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How is the safe working load (SWL) of a wire rope defined?

  1. Breaking strength divided by safety factor

  2. Weight of the load divided by lifting speed

  3. Maximum load minus equipment weight

  4. Minimum load divided by tension

The correct answer is: Breaking strength divided by safety factor

The safe working load (SWL) of a wire rope is defined as the breaking strength divided by a safety factor. This approach ensures that the wire rope can handle a significant load while maintaining a margin of safety to account for unexpected stresses, wear, and environmental factors. The safety factor is determined based on industry standards and regulations, reflecting the reliability of the wire rope under normal operational conditions. In more detail, breaking strength refers to the maximum load that the wire rope can withstand before failing. By dividing this strength by a predetermined safety factor, which could vary depending on the application and usage conditions, operators can determine an appropriate SWL that ensures both safety and operational effectiveness. This calculation is crucial in lifting operations to prevent accidents due to equipment failure caused by overloading.