Wiring holds foundation taut in the frame and supports the drawn comb. It looks like a detail, but the system depends on it.

Why it is needed

• It keeps foundation straight. Slack foundation is drawn crooked
• It protects comb during extraction. Full comb can break under centrifugal force
• It gives strength in transport
• It prevents collapse in heat

Crooked comb ends the interchangeability of frames — that is, it destroys the entire gain of the movable-frame system.

The wire

Fine stainless or galvanised wire is used. Because it is in direct contact with honey it must resist corrosion.

The wire must be taut. A slack wire does nothing; pulled with a finger it should give clear resistance.

Eyelets

Small metal rings fitted into the holes the wire passes through. They stop the wire cutting into the timber and the hole enlarging.

A small component, but it markedly extends the life of a frame.

Wiring patterns

• Horizontal: The commonest; three or four rows along the frame
• Vertical: Preferred in some systems
• Diagonal: Extra support; laborious to fit

The number of rows depends on frame depth; deep frames need more support.

Embedding

Once the wire is fitted the foundation is placed and the wire embedded into it:

• Electric embedder: Heats the wire into the wax; fast and neat
• Spur embedder: Presses the wire in mechanically; cheap and simple

Over-heating cuts through the foundation; the setting needs care.

Alternatives to wiring

Plastic-based foundation needs no wiring, but the bees do not always accept it readily and it cannot be recovered by melting.

In comb honey production wire is not used; the product is sold cut.

Winter work

Wiring is done out of season. Having frames ready when the season starts saves time in spring.