SIST EN 10257-1:2012

Overview

SIST EN 10257-1:2012 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies requirements for zinc or zinc alloy coated non-alloy steel wire. This wire is primarily intended for use in the armouring of subterranean land power and telecommunication cables. The standard defines the material properties, manufacturing criteria, testing methods, and quality control processes necessary to ensure the wire meets stringent performance standards for durability, mechanical strength, and electrical characteristics.

This standard applies specifically to land cables, providing key specifications on coating, dimensions, mechanical properties, and testing methods for zinc or zinc alloy coated steel wires used in armored cable applications. It serves as a critical guideline for manufacturers and purchasers aiming for high-quality protective armouring in underground cable installations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  Defines the use of zinc or zinc alloy coated non-alloy carbon steel wire for armouring power and telecommunication cables laid underground.

• Material and Manufacture

  • Wire is cold drawn from non-alloy carbon steel rods to achieve required tensile and physical properties.
  • Only properly dressed welds are permitted in wire coils to maintain wire integrity.

• Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile strength ranges from 320 to 500 N/mm² depending on wire diameter.
  • Minimum elongation after fracture requirements ensure necessary ductility.
  • Torsion resistance specified to guarantee wire flexibility during cable manufacture and service.

• Dimensions and Tolerances

  • Preferred nominal wire diameters range from 0.30 mm up to 4.00 mm with precise tolerance limits.
  • Diameter tolerances align with related steel wire standards ensuring compatibility in cable design.

• Coating and Surface Finish

  • Zinc or zinc alloy coatings applied via hot dip or electrolytic processes complying with EN 10244-2 Class A requirements.
  • Coating must adhere firmly and resist surface defects that can affect cable performance.
  • Optional additional coatings (e.g., wax) can be specified if compatible with cable design.

• Electrical Resistance

  • Maximum permissible DC electrical resistance values defined per wire diameter.
  • Resistance measurement accounts for temperature variations and ensures wire conductivity is maintained for protective and functional roles.

• Testing and Quality Control

  • Sampling methods and required tests for tensile strength, torsion, coating adherence, diameter, and electrical resistance.
  • Standardized test methods per EN 10218-1, EN 10244 series, and IEC 60468.
  • Inspection documents per EN 10204 and EN 10021 are used to verify compliance.

• Packing and Identification

  • Manufacturer must label each coil with product and batch information for traceability.
  • Proper packaging ensures protection during transport and storage.

Applications

SIST EN 10257-1:2012 wire is critical in the construction of armored cables used for:

• Power Distribution Cables
  Provides mechanical protection to medium and high-voltage subterranean cables, ensuring structural robustness against soil pressure, water ingress, and rodent damage.

• Telecommunication Cables
  Armouring protects delicate fiber optic or copper lines against mechanical stresses in underground installations.

• Subterranean Land Cable Systems
  Suitable for harsh environmental conditions requiring corrosion resistance and long-term durability afforded by zinc or zinc alloy coatings.

This standard supports cable manufacturers, utility companies, and engineering contractors in selecting wires that ensure cable longevity, efficient installation, and compliance with European regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

• EN 10244-1 and EN 10244-2 – Coating requirements and tests for non-ferrous metallic coatings on steel wire, including zinc and zinc alloy coatings.
• EN 10218-1 – Test methods for steel wire and wire products including mechanical tests relevant to EN 10257-1.
• EN 10021 – General delivery conditions for steel products applied to wire rod production.
• IEC 60468 – Method for measuring electrical resistivity of metallic materials, used for verifying wire resistance.
• IEC 60502 series – Power cables with extruded insulation used in conjunction with armored steel armouring wires as per EN 10257-1 requirements.
• EN ISO 16120 series – Specifications for non-alloy steel wire rods used in wire manufacturing, relevant for raw material compliance.

By aligning with these standards, SIST EN 10257-1:2012 ensures interoperability and consistent quality across the cable manufacturing industry in Europe and beyond.

Keywords: SIST EN 10257-1:2012, zinc coated steel wire, zinc alloy coated wire, armored cable wire, land cable armouring wire, non-alloy steel wire, subterranean cables, power cable armouring, telecommunication cable wire, cable protection wire, European standards, CEN standards, steel wire specifications.