What is concertina wire? | Applications

06 Jan.,2025

 

What is concertina wire? | Applications

Understanding what is Concertina wire or Razor Wire is indeed important to know the security it can provide. Concertina Wire commonly known as razor wire, is a formidable high security fencing material used for security purposes worldwide. It is comprised of a series of sharp, pointed blades arranged in a helical pattern, affixed to high-tensile wire. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into what is concertina wire or razor wire, its origins, construction, applications, and safety considerations of concertina wire, shedding light on its significance in security installations and its widespread use in various settings.

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What is Concertine Wire?

Concertina wire, also known as razor wire, is a type of fencing material made from galvanized steel wire with sharp barbs or razor blades interspersed along its length. It is designed to create a formidable barrier that is difficult to breach or climb over.

The term &#;concertina&#; refers to the coiled configuration of the wire. When not stretched or deployed, the wire is tightly wound in a spiral shape resembling a musical instrument called a concertina. This coiled structure allows for easy transportation and storage of the wire.

Why is it called concertina wire?

Concertina wire is named after the musical instrument called the &#;concertina,&#; which is a type of small accordion. The wire gets its name because of its appearance when it is coiled or stretched out.

When was razor wire invented?

Concertina wire originated in the late 19th century, initially serving as a material for military fortifications. It gained prominence during World War I and has since become synonymous with high-security fencing. Manufacturers typically produce concertina wire from galvanized or stainless steel, ensuring its durability and resistance to the elements.

The construction of razor wire involves a combination of sharp-edged metal strips, commonly referred to as barbs or blades, and high-tensile wire. The blades, typically made of steel, possess an extremely sharp edge and are challenging to manipulate or cut. The wire coils in a helical pattern, allowing it to expand and contract like an accordion, thus giving rise to the term &#;concertina wire.&#;

How is razor wire made?

To produce concertina wire, you will need to:

  • Measure and cut the galvanized steel wire to the desired length. The length will depend on how long you want the concertina wire to be.
  • Take one end of the wire and wrap it around a cylindrical object, such as a pipe or a drum, to create the circular shape of the concertina.
  • Use pliers to twist the wire tightly around itself at regular intervals. This will create the coils of the concertina.
  • Continue twisting the wire until you reach the other end. Ensure that the coils are evenly spaced and tightly wound.
  • Once you have created the circular shape with tightly wound coils, cut the excess wire.
  • Now, take the barbed wire and attach it to the concertina wire. Wrap the barbed wire around the outer circumference of the concertina wire, securing it at regular intervals.
  • Ensure that the barbed wire is firmly attached and properly spaced to create sharp and effective barbs.

The main sizes are:

  1. 500mm / 0.5m / 50cm
  2. 750 mm / 0.75m/ 75cm
  3. mm / 1.0m / 100cm
  4. The length is commonly 10m

What is the standard for Concertina wire?

Concertina or barbed tape divided into two main categories: Concertina Barbed Tape (CBT) and Barbed Tape Obstacle (BTO). These standards are:

1.       CBT-60:

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 60.0mm
  • Barb Width: 31.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 100mm centre to centre
  • Wire diameter: 2.5mm

2.       CBT-65

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 65.0mm
  • Barb Width: 21.0mm
  • Barb Cut size :n/a

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 100mm centre to centre
  • Wire diameter: 2.5mm

3.       BTO-30

  • Barb size:
  • Barb Length: 30.0mm
  • Barb Width: 18.0mm
  • Barb edge space: 35.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 45mm centre to centre
  • Wire diameter : 2.5mm

4.         BTO-22

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 22.0mm
  • Barb Width: 16.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 35mm centre to centre.
  • Core Wire diameter: 2.5mm

5.       BTO-10

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 10.0mm
  • Barb Width: 13.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 25mm centre to centre
  • Core Wire diameter: 2.5mm

6.       BTO-12

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 12.0mm
  • Barb Width: 15.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 26.0 mm centre to centre.
  • Core Wire diameter: 2.5mm

7.       BTO-18

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 18.0mm
  • Barb Width: 15.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 33.0 mm centre to centre
  • Core Wire diameter: 2.5mm

8.         BTO-28

Barb size:

  • Barb Length: 28.0mm
  • Barb Width: 15.0mm

Tape Barb

  • Thickness: 0.50mm
  • Barb spacing: 34.0 mm centre to centre
  • Core Wire diameter: 2.5mm

What is razor wire used for?

Razor Wire finds extensive application in a variety of security-related scenarios. Its primary purpose is to act as a deterrent, preventing unauthorized access and enhancing perimeter security. Here are some of the common applications of razor wire:

a) Military and Defence:

Concertina wire is widely used in military and defense installations to secure perimeters, safeguard military bases, and protect sensitive areas. It serves as a formidable barrier against intrusion, making it difficult for unauthorized personnel or vehicles to breach.

b) Prisons and Correctional Facilities:

Razor wire is a common sight in prisons and correctional facilities, where it is deployed to prevent escapes and enhance the security of the perimeter. Its sharp blades act as an effective psychological deterrent, dissuading inmates from attempting to breach the barriers.

For more information, please visit concertina razor wire.

c) Border Security:

Concertina wire is deployed along national borders to control and deter illegal border crossings. It provides an additional layer of defense, making it challenging for individuals to trespass or smuggle contraband across the border.

d) Industrial Sites:

Many industrial facilities, such as power plants, warehouses, and manufacturing units, utilize concertina wire to protect their assets and secure restricted areas within the premises. Its presence reinforces safety protocols and prevents unauthorized entry.

e) Temporary Security:

Razor wire is often used as a temporary security measure during events, protests, or civil unrest. It helps establish controlled perimeters and ensures the safety of participants and bystanders.

