ASTM A392-11a(2022)

Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric

ABSTRACT
This specification covers zinc-coated (galvanized) steel chain-link fence fabric, zinc coated either before or after weaving. The wire shall be woven throughout in the form of approximately uniform square mesh, having parallel sides and horizontal and vertical diagonals of approximately uniform dimensions. The top and bottom of the fabric shall be knuckled or twisted. A typical diamond count for each standard height is given. Chain-link fabric shall conform to the requirements specified for (1) mesh size, (2) wire size, (3) fabric height, (4) selvage, (5) zinc coating weight (Class 1or Class 2), and (6) breaking strength. The standard length of rolls and sampling requirements for testing are specified as well.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers zinc-coated steel chain-link fence fabric, zinc coated either before or after weaving.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2022
• ICS: 77.140.65 - Steel wire, wire ropes and link chains
• Technical Committee: F14 - Fences
• Drafting Committee: F14.40 - Chain Link Fence and Wire Accessories

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A370-19 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM A370-17a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-17 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-15 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A700-14 - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM A370-14 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM A370-13 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM B6-13 - Standard Specification for Zinc
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM A370-12a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B6-12 - Standard Specification for Zinc
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM A370-12 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A370-11a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM A370-10 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM A392-11a(2022): Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric sets out internationally recognized requirements for manufacturing zinc-coated (galvanized) steel chain-link fence fabric. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent quality and performance in chain-link fencing, which is widely used in a range of security, commercial, and residential applications.

The specification covers essential aspects such as mesh size, wire diameter, fabric height, selvage type, zinc coating class, and minimum breaking strength, delivering a clear framework for specifying, manufacturing, and testing galvanized chain-link fence fabric. Both “galvanized before weaving” and “galvanized after weaving” processes are addressed, supporting diverse project needs while adhering to quality and durability requirements.

Key Topics

• Material and Coatings: Defines steel wire types and two classes of zinc coating (Class 1 and Class 2), outlining coating weights to ensure corrosion resistance and longevity of the fencing material.
• Mesh and Diamond Count: Specifies uniform square mesh with parallel sides and diagonal measurements, with typical diamond counts for different standard heights. Variations and custom counts can be agreed upon.
• Wire Size and Fabric Height: Provides precise requirements for wire diameters and fabric heights, along with permissible variations to accommodate project specifications.
• Selvage and Edge Finishes: Outlines acceptable finishing methods (knuckling or twisting), ensuring safe, secure, and consistent edges in line with safety and functional requirements.
• Mechanical Properties: Minimum breaking strengths for various wire diameters promote structural integrity.
• Roll Length and Packaging: Standard roll lengths and packaging instructions support effective handling, shipping, and storage.
• Testing and Inspection: Sample-based testing ensures product compliance, with protocols for assessing mesh size, diamond count, wire thickness, coating weight, and mechanical strength.

Applications

Zinc-coated steel chain-link fence fabric manufactured according to ASTM A392 is widely utilized for:

• Perimeter Security: Common in commercial, industrial, and government facilities to establish secure boundaries and restrict access.
• Residential Fencing: Used for home boundaries, pet enclosures, and recreational spaces, offering durability and low maintenance.
• High-Security Installations: Specified for high-security zones where small mesh sizes and heavier zinc coatings provide enhanced protection and resistance to tampering.
• Public Infrastructure: Suitable for parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, highways, and utility enclosures.
• Specialized Uses: Mesh and wire size variations accommodate unique requirements such as pool fencing or critical infrastructure.

This standard helps stakeholders select and specify appropriate fencing materials that ensure long-term service life, reliable corrosion protection, and compliance with recognized safety and quality benchmarks.

Related Standards

• ASTM A90/A90M: Test Method for Weight (Mass) of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings.
• ASTM A370: Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products.
• ASTM A700: Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment.
• ASTM A817: Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire.
• MIL-STD-129: Marking for Shipment and Storage (Military Standard).
• MIL-STD-163: Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Shipment and Storage (Military Standard).
• Federal Standard No. 123: Marking for Shipments for Civil Agencies.

These related standards complement ASTM A392-11a(2022) by providing guidance and requirements for raw materials, testing methods, packaging, and shipment essential for the manufacture and procurement of zinc-coated chain-link fence fabric.

