How many randomly broken wires in a running wire rope necessitate its removal from service?

The standard for removing a running wire rope from service is based on the number of broken wires within a certain length of the rope. In this case, if six randomly broken wires are identified, that is the threshold that necessitates removal from service. This guideline helps ensure safety because having multiple broken wires can severely compromise the integrity and strength of the wire rope, leading to potential failure during operation.

In wire ropes, multiple broken wires can be indicative of wear or damage due to factors such as overloading, abrasion, fatigue, or corrosion. Therefore, recognizing the importance of this limit is critical for maintaining safe operating conditions. When the number of broken wires reaches six, it signals that the rope's strength and reliability are potentially compromised, warranting immediate attention and likely replacement to prevent accidents or equipment failure.