Wire Rope Replacement Criteria

Tech tip 2
For more details, see ASME code/standard excerpts below (the applicable code/standard differs by jurisdiction and therefore we have
listed both ASME A17.1b-2009/B44b-09 and ASME A17.6-2010 information in this Tech Tip - local code always takes precedence).
The replacement criteria for steel wire ropes fall into four categories:
1) Crown breaks: The crown wires are those that make contact with
the sheave and they will show signs of abrasion. If enough abrasion
and/or rope fatigue due to bending takes place, the crown wires will
break. When using this criterion, an inspector is looking for the number of total crown wire breaks within a rope lay. A rope lay is approximately 6.5 times the diameter of the rope. For example, the rope lay

for 3/8 in 9.5 mm ropes is 2.44 in 62 mm, for 1/2 in 12.7 mm ropes
is 3.25 in 83 mm and for 5/8 in 15.9 mm ropes is 4.06 in 103 mm.
2) Valley breaks: The valley wires are located in the valleys of two
adjacent strands. They do not make contact with the sheave and
therefore should not experience abrasion. Valley breaks are attributed
to rope fatigue due to bending.
3) Diameter reduction: If the ropes reach a specified diameter reduction,
they should be replaced even if no crown or valley breaks are present.
4) Red dust or rouge: The existence of red dust, or rouge, is also a
factor in determining rope replacement.

excerpts from ASME A17.1b-2009/CSA B44b-09, part 8

8.11.2.1.3(cc) Wire Suspension and Compensating Ropes

(e) if there is more than one valley break per rope lay.

8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1) Wire suspension and compensating ropes shall be

replaced:

Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1) Wire Suspension and Compensation Ropes

Types of Wire Rope

A*

(a) if the broken wires are equally distributed among the strands,
when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the worst
section of the rope exceeds the values shown in column A of
Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1); or

6x19 class (6 strands w/ 16-26 wires/strand)

8x19 class (8 strands w/ 16-26 wires/strand)

24-30 8-12 12-20

32-40 10-16 16-24

(b) if the distribution of the broken wires is unequal, and broken

wires predominate in one or two strands, when the number of
broken wires per rope lay in the worst section of the rope exceeds
the values shown in column B of Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1); or

(c) if four or five wires, side by side, are broken across the crown
of any strand, when the number of broken wires per rope lay in
the worst section of rope exceeds values shown in column C of
Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1); or

(d) if in the judgment of the inspector, any unfavorable

condition, such as fretting corrosion (red dust or rouge), excessive
wear of individual wires in the strands, unequal tension, poor
sheave grooves, etc., exists, the criteria for broken wires will be
reduced by 50% of the values indicated in Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(1) for
any of the three conditions described above; or

B*

C*

*The upper limits may be used when inspections are made monthly by a
competent person.

8.11.2.1.3(cc)(2) On winding drum machines, the ropes shall be replaced:

(a) if the broken wires are equally distributed among the strands,
when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the worst section
of rope exceeds 12 to 18; or

(b) if wire breaks predominate in one or two strands, when the

number of broken wires per rope lay in the worst section of rope
exceeds 6 to 12; or

(c) if there is more than one valley break per rope lay.

8.11.2.1.3(cc)(3) On any type of elevator, the suspension, compensation

and governor ropes shall be replaced when their actual diameter is
reduced below the value shown in Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(3):

Draka Elevator
2151 N. Church Street | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 1-877-DRAKA EP (877-372-5237) | +1-252-984-5100 | Fax +1-252-972-6001
Technical information 1-877-408-4357 | www.drakaelevator.com

TECH TIP 02 0112

Reprinted from ASME A17.1b-2009/CSA B44b-09, Part 8 andA17.6-2010, Section 1.10 with permission of The American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. All rights reserved.

