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IS 3988 : 1986PVC Coated Chain Link Fence Fabric - Specification

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ASTM F668 · BS EN 10223-6 · AS 2423
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationGeneral · Fencing, Gates and Barriers
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 3988:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for pvc coated chain link fence fabric - specification. This standard lays down the requirements for materials, dimensions, PVC coating thickness, and testing of PVC coated chain link fence fabric used for various fencing applications. It ensures the durability of fencing material by specifying galvanized core wires with adequate PVC jacketing.

Specifies requirements for PVC coated galvanized steel chain link fence fabric.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
General — Fencing, Gates and Barriers
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ASTM F668-23 · ASTM International, USABS EN 10223-6:2013 · BSI / CEN, UK / EuropeAS 2423-2002 · Standards Australia, Australia
Typically used with
IS 280IS 4826
Also on InfraLens for IS 3988
4Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure the core steel wire is hot-dip galvanized before PVC coating to prevent hidden subsurface rusting.
! PVC coating thickness should be verified by measuring the overall diameter, carefully stripping the PVC, measuring the core wire diameter, and calculating half the difference.
! Mesh size is measured as the clear distance between the parallel sides of the diamond shape.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5Mesh Sizes and Wire DiametersCl. 6PVC CoatingCl. 9Tests
Pulled from IS 3988:1986. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
PVCgalvanized steelchain linksteel wire

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM F668-23ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Other Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
Specifies requirements for PVC coated steel chain-link fence fabric, including material, fabrication, and coating properties.
BS EN 10223-6:2013BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
HighCurrent
Steel wire and wire products for fencing and netting - Part 6: Steel wire chain link fencing
Covers steel wire chain link fencing, including provisions for organic coatings like PVC over galvanized wire.
AS 2423-2002Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Coated steel wire fencing products for terrestrial, aquatic and general use
A broader standard covering various coated wire fencing products, with a specific section on chain-link mesh.
Key Differences
≠IS 3988 is a 1986 standard, while international equivalents like ASTM F668 are regularly updated (e.g., 2023), reflecting modern manufacturing processes, coating technologies, and testing methods.
≠ASTM F668 defines two classes of PVC coating: Class 1 (extruded) and Class 2 (fused and adhered), with different performance requirements. IS 3988 does not make this distinction, providing a single set of specifications.
≠The adhesion test methods differ. IS 3988 specifies a mandrel wrap test, while ASTM F668 requires a more stringent test involving an attempt to peel the coating with a knife after making a cut, with no peeling allowed.
≠Specified core wire diameters differ due to metric vs. imperial/gauge systems. IS 3988 uses metric sizes (e.g., 2.50 mm, 3.15 mm), while ASTM F668 uses wire gauges (e.g., 9 gauge / 3.76 mm, 11 gauge / 3.05 mm).
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the base material as steel wire that must be metallic-coated (typically zinc/galvanized) for corrosion resistance prior to the application of the PVC coating.
≈The fundamental construction of the fabric is identical across standards, defined as helically wound wires woven together to form a diamond (rhomboid) mesh.
≈All standards specify key dimensional parameters for the fabric, including wire diameter, mesh size, and fabric height, which are critical for interchangeability and application suitability.
≈The standards recognize and define common types of selvage (edge finish) for the fabric, primarily 'knuckled' (bent over) and 'twisted' (barbed), to suit different security requirements.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Core Wire Diameter2.50 mm, 2.80 mm, 3.15 mm3.76 mm (9 gauge), 3.05 mm (11 gauge)ASTM F668-23
Standard Mesh Size25, 40, 50, 75 mm25.4 mm (1 in), 50.8 mm (2 in)ASTM F668-23
Minimum PVC Coating Thickness0.40 mm (resulting in a 0.8 mm increase in total diameter)0.15 mm (for Class 2b, fused) or 0.38 mm (for Class 1, extruded)ASTM F668-23
Coating Adhesion TestNo cracking when wire is wrapped around a mandrel of its own diameter.Coating shall not be peelable from the steel when a knife is used to attempt lifting it.ASTM F668-23
Breaking Strength of Fabric (50mm mesh)Not explicitly defined for fabric, only for wire (ref IS 280).1290 lbf (5738 N) for 2-in. mesh, 9-gauge wire.ASTM F668-23
Core Wire Tensile StrengthRefers to IS 280 (350-500 MPa for soft grade).Typically 400-550 MPa, but can be >750 MPa for high tensile.BS EN 10223-6:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
core wire diameter range1.60 mm to 4.00 mm
mesh size range25 mm to 100 mm
minimum pvc coating thickness0.4 mm
tensile strength of core wire350 to 550 MPa

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Mesh Sizes and Wire Diameters
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Mesh Sizes and Wire Diameters
Clause 6 - PVC Coating
Clause 9 - Tests

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 280:2006Mild Steel Wire for General Engineering Purpo...
→
IS 4826:1979Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip with ...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the standard material for the core wire?+
Hot-dip galvanized mild steel wire conforming to IS 280 and IS 4826.
What is the minimum thickness required for the PVC coating?+
The PVC coating must have a minimum radial thickness of 0.4 mm.
What are the common mesh sizes specified?+
Common mesh sizes range from 25 mm up to 100 mm, depending on the required security and application.

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