How many broken wires in one strand of one lay are acceptable for running wire rope before it must be removed from service?

When operating with wire rope, it's crucial to adhere to safety standards to ensure the integrity and dependability of the equipment. The allowance for broken wires in one strand of one lay is a critical safety consideration. The permissible limit established by industry standards, including those referenced by the NCCCO, states that a maximum of three broken wires in one strand of one lay is acceptable before the wire rope must be removed from service.

This limit is based on the fact that broken wires can indicate wear and deterioration in the wire rope, potentially compromising its strength and safety. Allowing up to three broken wires helps account for normal wear while still ensuring that the wire rope remains capable of performing its intended function safely. Exceeding this limit could lead to failure and increased risk of accidents, thus highlighting the importance of regular inspections and adherence to these safety guidelines.