8.6.3.3 Replacement of Ropes Other than Governor Ropes

Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(3)
Nominal Size
inches
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
11/16
3/4
1

Maximum Reduced Diameter

inches decimal inches
11/32 0.344
13/32 0.406
15/32 0.469
17/32 0.531
37/64 0.578
41/64 0.641
45/64 0.703
15/16 0.938

8.6.3.2 Replacement of a Single Suspension Rope

If one rope of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement,
the entire set of ropes shall be replaced, except, where one rope has
been damaged during installation or acceptance testing prior to being
subjected to elevator service, it shall be permissible to replace a single
damaged rope with a new rope, provided that the requirements of
8.6.3.2.1 through 8.6.3.2.6 are met.
8.6.3.2.1 The wire rope data for the replacement rope must correspond
to the wire rope data specified in 2.20.2.2(a), (b), (c), (f), and (g) for the
other ropes.
8.6.3.2.2 The replacement rope shall be provided with a wire rope data
tag conforming to 2.20.2.2.
8.6.3.2.3 The suspension ropes, including the damaged rope, shall not
have been shortened since their original installation.
8.6.3.2.4 The diameter of any of the remaining ropes shall not be less
than the nominal diameter minus 0.4 mm (0.015 in.).
8.6.3.2.5 The tension of the new replacement rope shall be checked
and adjusted as necessary at semi-monthly intervals over a period of
not less than two months after installation. If proper equalization of
rope tension cannot be maintained after six months, the entire set of
hoist ropes shall be replaced.
8.6.3.2.6 The replacement rope shall be provided with the same type
of suspension-rope fastening used with the other ropes.

When using a caliper

to measure wire rope,
measure from
crown to crown...

8.6.3.3.1 Replacement of all ropes, except governor ropes (see 8.6.3.4)

shall conform to the following:

(a) Replacement ropes shall be as specified by the original

elevator manufacturer or be at least equivalent in strength,
weight, and design.

(b) Ropes that have been previously used in another installation

shall not be reused.

(c) When replacing suspension, compensating, and car or drum

counterweight ropes, all ropes in a set shall be replaced, except as
permitted by 8.6.3.2.

(d) The ropes in the set shall be new, all from the same
manufacturer, and of the same material, grade, construction, and
diameter.

NOTE: ASME A17.1/CSA B44 does not require that the ropes be
from the same master reel.

(e) Data tags conforming to 2.20.2.2 shall be applied.

(f) Suspension, car, and drum counterweight rope fastenings shall

conform to 2.20.9.

8.6.3.4 Replacement of Governor or Safety Rope

8.6.3.4.1 Governor ropes shall be of the same size, material, and construction as the rope specified by the governor manufacturer, except
that a rope of the same size but of different material or construction
shall be permitted to be installed in conformance with 8.7.2.19.
8.6.3.4.2 The replaced governor ropes shall comply with 2.18.5.
8.6.3.4.3 After a governor rope is replaced, the governor pull-through
force shall be checked as specified in 8.11.2.3.2(b).
8.6.3.4.4 A test tag indicating the date when the pull-through test
was performed shall be attached.
NOTE: Some in the industry believe that all ropes for an installation
must be cut from the same master reel. This is not stated in ASME
A17.1/CSA B44.

...and not from

valley to valley.

YES

NO

Draka Elevator
2151 N. Church Street | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 1-877-DRAKA EP (877-372-5237) | +1-252-984-5100 | Fax +1-252-972-6001
Technical information 1-877-408-4357 | www.drakaelevator.com

TECH TIP 02 0112

Excerpts from ASME A17.6-2010, Section 1.10

wires in the strands, unequal tension, poor sheave grooves; the

criteria for broken crown wires shall be the values indicated in the
Unfavorable Wear Conditions, second column of Table 1.10.1.2-1
for any of the conditions described above

(e) if red dust or rouge exists, the criteria for broken wires shall be
the values indicated in the Rope Showing Rouge, third column
of Table 1.10.1.2-1 for any of the conditions described above

(f) if there is more than one valley break per rope lay

1.10.1 Traction Drive Machines

1.10.1.1 Replacement requirements for steel wire suspension ropes for
traction elevators shall be as follows (see Nonmandatory Appendix A):

(g) if there are any valley breaks at any location where rouge exists
1.10.1.2.1 The elevator manufacturer using information from the
rope manufacturer and considering the application, shall establish
the design life limit to ensure that the residual strength of wire
ropes less than 8 mm (0.315 in.) diameter is not less than 60% of
the minimum breaking force at the time of replacement.

