Standards

The basic specification for hot dip galvanized coatings on iron and steel articles is defined by a single standard,
EN ISO 1461 "Hot dip galvanized coatings on iron and steel articles - specifications and test methods".
The galvanizer acts as a specialist subcontractor to a steel fabricator and, as such, his contractual relationship
is with the fabricator, not with the ultimate user. It is important, therefore, that the user's requirements for
galvanizing are made clear to the fabricator and that all communications concerning galvanizing are channelled
through the fabricator. To ensure the best quality and technical back-up service, it should be stated that the
work be 'processed by a member of Galvanizers Association'.
When hot dip galvanizing is specified, the surface of the steel is completely covered with a uniform coating
whose thickness is determined principally by the thickness of the steel being galvanized (see below).
This is an important advantage of the galvanizing process; a standard coating thickness is applied almost
automatically. The actual thickness of galvanized coating achieved varies with steel section size, surface profile
and surface composition. Actual coating weights are often much more than the minimum specified in the
standard. As coating life expectancy figures quoted are based on the minimum coating thickness they are
therefore usually very conservative.
The requirements of EN ISO 1461 include cleaning and preparation of steelwork as well as galvanizing.
Guidance on the design for hot dip galvanizing is contained in EN ISO 14713-2 'Zinc coatings - Guidelines and
recommendations for the protection against corrosion of iron and steel in structures - Hot dip galvanizing' and
further guidance is available from Galvanizers Association. EN ISO 14713-1 'Zinc coatings - Guidelines and
recommendations for the protection against corrosion of iron and steel in structures - General principles of
design and corrosion resistance' contains data for performance of galvanized coatings.

Relationship between steel thickness and surface area/tonne


EN ISO 1461: coating minimum masses/thickness on articles that are not centrifuged


EN ISO 1461: coating minimum masses/ thickness on articles that are centrifuged
UK National Building Specification (NBS)
There are many references to specifying hot dip galvanizing throughout the National Building Specification
(NBS) system, the main location being G10 - Structural steel framing. General guidance on corrosion protection
is also given.
In the unlikely event of being unable to identify the correct clause for a particular galvanizing application, please
contact Galvanizers Association for specific advice.