Choose Type A or Type B Static Rope?

Are you really clear enough about whether to choose Type A or Type B static rope?

For ropes with a "Kernmantel" structure (core + sheath), there are two important certification standards: EN892 and EN1891.

If you dissect the rope, you will find its "rope ID card". The information contained includes: year of production, manufacturer, certification standard, etc.

EN892 is the standard for dynamic ropes, while strictly speaking, EN1891 is not a standard for static ropes, but for semi-static ropes.

The elongation of semi-static ropes is generally between 2% and 5%, offering a certain ability to absorb impact, which is why they are widely used in rope access work.

Besides semi-static ropes, there is another category of static ropes with elongation below 2%, called very low elongation static ropes. Very low elongation static ropes are mostly used in lifting operations.

EN1891: A These ropes are designed for industrial rope access and rescue, with diameters between 10 and 16 millimeters.

EN1891: B These ropes have lower diameters and strength ratings than Type A ropes and are designed for specific applications and sporting environments, such as caving.

The EN1891 standard is divided into Type A and Type B.

Type A semi-static ropes generally have diameters between 10 and 16 mm and must have a minimum static strength of 22 kN. They are designed for use in industrial rope access and other fields. Although not explicitly stated in the standard, Type A semi-static ropes can be used for two-person loads, making them suitable for rescue environments.

In practical use of semi-static ropes, the possibility of a fall should be minimized, and the force on the semi-static rope should not exceed one-tenth of its rated static strength.

Type B semi-static ropes have both smaller diameters and lower strength ratings than Type A ropes. Because Type B semi-static ropes are cheaper and more lightweight, they are widely used in caving.

However, professional rescue teams should carefully distinguish and only choose Type A semi-static ropes for actual rescue operations.

As can be seen from the comparison, Type A semi-static ropes are superior to Type B ropes in terms of both static strength and overall strength. 

Furthermore, static ropes utilizing the special finishing technology from Qingdao Huakai Ocean Technology Co., Ltd. (Hailiya Group) offer even better parameters, higher abrasion resistance, and greater strength compared to ordinary Type A ropes.