(a) The steel wire rope(s) shall be replaced if the rope is

permanently kinked, bent, or deformed in any way (see 1.10.5).

1.10.1.2.2 Steel wire ropes of less than 8 mm (0.315 in.) in diameter

shall be replaced when there is evidence of rouge.

(b) For rope diameters equal to or greater than 8 mm (0.315 in.),

the ropes shall be replaced in accordance with 1.10.1.2(a) through
1.10.1.2(g) and 1.10.3.

(c) For rope diameters less than 8 mm (0.315 in.), the ropes shall
be replaced in accordance with 1.10.1.2(a) through (g), 1.10.1.2.1 and
1.10.1.2.2, and 1.10.3. In addition, other replacement criteria based
on the application shall be permitted to be applied. The
replacement criteria shall be documented in the Maintenance
Control Program (see ASME A17.1/CSA B44, requirement 8.6.1.4.1).

Table 1.10.1.2-1 Wire Breaks: Crown Wire Breaks Per Lay Length
6-Strand
Normal
Unfavorable Ropes
Rope Applications
Wear
Wear
Showing

Conditions Conditions Rouge

(2) Where ropes are subjected to reverse bends or where ropes are
installed on nonmetallic sheaves or sheaves with nonmetallic liners
or inserts, extra attention must be given to the rope due to possible
acceleration of valley breaks.

1.10.1.2 Criteria for replacement include at least one of the following:

(a) if the broken crown wires are equally distributed among the
strands, when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the
worst section of rope exceeds the values shown in the Normal
Wear Conditions, first column of Table 1.10.1.2-1

(b) if the distribution of breaks is unequal and broken crown wires

predominate in one or two strands, when the number of broken
wires per rope lay in the worst section of rope or the minimum
diameter exceeds the values shown in the Normal Wear
Conditions, first column of Table 1.10.1.2-1

(c) if four wires, side by side, are broken across the crown of any
strand, when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the worst
section of rope exceeds the values shown in the Normal Wear
Conditions, first column of Table 1.10.1.2-1

(d) if an unfavorable condition exists, such as but not limited to

corrosion due to external conditions, excessive wear of individual

Distributed breaks (max.)

Unequal breaks (max.)
4 Side-by-Side breaks

24
8
12

12
4
6

12
4
6

8- and 9-Strand
Rope Applications

Normal
Wear
Conditions

Unfavorable Ropes
Wear
Showing
Conditions Rouge

Distributed breaks (max.)

Unequal breaks (max.)
4 Side-by-Side breaks

32
10
16

16
5
8

16
5
8

GENERAL NOTES:
(a) Where ropes are subjected to reverse bends or where ropes are installed on nonmetallic coated, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic sheaves
or sheaves with nonmetallic liners or inserts, extra attention must be
given to any steel wire rope (6, 8, or 9 strand) due to possible acceleration of valley breaks.
(b) This table does not apply to Winding Drum Machines. See 1.10.2
for replacement criteria.
(c) No more than one valley break per lay length and no valley breaks
allowed if visible rouge.
(d) For ropes less than 8 mm, also see 1.10.1.2.2 for additional replacement requirements.

Draka Elevator
2151 N. Church Street | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 1-877-DRAKA EP (877-372-5237) | +1-252-984-5100 | Fax +1-252-972-6001
Technical information 1-877-408-4357 | www.drakaelevator.com

TECH TIP 02 0112

Notes:
(1) Replacement criteria for steel wire rope are based on the worst
conditions of diameter and wire breaks. Crown wires are subject to
both wear that reduces the diameter of the rope and the breaks that
occur in the wear area. Breaks that are visible and occur outside of the
crown wear area with the crown wire intact are called valley breaks.

