WIRE ROPE

INSPECTION OF WIRE ROPE AND

STRUCTURAL STRAND

Wire rope removal criteria are based on the use of steel

Inspection records

sheaves.  If synthetic sheaves are used, consult the

Frequent inspection no records required.

sheave or equipment manufacturer.

Periodic inspection: In order to establish data as a basis

One outer wire broken at the contact point with the core

for judging the proper time for replacement a signed report

of the rope which has worked its way out of the rope struc 

of rope condition at each periodic inspection should be

ture and protrudes or loops out from the rope structure.

kept on file.  This report should include points of deteriora 

Wear of one third the original diameter of outside 

tion previously described.

individual wires.

A long range inspection program should be established

Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or any other damage

and include records of examination of ropes removed from

resulting in dstortion of the rope structure. 

service so a relationship can be established between visu 

Evidence of any heat damage from any cause.

al observation and actual condition of the internal 

Valley breaks.

structure.

Reductions from nominal rope diameter of more than:

Galvanized Structural Wire Strand

Carefully conducted inspections performed and recorded

on a regular basis are necessary to ascertain the condition

Reduction of

Nominal Rope Diameters

of structural strand at various stages of its useful life.  The

object of inspection is to allow for removal of the strand

1/64"

Up to & inc. 5/16"

from service before its condition, as a result of usage,

1/32"

Over 5/16" thru 1/2"

could pose a hazard to continued normal operations.

3/64"

Over 1/2" thru 3/4"

The individual making the inspection should be familiar

1/16"

Over 3/4" thru 1 1/8"

with the operation, as his judgment is a most critical factor.

3/32"

Over 1 1/8"

Special care should be taken at end terminations or at

dampener devices, as these are generally the most critical

areas.

In standing ropes, more than two broken wires in one

Conditions such as corrosion, number, type and distribu 

lay in section beyond end connections or more than one 

tion of broken wires, and diameter reduction should be

broken wire at an end connection.

evaluated and compared with previous inspection results.

Replacement rope shall have a strength rating at least as

The actual condition of the strand and inspection history

great as the original rope furnished by the equipement

together can then be used to decide if continued use of

manufacturer or as originally specified.  Any deviation from

the product is advisable.

the original size, grade, or construction shall be specified

by the equipment manufacturer, original design engineer,

or a qualified person.

Note: Special methods and techniques may be used by 

wire rope engineers or qualified persons to determine 

the possible existence of internal corrosion or broken 

Ropes not in regular use

wires in structural strand or similar conditions which 

may exist out of sight in terminal connections. 

All rope which has been idle for a period of a month or

Example: Wire breaks may sometimes occur just inside 

more due to shutdown or storage of equipment on which it

the nose of the socket making visual inspection difficult. 

is installed should be given inspections as previously

Judgments on wire integrity can be made by tapping or 

sounding  the wire by a person exprienced in this 

inspection technique. If you have doubt about the method

to use for inspection or the condition of the strand or fitting,

contact your nearest West Coast Wire Rope location.

described before being placed in service.  This inspection

should be for all types of deterioration and should be per 

formed by an appointed or authorized person.

For further information on wire rope inspection refer

to the American Iron & Steel Institute's Wire Rope

Users Manual.

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