Keywords: ASTM A392, galvanized steel, chain-link fence, zinc-coated steel fence fabric, mesh size, wire size, fencing standards, security fencing, fence coatings, ASTM fencing specifications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A392 −11a (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A392; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 Military Standards:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
1.1 This specification covers zinc-coated steel chain-link
MIL-STD 163 SteelMillProducts,PreparationforShipment
fence fabric, zinc coated either before or after weaving.
and Storage
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and are not considered standard.
3.1.1 chain-link fence fabric—a fencing material made from
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
steel wire helically wound and interwoven in such a manner as
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to provide a continuous mesh without knots or ties except in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the form of knuckling or of twisting the ends of the wires to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
formtheselvageofthefabric.Variationstoknuckledortwisted
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
selvages are permissible.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 diamond count—the number of diamond openings
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
from one edge of the fabric to the other. The diamond count of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
a given fabric shall begin at the first completed diamond at one
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
edge and continue to the unfinished ( ⁄2) or full opening at the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
other edge.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.3 knuckling—the type of selvage obtained by interlock-
2. Referenced Documents
ing adjacent pairs of wire ends and then bending the wire ends
back into a loop. The loop shall be closed or nearly closed to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
a measurement less than the diameter of the wire.
A90/A90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings 3.1.4 twisting—the type of selvage obtained by twisting
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing adjacent pairs of wire ends together in a close helix of 1 ⁄2
of Steel Products machine turns, which is equivalent to 3 full twists, and cutting
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods the wire ends at an angle. The wire ends beyond the twist shall
beatleast ⁄4in.(6.4mm)long.Thistypeofselvageisnotused
for Steel Products for Shipment
A817 Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for on fabric with a mesh size of less than 2 in. (50.8 mm).
Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire
4. Ordering Information
B6 Specification for Zinc
2.2 Federal Standard:
4.1 Orders for chain-link fence fabric purchased to this
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)
specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity (Section 14),
4.1.2 Zinc coated after weaving or before weaving (Section
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F14 on Fences
5),
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.40 on Chain Link Fence and
Wire Accessories.
4.1.3 Size of mesh (Section 7),
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally
4.1.4 Size of wire (Section 8),
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A392 – 11a(2017).
4.1.5 Height of fabric (Section 9),
DOI: 10.1520/A0392-11AR22.
4.1.6 Diamond count, if specified (Section 6),
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1.7 Type of selvage (Section 10),
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
4.1.8 Class of coating (Section 11),
the ASTM website.
4.1.9 ASTM designation and year of issue, and
AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. 4.1.10 Certification if required (Section 17).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A392 − 11a (2022)
4.2 All rolls of fencing accepted by the purchaser shall be 7.2 The permissible variation from the specified size of
billed on the basis of the original footage of the rolls before mesh shall be 6 ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) for all mesh sizes larger than
1 1
sampling, unless changed by contractual arrangement. 1 ⁄4 in. (31.75 mm), and 6 ⁄16 in. (61.6 mm) for all mesh sizes
1 ⁄4 in. (31.75 mm) and smaller.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 25 rolls, 50 ft
each, chain-link fence fabric, zinc coated after weaving, 2-in. mesh,
7.3 The size of mesh shall be determined by measuring the
0.148-in. wire, 60 in. high, knuckled both selvages, Class 2 coating to
minimum clear distance between the wires forming the parallel
ASTM A392 - XX.
