Africa's Number One Wire Rope Steel Distributor: Sizes, Breaking Loads and How to Choose the Right Diameter

CML SARL (Cameroon Maritime Logistics) aims to be Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor, supplying from Douala to ports, mines and industries across Central and West A...

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CML SARL (Cameroon Maritime Logistics) aims to be **Africa's number one wire rope steel distributor**, supplying from Douala to ports, mines and industries across Central and West Africa with quality steel wire rope and complete rigging solutions. How strong is a 16 mm wire rope? Which diameter do you need for a 5 tonne load? This article answers these questions with tables and the selection method used by CML SARL. ### How to select the diameter The basic rule is: **Minimum breaking load required = maximum line pull x design factor**. The line pull depends on the load, the number of falls and the efficiency of the sheaves. The design factor depends on the application and the applicable regulations. Finally, the rope must fit the drum grooves and sheaves of your equipment. ### Indicative Minimum Breaking Loads (6x36) | Diameter | Min. breaking load, FC, grade 1770 | Min. breaking load, IWRC, grade 1960 | Approx. mass (IWRC) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 8 mm | 37.4 kN | 44.7 kN | 0.26 kg/m | | 10 mm | 58.4 kN | 69.8 kN | 0.40 kg/m | | 12 mm | 84.1 kN | 100.5 kN | 0.58 kg/m | | 14 mm | 114.5 kN | 136.8 kN | 0.79 kg/m | | 16 mm | 149.5 kN | 178.6 kN | 1.03 kg/m | | 18 mm | 189.2 kN | 226.1 kN | 1.31 kg/m | | 20 mm | 233.6 kN | 279.1 kN | 1.61 kg/m | | 22 mm | 282.7 kN | 337.7 kN | 1.95 kg/m | | 24 mm | 336.4 kN | 401.9 kN | 2.32 kg/m | | 26 mm | 394.9 kN | 471.7 kN | 2.72 kg/m | | 28 mm | 457.9 kN | 547 kN | 3.16 kg/m | | 32 mm | 598.1 kN | 714.5 kN | 4.13 kg/m | | 36 mm |...