Section 7.280. Cables

(a) Number required. At least two hoisting and two counterweight cables shall be provided on all new freight elevators raised and lowered by cables. At least three hoisting cables shall be used on new traction-type freight elevators. The operation of existing elevators having only one hoisting cable is prohibited unless the diameter and material of the cable is adequate to safely carry the maximum load with a factor of safety as designated in subsection (c), and if the elevator car is equipped with approved car safeties.

(b) Material and diameter. Hoisting and counterweight cables shall be made of iron or steel of good quality. The minimum diameter permitted for any type of cable is 1/2 inch. When different diameters of cables than those given in subsection (c) are necessary, they shall be computed on the same ratio as shown in that subsection. When the material of existing hoisting and counterweight cables is unknown, such cables shall be assumed to be of iron and the lifting capacity of the installation calculated accordingly.

(c) Factors of safety. No hoist or counterweight cable shall be stressed beyond a factor of safety as follows:

Cable Speed (in feet per minute)	Factor of Safty
50	6.65
100	7.00
150	7.30
200	7.65
250	7.90
300	8.20
350	8.45
400	8.70
450	8.90
500	9.15
600	9.50
700	9.80
800	10.00
900	10.15
1000	10.30
1200	10.50
1400	10.55
1500	10.55

(d) Cable fastenings. Only approved types of cable fastenings shall be used.

(e) Cables located outside of shaftways. When the installation of an elevator requires cables to pass through the floors outside of the elevator shaftways, they shall be boxed on all sides with solid enclosures, or standard metal guards shall be provided to a height of at least 6 feet.

(f) Diameters of sheaves and drums. The diameters of drums and sheaves in new installations shall be at least 40 times the diameter of the cable used, except for sidewalk elevators. Drum and sheave diameters in existing installations may be accepted, except where changes are considered necessary by the Department.

(g) Number of turns of cables. There shall be at least 1 1/2 wraps of hoisting and counterweight cables on the drums of freight elevators of the winding drum type when either the car or counterweights are at the limits of travel. The ends of the cables shall be clamped on the inside of the drum.

(h) Cable equalizers. Cables shall be provided with a means of equalizing. Drum-type elevators shall be provided with eveners. On existing installations the requirements for cable equalizers need not be complied with until the next cable renewal. Such equalizers shall be fastened in position by thrubolts, each bolt to be provided with a nut, locknut and cotterpin. Coil or helical springs, when used, shall be of a design which will not permit full compression under normal load.

(i) Reshackling. The car hoist and drum counterweights ropes of power-driven elevators having drum-type driving machines shall be reshackled every two years, except where auxiliary rope fastening devices are installed. Reshackling is required when the auxiliary rope fastener indicates failure of any rope fastening. Crosby clips and heart shackles shall be included. Two-to-one roped underslung drum elevators are exempted. A metal tag shall be placed on the rope to show the reshackling date and the person who performed the work.

(j) Metal data tags. A metal data tag shall be securely attached to one of the wire rope fastenings and a new tag shall be installed at each rope renewal. Data tag shall bear the following:

(1) The diameter in inches.

(2) The rated breaking strength, as rated by the manufacturer.

(3) The grade of material used.

(4) The month and year the ropes were installed.

(5) Whether the ropes were nonpreformed or performed.

(6) The construction classification.

(7) The name of the person or firm who installed the ropes.

(8) The name of the manufacturer of the rope.

The provisions of this § 7.280 amended through June 28, 1967.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.36 (relating to data plates and numbering); 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.295 (relating to hydraulic freight elevators).