments.

• Galvanized wire: High-corrosion environments.

4.2 Large Communication Projects

Recommended specifications:

• 1×7: 2.4mm, 2.7mm, 3.0mm, 3.96mm, 4.8mm

Material options:

• Hot-dip galvanized wire: Long-term exposure to corrosive conditions.

4.3 Fiber Optic Cables

Recommended specifications:

• 0.45mm, 1.0mm (most common)

Material options:

• Phosphated wire: General-purpose fiber optics.

• Galvanized wire: Specialty applications.

5. Usage and Maintenance

• Installation: Ensure secure integration with insulation layers and sheaths; avoid mechanical damage.

• Inspection: Regularly check for surface wear or corrosion; replace compromised wires promptly.

• Environment: Use hot-dip galvanized or anti-corrosion coatings in harsh conditions; phosphated or electro-galvanized wires suffice for dry environments.

Specification Comparison Chart

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate stranded steel wire for cables requires careful consideration of specifications, materials, and environmental demands. Adherence to GB/T 20118-2006 ensures optimal mechanical performance and longevity. By aligning choices with project-specific needs, users can achieve enhanced safety and reliability in cable systems.