The SWL or safe working load of a wire can be downgraded due to being old, worn, or in poor condition.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not applicable
• D. Unknown

Answer: (A)

Safe working load isn’t a fixed number that stays the same regardless of condition. A wire rope’s strength can be reduced by age, wear, corrosion, broken wires, crushing, kinks, and other damage. When deterioration is present, the remaining strength is lower, so the SWL must be downgraded to reflect that reduced capacity and maintain a safe margin under load. Regular inspection and manufacturer guidelines provide the factors or charts used to determine the new, lower SWL. In short, aging or damaged wire can require reducing its safe working load.