sides of the mesh, and determined as the average of two
readings taken at right angles to each other.
5. Materials
5.1 If zinc-coated before weaving, the wire from which the
8. Size of Wire
fabric is woven shall conform to all requirements of Specifi-
cation A817 for Type II coating, in the class of coating 8.1 Chain-link fabric shall be fabricated from wire diam-
specified (Class 4 or Class 5). eters as listed in Specification A817, with a permissible
variation from the specified diameter of the coated wire of
5.2 If zinc-coated after weaving, the base metal shall be
60.005 in. (60.13 mm).
steel of such quality and purity that, when drawn to the size of
wire specified and coated with zinc after fabrication, the
9. Height of Fabric
finished fencing shall be of uniform quality and have the
properties and characteristics as prescribed in this specifica-
9.1 Chain-link fabric shall be furnished in the standard
tion.
heights shown in Table 4. Custom order fabric is available in
heights to and including 20 ft. (6.10 m). The height of fabric
5.3 Zinc for Coating—The slab zinc, when used for the
shall be the overall dimension from ends of twists or knuckles.
coating, shall be any grade of zinc conforming to Specification
Permissible variation from the specified height shall be 61 in.
B6.
(625 mm) for standard selvage on fabric with mesh sizes 1 in.
(25.4mm)andover 6 ⁄2in.(613mm)forallfabricwithmesh
6. Weave
sizes less than 1 in. (25.4 mm).
6.1 The wire shall be woven throughout in the form of
approximately uniform square mesh, having parallel sides and
10. Selvage
horizontal and vertical diagonals of approximately uniform
dimensions.The top and bottom of the fabric shall be knuckled
10.1 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, fabrics
or twisted as specified in Section 10.
with2or2 ⁄8 in. (50 or 54 mm) mesh, in heights 60 in. (1520
mm) and under shall be knuckled at both selvages. Fabric 72
6.2 A typical diamond count for each standard height is
in. (1830 mm) high and over shall be knuckled at one selvage
shown in Table 1. Other diamond counts are permissible
and twisted at the other. (Warning—Twisted selvages for
provided that they are consistent within a lot. The purchaser
fence fabric under 72 in. (1830 mm) in height are not
has the option to specify the diamond count (see 4.1.6).
recommended because of consumer safety considerations.)
7. Size of Mesh
10.2 The selvages of fabrics with meshes of less than 2 in.
7.1 The size of mesh shall be as indicated in Table 4. (50 mm) shall be knuckled.
A
TABLE 1 Typical Diamond Count
NOTE 1—Other diamond counts are permitted (see 6.2).
NOTE 2— For fabric heights over 144 in., see 6.2.
NOTE 3—Variations to knuckled or twisted selvage may affect diamond count (see 6.2).
Nominal Height of Fence Fabric, in.
Size of
Diameter
Mesh,
Coated
in. 36 42 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 144
Wire, in.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.192 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 34 ⁄2 41 ⁄2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.148 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 34 ⁄2 41 ⁄2
3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.148 1 ⁄4 11 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 15 ⁄2 19 ⁄2 23 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 35 ⁄2 39 ⁄2 47 ⁄2
0.148 1 ⁄4 17 21 23 29 35 41 46 52 58 70
0.148 1 20 23 27 33 39 45 53 61 67 79
1 1 1 1 1 1
0.120 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 14 ⁄2 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2 . . . .
3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.120 1 ⁄4 11 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 15 ⁄2 19 ⁄2 23 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 35 ⁄2 39 ⁄2 47 ⁄2
0.120 1 ⁄4 17 21 23 29 35 41 46 52 58 70
0.120 1 20 23 27 33 39 45 53 61 67 79
1 1 1 1 1 1
0.113 2 ⁄8 9 ⁄2 11 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 16 ⁄2 19 ⁄2 . . . . .
A
See Appendix X1 for metric equivalents and Fig. 1 for mesh sizes less than 1 in. (25.4 mm).
A392 − 11a (2022)
A
TABLE 2 Available Mesh Sizes and Zinc Coating Weights
Specified Diameter of Coated Wire, in. (mm) Mesh Sizes with a Class 1 Mesh Sizes with a Class 2
2 2
1.20 oz/ft (610) coating, in. 2.00 oz/ft (366) coating, in.
0.192 (4.88) 1 ⁄4 and 2 2
1 5 1 3 3
0.148 (3.76) ⁄2, ⁄8,1,1 ⁄4,1 ⁄4, and 2 1 ⁄4 and 2
3 1 5 1 3
0.120 (3.05) ⁄8, ⁄2, ⁄8,1,1 ⁄4,1 ⁄4, and 2 . . .
0.113 (2.87) 2 ⁄8 .
A
Mesh sizes of 1 ⁄4 in. or smaller are typically produced with Galvanized before Weave product.
TABLE 3 Breaking Strength
11.2 On fabric galvanized after weaving, the weight of
Specified Diameter of Breaking Strength, coating shall be determined on one or more pieces of wire
Coated Wire, in. (mm) min, lbf (N)
removed from the fabric. These specimens may be of any
0.192 (4.88) 2170 (9
...