When assessing wire rope, which condition indicates a potential failure?

When assessing wire rope, worn spots are a key indicator of potential failure. These worn areas can arise from excessive friction, abrasion, or other forms of wear that compromise the integrity of the wire rope. Worn spots typically indicate that the wire has lost material and strength at specific sections, making it unable to support loads as effectively as intended. This localized weakening can lead to catastrophic failure if not addressed, as it creates a point where the rope is much more likely to break under stress.

In contrast, conditions such as proper tension, minimal corrosion, and evenly distributed strands generally indicate that the wire rope is in good working condition. Proper tension ensures that the rope can effectively carry loads without excessive slack, while minimal corrosion suggests that the rope has been maintained in a way that prevents significant degradation from environmental factors. Evenly distributed strands indicate that the rope is balanced and likely to share loads evenly across its length, which is essential for its overall durability and reliability.