Lashing Wire

Lashing wire is a durable steel wire that securely binds (lashes) other wires and cables together. It is widely used in the telecommunications industry, where numerous cables and wires are needed to transmit data. Lashing wire is typically employed to hold fiber optic cables and messenger wires together.

Fiber optic cables, which transmit data, require structural support to stay in place, and messenger wire provides that stability. Systems that use support wires require cable lashing wire — another external wire to secure the messenger wire to the fiber optic cable. Similar to the messenger wire, the lashing wire does not carry a signal— it only holds everything together.

Aerial lashing wire acts as a support structure for other types of wire, making it an essential element in many wiring applications. Often, technicians will use a specialized machine — a cable lasher — to form these critical connections. The lashing wire is fed into the lasher, attaches to the aerial cables and spins around them until they are fastened together.

Cable lashing wire is used in conjunction with a lasher to create a tight and secure connection that ensures that the aerial cables remain in place and maintain proper tension. The connections prevent the wires from sagging or being affected by wind or other environmental factors. As a result, steel lashing wire plays a critical role in facilitating the reliable functioning of communication or power transmission systems. 

Lash wiring is essential in cable lashing applications for securing aerial cables to support structures. Additionally, using lashing wire, especially with a lasher, for this application offers unique benefits, such as:

• Easier installations: Lashing wires simplify the process of securing cables to support strands. The lasher reduces the labor and time needed for installation compared to other methods.
• Lower hardware costs: By using lashing wires to keep cables in place, you can minimize the need for additional hardware or studier communication wires. These wires can offset the cost associated with purchasing and maintaining more complex hardware, making them a cost-effective solution.
• Reduce maintenance requirements: Steel lashing wires provide a secure and durable fastening solution. Proper support for your wire installation helps reduce service interruptions and the need for frequent maintenance or replacements in the long run.
• Increase the overall life span: Lashing wire contributes to extending the life span of your wire installation by maintaining its structural integrity. It protects cables and wires from environmental factors, which ensures long-term reliability and performance.

Bekaert offers several different types of cable lashing wire grades with varying specifications to suit your project needs. Understanding our available options can help you find the right product. Our team is prepared to assist you if you need guidance for your electric lashing wire.

We provide lashing wire in three grades. You'll also find annealed lashing wire in our selection.

Type 430 (S43000) is a lashing wire that is best suited for general use in ordinary atmospheric exposure. It is constructed with low-carbon stainless steel and contains 17% chromium wire content. Due to the absence of nickel or molybdenum, dark surface staining may occur in corrosive conditions. For this reason, Type 430 should be kept away from industrial applications that emit pollutants and 25 miles from saltwater. This lashing wire offers:

• Tensile strength ranging from 70k to 95k psi
• An average break load of 125 pounds
• An average coil size of 1,200 feet long and 6.5 pounds

Type 316 (S31600) lashing wire provides the best corrosion resistance in coastal areas. This modified 18-10 stainless steel alloy contains 18% chromium, 10% nickel and 2.5% molybdenum. Type 316 boasts good corrosion resistance against most chemicals, including sulfides and chlorides. In other grades, salt spray causes pinhole corrosion and pitting. Type 316 stainless resists these reactions. This lashing wire features:

• Tensile strength from 95k to 125k psi
• An average break load of 145 pounds
• A typical 1,200-foot coil weighing 6.5 pounds

Annealing is a heat treatment method that alters the mechanical properties of metals. The annealing process has three steps — recovery, recrystallization and grain growth. During the annealing process, controlled heating and cooling relieve internal stresses and encourage the growth of new grains without preexisting flaws. Once the annealing process is complete, the metal has uniform grains and a range of beneficial properties.

Processes such as bending, drawing, and cold forming can lead to work hardening, which makes metals more challenging to work with and susceptible to cracking. Annealing reverses the effects of work hardening to make metal products more workable and precise.

Some advantages of controlled annealing are:

• Reduced hardness and increased ductility for better formability.
• Minimized brittleness for reduced risk of failure.
• Improved machinability from lower hardness. 
• Elimination of mechanical complications like cracking from residual stresses.