According to ASME B30.3, how many randomly broken wires must there be to remove a running wire rope from service?

Under ASME B30.3, the requirement for the number of randomly broken wires that necessitate the removal of a wire rope from service is established to ensure safety and reliability in lifting operations. The standard specifies that if 12 randomly broken wires are found in a single rope lay, this indicates significant wear or damage that compromises the integrity of the wire rope. This threshold is set to prevent accidents caused by the failure of the wire rope during operation, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance in ensuring safe lifting practices. The decision to set the limit at 12 wires reflects a conservative approach to safety, ensuring that operators maintain a high standard of vigilance when monitoring the condition of wire ropes in use.