What are the Safety measures to be taken while using razor wire?

While concertina wire serves as a highly effective security solution, its installation and handling require careful consideration of safety measures. The sharp blades can cause severe injuries if mishandled or inadvertently touched. Here are a few safety guidelines to follow:

a) Professional Installation:

Concertina wire should be installed by trained professionals who are well-versed in the correct procedures. This ensures proper tensioning, alignment, and secure attachment to minimize the risk of accidents.

b) Warning Signage:

Clear and visible warning signs should be placed in areas where razor wire is installed. These signs alert individuals to the presence of a physical barrier and serve as a reminder to exercise caution.

c) Protective Gear:

When working with concertina wire, individuals must wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and sturdy clothing. This reduces the risk of accidental injuries and lacerations.

d) Maintenance and Inspection:

Regular maintenance and inspection of the razor wire are crucial to identify any damages or loose components. Prompt repairs or replacements should be carried out to maintain the efficacy and safety of the fencing system.

Concertina wire, or razor wire, has emerged as an essential component in enhancing security across various domains. Its robust construction, versatility, and effectiveness in deterring unauthorized access make it a widely adopted fencing solution. However, it is imperative to adhere to safety protocols during installation, maintenance, and handling to prevent accidents and injuries. With its continued use, concertina wire will likely remain a key element in safeguarding sensitive areas, protecting boundaries, and maintaining security in a wide range of applications.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

Why is it called concertina wire?

Concertina wire is called so because of its resemblance to the bellows of a concertina musical instrument. The wire gets its name due to its appearance when it is coiled or stretched out.

What is razor wire?

Razor wire is a type of fencing material that consists of sharp-edged blades or barbs attached to a high-tensile wire. It is primarily used for security and perimeter protection purposes. Razor wire is designed to deter and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. Here are some key characteristics and uses of razor wire:

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Razor Coils

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Razor Coils

When most people think of security fencing, chances are they imagine them with razor coils. Razor coils are certainly an effective barrier (although, like any type of fencing, they're not completely infallible.) But since razor coils are so rare in Canada, many people don't know too much about them aside from that. So we've put togehter some interesting facts about razor coils so you can take a "crash course."

1. It's Hard to Get Permission to Install Them

Razor coils can be very dangerous to people and animals. Which is why you can't just install them wherever you like in Canada. You will need to get special permission to install razor coils in Canada, and it's quite difficult to get. Razor coils are mostly used on correctional facilities and military sites, with government permission, and in very remote locations. Even then, they are positioned very high up, or on the inside of other kinds of fencing, so there's very little chance anyone would accidentally come into contact with them. Don't try to install razor coils until you have permission! You might get a fine.

2. There Are Several Kinds of Razor Coils

Razor coils are used all over the world, and although we mostly use what is called "BTC" in Canada, there are other kinds. Razor coil types include:

BTC or Barbed Tape Concertina, which is the round razor coils we seem most often in Canada. They're made of interconnected spirals of razor wire, which gives them the "concertina" shape they're named for.

Flatwrap which is a two dimensional razor coil. The razor wire is wound to create a spiral and then clipped where the wires intersect, but unlike BTC, this is not a three dimensional coil. Which allows it to be tied directly onto fence mesh.

Electrocoils are a type of BTC coils that have electric fence insulators and wire inside the actual coil. Thes can be connected to a fence energiser, so you not only have razor coils, but an electric current inside the coil. These are used on high security prisons in some parts of the world, where there are zoned electric fences that are monitored from a central command station or guardhouse.

Razor mesh is not exactly a coil, but it's made of the same material. Razor mesh is supplied in large sheets of diamond mesh made from razor wire.

Most of these types of razor mesh are not available and not commonly used in Canada, but it's worth knowing that they exist.

3. Made from Different Materials

You might think that razor coils are only available in galvanized steel, and that's the most common material in Canada. But razor coils are also made in materials like stainless steel, in grades 304 and 316, and sometimes, a stainless steel barb strip is wrapped around a galvanized wire core.

In most cases, you will see Canadian razor wire specifications calling for "galv/galv" which means a galvanized razor strip wound around a galvanized core wire.

4. Various Diameters

Razor coils come in different sizes, and because of their shape, that is usually measured based on the diameter of the coil. The most common sizes for razor coils are 450mm or 18", 700mm or 28", and 980mm or 39". The diameter of the coil is also based on the amount it is stretched. So of course, if the coil is stretched more or less, the diameter will change.

5. Razor Styles

Another thing you probably don't know about razor coils is that there are different types of razor styles. The razor ribbon that wraps around the wire itself is available in short, medium and long barb, which refers to the length of the barb and the sharpness of the point.

6. Hazardous Installation

Many kinds of fencing can be installed as a DIY project - but never razor coils! Razor coils should only ever be installed by highly trained fence professionals, using the right tools and PPE.

7. Hazardous Waste

The last thing we're sharing about razor coils today is that they are also very hazardous to dispose of. Whether you have leftover coils on your site or you're taking down and replacing old coils, they need to be disposed of with the utmost care. Razor coils can be very dangerous and even deadly to people and animals, and they should never be disposed of in an ordinary landfill. Make sure that the coils are taken off site carefully, cut into pieces and disposed of at a metal recycling facility that is capable of disposing of them properly.

 

Rite-Way Fencing occassionally installs razor coils on high security fencing for various clients. If you have a project where you would like to install razor coils, and you want to know more, please contact your closest branch. We're always happy to help with information and budget pricing for your high security fence project.

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