6. Static Ropes
The term static rope is a generic description and sometimes misleading. Static ropes do actually have some elongation, and are interchangeably called low elongation or low-stretch ropes. The Cordage Institute definition from CI1801 of "low stretch rope" is a rope with an elongation greater than 6% and less than 10% at a minimum of 10% minimum breaking strength. Their definition of "static rope" is a rope with a maximum elongation of 6% at 10% of it's minimum breaking strength.

Static ropes are utilized in many areas of rope access, rescue and recreational climbing. The term static rope encompasses a variety of rope constructions and materials. Standards make the distinction between low stretch and static kernmantle ropes because some applications require some level of impact absorption, but not the high elongation of a dynamic rope. Some applications of rope rescue require no stretch or a very low level of elongation to provide the most efficient system. Our HTP Static(tm) is designed for applications where a very low level of elongation is desired, while the nylon SuperStatic(tm) is more suitable for circumstances that could demand impact absorption. Static ropes are generally used in rescues, rigging, rappelling, ascending, mechanical advantages/haul systems, fall restraint, and travel restraint applications.

6a. Testing/Standards For Static Rope:
In Europe Static Ropes are tested to European Norm (EN) 1891. In the United States, static ropes are usually tested to the National Fire Protection Association Standard "NFPA 1983", the standard for Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components. For testing procedure, the NFPA cites several standards written by the Cordage Institute. The Cordage Institute writes standards that cover a wide variety of rope and cord products in the United States. It is worth mentioning that the NFPA des not test ropes, they only write the standard. A third party organization (like Underwriters Laboratories) tests all ropes to NFPA specifications. Standard 1983 delineates rope into three major types.

Personal Escape Rope:
This standard requires that these ropes are a one-time use. Minimum Break Strength (MBS) must not be less than 13.5kN (3035 lbs), elongation must be between 1% and 10% when tested under a loads of 10% of the MBS, and the rope must have a diameter between 7.5mm and 9.5mm.

Light Use (formerly single person load):
MBS of not less than 20kN (4496 lbs), an elongation between 1% and 10% under load at 10% of MBS, and a diameter between 9.5mm and 13mm when measured under load.

General Use (formerly two person load):
MBS of not less than 40kN (8992 lbs), an elongation between 1% and 10% under load at 10% of MBS, and a diameter between 12.5mm and 16mm when measured under specified load.

All Life Safety ropes must be labeled according to NFPA standards and must maintain their color-fastness over a specified period of time. Labeling includes an inside ID tape, proper end labels and a lot number on the hangtag.

Next time we will work on answering Frequently Asked Questions.

Until next time, be safe and always dress your knots!

STERLING ROPE and AHS Rescue