Wire rope should be replaced if wear in the outer strand wires exceeds what fraction of the original diameter?

Wire rope should be replaced if wear in the outer strand wires exceeds what fraction of the original diameter?

• A. 1/4
• B. 1/2
• C. 2/3
• D. 1/3 of the original diameter

Answer: (D)

Excess wear in the outer strands means the rope has lost a significant portion of its cross‑section and strength. The standard safety limit is when this wear reaches one‑third of the original diameter. At that point the remaining strands and core can no longer reliably carry the required load, and the risk of sudden failure increases, so the rope should be retired from service. Smaller fractions would retire the rope too early, while larger fractions would allow too much wear to accumulate before replacement, undermining safety.

Excess wear in the outer strands means the rope has lost a significant portion of its cross‑section and strength. The standard safety limit is when this wear reaches one‑third of the original diameter. At that point the remaining strands and core can no longer reliably carry the required load, and the risk of sudden failure increases, so the rope should be retired from service. Smaller fractions would retire the rope too early, while larger fractions would allow too much wear to accumulate before replacement, undermining safety.