EN 10257-2:2011

Overview

EN 10257-2:2011 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies requirements for zinc or zinc alloy coated non-alloy steel wires used specifically for armouring submarine power or telecommunication cables. This standard ensures the mechanical and physical properties, coating quality, and dimensions of steel wire are suitable for the severe marine environment faced by submarine cables. It supersedes the previous edition EN 10257-2:1998 and supports the safe and reliable construction of underwater cable systems for power transmission and telecommunications.

Key Topics

• Material Specifications
  Steel wire must be cold drawn from non-alloy carbon steel rods conforming to relevant EN standards such as EN 10016 series, with sufficient physical properties and weldability.

• Mechanical Properties
  Detailed tensile strength grades ranging from 340 to 1900 N/mm², ensuring high durability and strength. Elongation, torsion resistance, and steel ductility wrap tests are specified to guarantee resilience under mechanical stress.

• Coating Requirements
  Zinc or zinc alloy coatings are applied by hot dip or electrolytic processes in accordance with EN 10244-2:2009 Class A. Coatings must be uniform, adhere well, and provide corrosion protection critical for submarine conditions.

• Manufacturing and Testing Procedures
  Strict methods for diameter measurement, tensile and elongation testing, torsion testing, coating testing, and steel ductility wrap tests ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.

• Packaging and Identification
  All wire coils must be securely tied and labeled with manufacturer details, standard reference, batch number, and wire size to guarantee traceability and quality control.

Applications

• Submarine Power Cables
  EN 10257-2:2011 wires are used to armor submarine power cables, protecting conductors against mechanical damage and environmental factors such as seawater corrosion and physical impacts.

• Submarine Telecommunication Cables
  The standard’s steel wires also reinforce telecommunication cables laid underwater, ensuring longevity and maintaining signal integrity by shielding delicate conductors.

• Marine and Offshore Infrastructure
  The non-alloy zinc or zinc alloy coated wires specified by this standard are essential in various underwater installations requiring robust cable protection to withstand harsh oceanic conditions.

Related Standards

• EN 10244-2:2009
  Defines zinc and zinc alloy coatings on steel wire, specifying coating thickness, adhesion, and surface finish - directly referenced for coating requirements in EN 10257-2.

• EN 10218-1 and EN 10218-2
  Cover test methods and dimensions for steel wire products, providing essential test procedures for tensile, torsion, and diameter measurement referenced in this standard.

• EN 10021 and EN 10204
  Deal with general technical delivery conditions and inspection documentation for steel products, supporting quality assurance processes required by EN 10257-2.

• EN ISO 16120 Series
  Lay down requirements for non-alloy steel wire rod used as raw material, complementing the steel wire specifications of EN 10257-2.

Practical Value

Complying with EN 10257-2:2011 ensures that steel armouring wires for submarine cables possess the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and manufacturing quality necessary for reliable underwater cable protection. This leads to increased cable lifespan, decreased maintenance and repair costs, and improved safety for power and telecom infrastructure operating in challenging marine environments. Adherence to this standard also facilitates international trade and harmonizes product quality across European markets.