The elevator wire rope is the core component connecting the elevator car and the counterweight, and it is wound around the traction sheave. It relies on friction to drive the elevator to move smoothly up and down, bearing the entire dynamic load.
Currently, the mandatory national standard GB 8903 is in effect, while other international standards include ISO 4344 EN 12385-5 and JIS G3525, which impose stricter requirements on product quality.
Steel wire ropes are typically composed of wires, strands, and a core.
8-strand elevator rope: compared to 6-strand elevator rope, it offers better flexibility and is commonly used for elevator traction ropes. For example, 8×19S-NFC and 8×19S-IWRC
6-strand rope: offers greater abrasion resistance. While some older elevator models use 6-strand steel wire ropes for traction, it is primarily used for over-speed governor ropes. For example, 6×19S-SFC and 8×19S-SFC
Seale strand: features a thicker outer layer of steel wires for increased abrasion resistance and a thinner inner layer for enhanced flexibility; this is currently the mainstream choice of most elevator manufacturers
Warington strand: features two types of outer steel wires, with the thicker wires located in the grooves of the inner wires, and the thinner wires positioned between the two thicker wires. It is more flexible than the seale strand, but its abrasion resistance is not as good.
Fiber core (FC): typically made of sisal or synthetic fibers. It has good flexibility and high oil content, acting like a "mini oil depot" to store lubricating oil, making it suitable for normal environments. Elevator traction ropes usually use sisal cores, while elevator over-speed governor ropes typically use synthetic fiber cores(pp).
Steel core (IWRC): offers high structural stability and minimum breaking load. It is more stable when subjected to sheave groove compression, making it suitable for high-rise, high-speed elevator traction ropes.
Composite steel core (CSC): offers high structural stability and minimum breaking load, more flexible and better oil storage performance than IWRC, making it suitable for high-rise, high-speed elevator traction ropes.
In most of cases, during elevator maintenance, it is sufficient to select the same type of steel wire rope as previously used.
| rope construction | elevator lifting speed | elevator traveling height |
| 8×19S-FC | ≤ 2.0 m/s | ≤80 m |
| 8×19S-IWRC | ≤ 4.0 m/s | ≤ 200 m |
| 8×19S-CSC | ≤ 4.0 m/s | ≤ 200 m |
| 9×19S-IWRC | ＞ 4.0 m/s | ＞ 200 m |
| 9×19S-CSC | ＞ 4.0 m/s | ＞ 200 m |
European and American elevator manufacturers typically use 1370/1770, 1570, and 1570/1770 for elevator traction ropes.1770 is commonly used for elevator over-speed governors.
Japanese and Korean elevator manufacturers typically use 1620/1770 and 1620 for elevator traction ropes.1320/1620 and 1320/1770 are commonly used for elevator over-speed governors.
According to national standards, elevator wire rope must have sufficient redundancy:
Three or more steel wire ropes: safety factor ≥ 12.
Tow or more steel wire ropes ≥ 16.
This mean even in the event of an accident, the remaining steel wire ropes are sufficient to hold the car and prevent it from falling.
Drawer diameter ratio (D/d):
For elevator traction ropes with fiber core, the ratio of the traction sheave diameter to the steel wire rope diameter should generally be ≥40.
For elevator traction ropes with steel core or composite steel core, the ratio should generally be ≥45.
A smaller drawer diameter ratio will cause excessive bending of the wire rope, leading to a sharp reduction in its fatigue life.
Nominal diameter:
Generally, a minimum of 8mm is required to ensure the foundation's load-bearing capacity.
For villa elevators or machine-room-less elevators, a minimum of 6mm is generally required.
Elevator wire ropes should be thoroughly inspected every six months (more frequently if used for more than 3 years).
Observe the following items:
1. wear: A 7% reduction in diameter indicates the rope should be scrapped.
2. broken wires: Check if the number of broken wires is within the allowable limit.
3. corrosion and deformation: Observe for twisting, wavy deformation, or severe corrosion. If obvious rust is found, maintenance should be performed using elevator rope care oil.