There are so many specifications of steel cable. How should we choose? What do those specification numbers mean? This guide will answer them for you one by one.

When it comes to selecting the right cable for your application, the first thing you want to consider is the cable construction. Navigating our site, you might notice different types of cable denoted by what seems like a math equation (e.g. 7×19, 1×19…) This refers to construction, physical properties, and best real-world applications for that type of wire rope or cable.

This article is meant to explain the different cable constructions, materials, and coatings, as well as debunk some common cable and wire rope myths.

1 4 stainless steel cable

3 16 stainless steel cable

galvanized wire rope

WANZHI STEEL carries reels of stainless cable at types 316, 304, and Type 304 vinyl coated stainless steel cable up to 1000’ long. Explore our inventory of stainless-steel cable and Wire Rope.

Watch our articles on Stainless Cable, Wire Rope, and cable to get tips on which cable to choose for different applications.

See our extensive guides below for more information to help make your decision before purchasing Cable and Wire Rope from wanzhifence.com. If you have any questions, contact our sales team, and we will be glad to assist you.

Wire Rope and Cable Knowledge Base

Cable Strength Comparison

1. Cable Working Load Limit / Rated Capacity Chart

This chart lists cable strengths by working load limit / rated capacity with a 5:1 design factor. Use the rated capacity when determining the strength requirements for your application. Be sure to understand termination efficiency ratings when terminating the cable. See our General Warning and Instructions document for more information on Rated Capacities, Design Factors, Termination Efficiencies, and Breaking Loads.

5 16 stainless steel cable

3 8 steel cable

stainless steel deck cable

2. Cable Breaking Strength Chart

This chart lists cable strengths by breaking load. See our General Warning and Instructions document for more information on Rated Capacities, Design Factors, Termination Efficiencies, and Breaking Loads.

Never use Breaking Load ratings as your operational load. Use the Working Load Limits to determine the strength requirements for your application.

Cable Construction Types

1). 7×19

cable structure

Please read our Cable Construction Guide for more specific and detailed information.

Cable Materials and Coating Types

1. Hot-dipped Galvanized Cable

In order to obtain better performance, each steel wire of the cable is immersed in molten zinc at a temperature of up to 500°C, hence the name “hot dip”. This galvanizing method produces a higher quality zinc layer and a longer service life than other methods. It’s a great choice for high-capacity, general-purpose, and even marine applications。

However, since it is still essentially a coating, it will wear and even peel off over time. Therefore, it is necessary to check for rust or corrosion regularly during use. Any compromised hot-dipped galvanized wire rope will need to be replaced and salvaged, or in worse cases, scrapped by cutting into three- or four-foot sections before discarding.

2. Types 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Cable

Both types of 304 and 316 stainless steel (also known as marine-grade) are great corrosion resistant cable solutions. Type 304 is actually more economical than type 316. The latter is a higher grade of stainless steel because it contains molybdenum, which provides this cable type superior corrosion resistance.

While type 316 is more expensive, it is resistant to environmental and chloride contaminants, so we recommend it for use in saltwater and high salinity environments.

Stainless steel cables, whether type 304 or 316, will rust, so it is important to regularly rinse with fresh water and take anti-rust measures to remove any microscopic contaminant buildup.

galvanized cable

stainless steel cable

vinyl coated stainless steel cable

3. Vinyl Coated Cable

Both stainless and galvanized cables have a thicker vinyl layer to protect against chemicals, chlorides, and microscopic contaminants. It’s used in high traffic areas where skin-to-cable contact is common. This layer will need to be stripped off to expose the cable inside whenever splicing is required so sleeves, ferrules, and other splicing components will have better contact with the load bearing cable. If long term exposure to heat and UV-rays is expected, be sure to check the vinyl coating regularly for dry-rot.

Addressing Common Cable Myths

1. Is “Aircraft Cable” the same as “Wire Rope” or “Cable”?

Because we often see steel cable or “aircraft cable” and other names. In fact, in layman’s terms,7×19 cable can be referred to as “aircraft cable” since aviation industries often apply 7×19 cable as control cables which are essential to operate various aircraft. However, please note that it does not refer to aircraft-specific cables. Real aircraft cables are strictly certified and pre-lubricated. What we provide is not any certified aircraft control cable.

2. What is the difference between “wire rope” and “cable”?

Both can achieve the same purpose, however, the difference between the two lies in the diameter and structure. Steel cable is rarely offered outside the range of 1/16” – 3/8”, whereas wire rope can be found from 1/4” all the way up to 6”.

1 4 steel cable

airplane cable

3 8 galvanized cable

Inspect Wire Rope Regularly

Use inspection instructions as guidelines only. Two of the most important prerequisites for inspecting wire rope are technical knowledge and experience.

Check the general condition of the wire. Also, look for localized damage and wear, especially at wire rope attachments. Inspect all parts that come in contact with the wire rope. Poor performance of wire rope can often be traced back worn or wrong-sized sheaves, drums, rollers, etc. Look for kinks, broken wires, abrasions, lack of lubrication, rust damage, crushing, reduction of diameter, stretch or other obvious damage. If any of these conditions exist or if there is any other apparent damage to the wire rope, retire the wire rope.

When in doubt about the extent of the damage, retire the wire rope in question immediately. Without laboratory analysis, it is impossible to determine the strength of damaged or used wire. Thus, you will not be able to tell whether wire rope with any amount of damage is safe to use. Retire the wire rope that is damaged. For specific inspection procedures check various OSHA, WRTB, ANSI, and ASTM publications.

Destroy, Rather than Discard, Wire Rope to be Retired

Wire rope that is not destroyed may be reused by those who are unaware of their hazards. The best way to destroy a wire rope is to cut the eyelets, sever all connections, and cut the rope into short, unusable pieces.

Galvanized and stainless steel cable

Galvanized and stainless steel aircraft cable and wire rope with quality, prices, and inventory levels unmatched in our industry.

Wanzhi Steel carries Type 316, and Type 304 stainless steel, drawn galvanized, and PVC / vinyl coasted cable in lengths up to 5000 ft. that are perfect for your industrial, commercial, or residential projects.

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