How many broken wires are required in one strand of one lay for running wire rope to be removed from service?

The requirement for removing running wire rope from service is based on safety standards related to the integrity of the wire rope. If three broken wires are found in one strand of one lay, this indicates a significant loss of strength and potential compromise of the wire rope's structural integrity.

This standard is crucial because wire ropes are designed to withstand heavy loads, and the presence of broken wires can lead to catastrophic failures, especially in lifting applications such as with mobile cranes. Broken wires can result from wear, fatigue, corrosion, or overload, and their presence highlights that the rope may no longer be reliable.

While fewer broken wires in a strand may not necessitate immediate removal from service, reaching three broken wires signals that the rope is unsafe to continue using. The guidelines ensure that equipment operators can work safely, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries due to equipment failure.