Electro Galvanized vs. Hot Dip Galvanized Wire Rope & Steel Cable

A look at the differences in cost, corrosion-resistance, and suitable applications for galvanized wire rope and steel cable.

Steel strand can be used in the production of a variety of different products including wire rope, aircraft cable, and structural cable for bridge and building support. The construction of steel cable consists of thin steel wires that are stranded together to give the cable the perfect blend of strength and flexibility. Different constructions allow steel cable to be used in a number of different industrial, commercial, recreational, and military applications.

For extreme environments where exposure to moisture, salt water, or corrosive or caustic chemicals is possible, the correct type of stainless steel cable is the preferred choice. For most applications, a galvanized zinc coating will offer some form of corrosion resistance and still provide the strength and flexibility characteristics desired by the end-user.

However, the term “galvanized” can be confusing for the end-user as there are a number of options for providing protection to the base metal. In this article, we’ll be reviewing two different galvanization processes—electro galvanization and hot dip galvanization. There are a number of cable distributors who carry one type of product and mark it as “galvanized,” but don’t specify whether it’s electro galvanized or a hot dip galvanized product. This can lead to confusion for the end-user when they’re comparing galvanized cable quotes because the price and corrosion-resistance can vary between products of equal specifications.

At LKS, we stock and distribute wire rope and cable in stainless, electro galvanized, and hot dip galvanized coatings. Our goal for this article is to explain the differences between the two types of galvanized coatings, and identify the advantages, disadvantages, and proper applications for each product type.