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Guy Strand (Guy Wire)
- EHS 1×7 is the go-to construction for distribution pole guys—3/8″ is one of the most commonly specified sizes.
Guy Strand (Guy Wire) — Utility-Ready Support for BC & Beyond
ASTM A475 • CSA G12 • EHS 1×7 & 1×19 • Class A/B/C Zinc • Zn-5% Al (A855) options
Proven at scale: We supply millions of feet of guy strand annually across Canada — including large utility projects in Quebec, Toronto Hydro, and SAS2 in Saskatchewan — and we’re bringing that same depth of stock, traceability and service to British Columbia.
What we supply
Constructions: 1×7 (standard), 1×19 (on request)
Grades: Utilities, High Strength, Extra High Strength (EHS)
Coatings: Hot-dip galvanized Class A/B/C (ASTM A475/CSA G12); Zn-5% Al (ASTM A855) for enhanced corrosion; Aluminum-coated (ASTM A474/B416) for severe coastal/salt-fog environments
Lay: Left-hand lay (utility/preform compatible)
Certs: Mill Test Certificates (MTC), Certificates of Conformance, heat/lot traceability; ISO 9001 manufacturing partners
Packaging: 250/500-ft coils; 2,500/5,000-ft reels; cut-to-length available
Standards we meet or supply against: ASTM A475, CSA G12 (Canada), ASTM A855 (Zn-5% Al), ASTM A474/B416 (aluminum-coated).
Quick Spec Table — EHS 1×7 (typical values)
| Nominal Size | Min. Breaking Strength (EHS) | Approx. Wt / 1000 ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6,650 lb | 121 lb | ASTM A475, Class A (typical) |
| 5/16″ | 11,200 lb | ~205–225 lb | Class A (heavier classes on request) |
| 3/8″ | 15,400 lb | 273 lb | Common utility pick (3/8″, 7-wire) |
| 7/16″ | 20,800 lb | 399 lb | |
| 1/2″ | 26,900 lb | 517 lb |
MBS values and weights are typical from published vendor data; final values depend on manufacturer & coating class.
| DIAMETER | APPROX. WEIGHT (LBS/FT) | MIN. BREAKING STRENGTH (LBS) | VANGUARD CODE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A475 CLASS A AND OR CAN/CSA-G12-92 | |||
| GRADE EXTRA-HIGH STRENGTH | |||
| 3/16 | .08 | 3,990 | 3501-5012 |
| 1/4" | .13 | 6,650 | 3501-5016 |
| 5/16" | .22 | 11,200 | 3501-5020 |
| 3/8" | .27 | 15,400 | 3501-5024 |
| 7/16" | .39 | 20,800 | 3501-5028 |
| 1/2" | .52 | 26,900 | 3501-5032 |
| 9/16" | .67 | 35,000 | 3501-5036 |
| 5/8" | .81 | 42,400 | 3501-5040 |
FAQs
Which standard does BC Hydro expect?
BC Hydro uses CSA/utility standards across distribution. For guying, asking for ASTM A475 or CSA G12, EHS, 1×7, Class A (or B/C) covers the baseline most utilities expect and aligns with public Canadian spec language. (Hydro One notes 3/8″, 7-wire, galvanized high-strength; SaskPower’s approved list specifies grade & class for guy wire stock.)
Coastal site — zinc Class C vs. Zn-5% Al?
Both are good upgrades. Class C is thicker zinc; Zn-5% Al (A855) gives superior long-term corrosion performance many suppliers promote for salt-fog/coastal sites. We can quote both.
What sizes do utilities order most?
1/4″ to 1/2″ range covers most distribution poles and small towers; 3/8″ EHS 1×7 is extremely common.
Safety Warning: Guying systems are tensioned load-bearing assemblies. Use only trained personnel and follow applicable standards/codes (e.g., ASTM/CSA, utility requirements, WorkSafeBC/OSHA), manufacturer instructions for fittings, and job-specific engineering. Never exceed rated tensions; stand clear of tensioned lines; de-tension before cutting; inspect components before use. Failure to follow safe practices can result in serious injury or death.
Technical & Legal Disclaimer: Product information on this page (including sizes, constructions, coatings, weights per length, and minimum breaking strength) is provided as general guidance. Values are nominal/typical and can vary by manufacturing source, coating class, and production lot. Final acceptance criteria must be taken from the shipment documentation—tags and the Mill Test Certificate (MTC)/Certificate of Conformance (CoC) control. This page is not a design guide or engineering instruction; selection and application remain the responsibility of the purchaser/owner’s engineer. Vanguard Steel Vancouver reserves the right to change specifications without notice and disclaims liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use or reliance on this information. All third-party trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions of Sale.