1.10.2 Winding Drum Machines

Suspension ropes shall be replaced on winding drum machines if:

1.10.4.4 The ropes in the set shall be new, all from the same manufacturer and of the same material, grade, construction, and diameter.

(a) the broken crown wires are equally distributed among the
strands, when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the
worst section of rope exceeds 12;

1.10.4.5 Data tags conforming to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, requirement

2.20.2.2 shall be applied.

(b) the broken crown wires predominate in one or two strands,

when the number of broken wires per rope lay in the worst section
of rope exceeds 6;

(c) there is more than one valley break per rope lay; or

(d) there are any valley breaks at any location where rouge exists.

1.10.3 All Elevator Types

The suspension, compensation, and governor ropes shall be replaced
when their actual diameter is reduced below the value shown in Table
1.10.3-1 (see next page). For nominal diameters not listed in Table
1.10.3-1, the minimum diameter reduction shall be calculated using
the criteria outlined in General Notes (a) and (b) of Table 1.10.3-1. Normal wear diameters, unfavorable wear, and rouge conditions as listed
in the table shall apply. Compensation and governor ropes shall also
conform to 1.10.1.1(a) and 1.10.1.2(a) through 1.10.1.2(g).
Measurement for diameter shall be taken on a straight portion of
rope at the worst location. Two measurements at the same position
at right angles shall be taken. The ropes shall be replaced if both of
these measurements are below the replacement value. However, if
only one of the measurements is below the replacement value, then
the criteria for wire breaks under Unfavorable Wear Conditions shall
apply. See Table 1.10.1.2-1.
1.10.4 Replacement of Ropes
Replacement of all ropes, except governor ropes (see ASME A17.1/
CSA B44, requirement 8.6.3.4), shall conform to the requirements of
1.10.4.1 through 1.10.4.6.
1.10.4.1 Replacement ropes shall be as specified by the original elevator manufacturer or be at least equivalent in strength, weight, and
design.
1.10.4.2 Ropes that have previously been installed and used on another installation shall not be reused.

1.10.4.6 Suspension, car, and drum counterweight rope fastenings

shall conform to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, requirement 2.20.9.
1.10.5 Replacement of a Single Suspension Rope
If one rope of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement,
the entire set of ropes shall be replaced; except, where one rope has
been damaged during installation or acceptance testing prior to being
subjected to elevator service, it shall be permissible to replace a single
damaged rope with a new rope provided that the requirements of
1.10.4.4 and 1.10.5.1 through 1.10.5.1.6 are met. NOTE: Damage includes
but is not limited to kinked ropes.
1.10.5.1 The steel wire rope data for the replacement rope must correspond to the steel wire rope data specified in ASMEA17.1/CSA B44,
requirement 2.20.2.2.
1.10.5.2 The replacement rope shall be provided with a data tag conforming to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, requirement 2.20.2.2.
1.10.5.3 The suspension ropes, including the damaged rope, shall not
have been shortened since their original installation.
1.10.5.4 The diameter of any of the remaining ropes shall not be less
than the nominal diameter minus 0.4 mm (0.015 in.).
1.10.5.5 The tension of the new replacement rope shall be checked
and adjusted as necessary at semi-monthly intervals over a period of
not less than 2 months after installation. If proper equalization of the
rope tension cannot be maintained after 6 months, the entire set of
suspension ropes shall be replaced.
1.10.5.6 The replacement rope shall be provided with the same type of
suspension rope fastening used with the other ropes.
NOTE: Some in the industry believe that all ropes for an installation
must be cut from the same master reel. This is not stated in ASME
A17.6.

