Mesco Weldmesh Industries

Barbed wire is commonly specified by wire gauge, strand construction, barb spacing, and coating type for corrosion resistance. Typical specifications include 12 to 14 gauge galvanized steel wire (approx. 2.0–2.5 mm diameter), 2-point or 4-point barbs spaced

3−53 minus 5

3−5

inches (

75−12575 minus 125

75−125

mm) apart, and tensile strengths ranging from 350 to

1100 N/mm21100 N/mm squared

1100 N/mm2

. 

Key Specifications & Standards 

Material: Galvanized Iron (GI) is standard, with options for PVC coating.

Wire Gauge (Strand & Barb): Commonly 12x12, 12x14, 13x14, or 14x14 BWG.

Diameter: Line wires typically

1.6−3.0 mm1.6 minus 3.0 mm

1.6−3.0 mm

, barb wire

1.4−2.5 mm1.4 minus 2.5 mm

1.4−2.5 mm

.

Barb Spacing:

3−53 minus 5

3−5

inches (

75−127 mm75 minus 127 mm

75−127 mm

) is standard.

Barb Length:

13−20 mm13 minus 20 mm

13−20 mm

.

Zinc Coating:

20gsm−240gsm20 gsm minus 240 gsm

20gsm−240gsm

(higher provides longer 8-10+ year life).

Construction: Usually two-strand twist (reverse twist).

Tensile Strength: High tensile options (

1000−1100 N/mm21000 minus 1100 N/mm squared

1000−1100 N/mm2

) are common for agricultural fencing.

Weight/Length: Often sold in 25-30 kg rolls; 12 gauge wire usually yields approx.

6−7 meters/kg6 minus 7 meters/kg

6−7 meters/kg

. 

Common Standards 

IS 278 (2009): Galvanized steel barbed wire for fencing.

ASTM A121: Standard specification for metallic-coated carbon steel barbed wire. 

Typical Applications 

12 Gauge (2.5mm): General security, industrial, and heavy-duty fencing.

14 Gauge (2.0mm): Lighter-duty, agricultural fencing.