What is the minimum number of broken wires in one strand in one lay that triggers removal from service?

What is the minimum number of broken wires in one strand in one lay that triggers removal from service?

• A. Two
• B. Seven
• C. Five
• D. Nine

Answer: (C)

Understanding when wire rope is too damaged to safely continue relies on how many wires are broken within a single strand at a single lay. If there are five broken wires in one strand in one lay, the rope should be removed from service because this level of localized damage significantly weakens the strand and markedly increases the risk of sudden failure under load. The restriction is set to catch dangerous internal damage before a break occurs, ensuring safer lifting operations. Fewer broken wires in a strand may not yet require removal, but five in one lay is the established limit.

Understanding when wire rope is too damaged to safely continue relies on how many wires are broken within a single strand at a single lay. If there are five broken wires in one strand in one lay, the rope should be removed from service because this level of localized damage significantly weakens the strand and markedly increases the risk of sudden failure under load. The restriction is set to catch dangerous internal damage before a break occurs, ensuring safer lifting operations. Fewer broken wires in a strand may not yet require removal, but five in one lay is the established limit.