What is the maximum number of broken wires acceptable before a standing wire rope needs to be replaced?

The acceptable number of broken wires in a standing wire rope is a critical safety measure in lifting operations. The standard that governs this typically allows for a maximum of 2 broken wires in a strand of a wire rope before it must be deemed necessary to replace the rope. This is because the presence of broken wires compromises the integrity and strength of the rope, increasing the risk of failure during lifting activities.

While having some broken wires may not immediately jeopardize safety, exceeding the threshold of 2 may lead to significant risks, particularly as wire ropes are subjected to stress during operation. Proper maintenance and inspection practices require that any standing wire rope with more than 2 broken wires is replaced to ensure a high level of safety for personnel and equipment.