Draka Elevator
2151 N. Church Street | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 1-877-DRAKA EP (877-372-5237) | +1-252-984-5100 | Fax +1-252-972-6001
Technical information 1-877-408-4357 | www.drakaelevator.com

TECH TIP 02 0112

1.10.4.3 When replacing suspension, compensating, and car or drum

counterweight ropes, all ropes in a set shall be replaced, except as
permitted by 1.10.5.

Table 1.10.3-1 Imperial Minimum Diameter

6-, 8-, and 9-Strand Rope Applications
Nominal
Rope Size

14 in.
516 in.
38 in.
716 in.
12 in.
916 in.
58 in.
1116 in.
34 in.
1316 in.
78 in.
1516 in.
1 in.
1 18 in.
1 14 in.
1 38 in.
1 12 in.

Table 1.10.3-1 Metric Minimum Diameter

6-, 8-, and 9-Strand Rope Applications

Normal
Wear
Conditions

Unfavorable
Wear
Conditions

Ropes
Showing
Rouge

Nominal
Rope Size

Normal
Wear
Conditions

Unfavorable
Wear
Conditions

Ropes
Showing
Rouge

0.242 in.
0.303 in.
0.352 in.
0.410 in.
0.469 in.
0.527 in.
0.586 in.
0.645 in.
0.703 in.
0.762 in.
0.820 in.
0.879 in.
0.938 in.
1.055 in.
1.172 in.
1.289 in.
1.406 in.

0.242 in.
0.303 in.
0.352 in.
0.410 in.
0.469 in.
0.527 in.
0.586 in.
0.645 in.
0.703 in.
0.762 in.
0.820 in.
0.879 in.
0.938 in.
1.055 in.
1.172 in.
1.289 in.
1.406 in.

Note (1)
Note (1)
0.363 in.
0.424 in.
0.484 in.
0.545 in.
0.605 in.
0.666 in.
0.727 in.
0.787 in.
0.848 in.
0.908 in.
0.969 in.
1.090 in.
1.211 in.
1.332 in.
1.453 in.

4 mm
5 mm
6 mm
6.5 mm
6.7 mm
8 mm
9 mm
10 mm
11 mm
12 mm
13 mm
14 mm
15 mm
16 mm
18 mm
19 mm
20 mm
22 mm

3.875 mm
4.844 mm
5.813 mm
6.297 mm
6.491 mm
7.500 mm
8.438 mm
9.375 mm
10.31 mm
11.25 mm
12.19 mm
13.13 mm
14.06 mm
15.00 mm
16.88 mm
17.81 mm
18.75 mm
20.63 mm

3.875 mm
4.844 mm
5.813 mm
6.297 mm
6.491 mm
7.500 mm
8.438 mm
9.375 mm
10.31 mm
11.25 mm
12.19 mm
13.13 mm
14.06 mm
15.00 mm
16.88 mm
17.81 mm
18.75 mm
20.63 mm

Note (1)
Note (1)
Note (1)
Note (1)
Note (1)
7.750 mm
8.719 mm
9.688 mm
10.66 mm
11.63 mm
12.59 mm
13.56 mm
14.53 mm
15.50 mm
17.44 mm
18.41 mm
19.38 mm
21.31 mm

Draka Elevator Products

2151 N. Church Street | Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | 1-877-DRAKA EP (877-372-5237) | +1-252-984-5100 | Fax +1-252-972-6001
Technical information 1-877-408-4357 | www.drakaelevator.com

TECH TIP 02 0112

GENERAL NOTES:
(a) Maximum allowable diameter reduction below nominal for rope diameters less than 8 mm is 3.125%.
(b) Maximum allowable diameter reduction below nominal for rope diameters equal to or greater than 8 mm are as follows:
(1) Normal wear or unfavorable wear conditions is 6.25%.
(2) Ropes showing rouge is 3.125%.
NOTE: (1) For ropes less than 8 mm, the rope must be replaced if rouge is evident. See 1.10.1.2.2.