IS 2266 covers steel wire ropes for general engineering — cranes, hoists, lifts, slings, guy wires, and structural cables. Specifies rope construction (6×7 to 6×61 strands), wire grades (1570-1960 MPa), and minimum breaking strengths. The most important specification for lifting and hoisting equipment in India.
Specification for steel wire ropes covering construction, sizes, breaking strength, and testing for general hoisting, hauling, and structural applications.
Key Values
6×19 FC 16mm MBL (1770 grade)~152 kN
6×36 IWRC 20mm MBL (1770 grade)~260 kN
Wire grade 1770Most common for cranes
Practical Notes
! 6×19 construction is standard for crane and hoist ropes — good balance of flexibility and abrasion resistance.
! 6×36 and 6×61 are more flexible — for multi-layer drum winding and smaller sheave diameters.
! IWRC (independent wire rope core) gives 7-10% more breaking strength than FC (fibre core).
! Wire ropes must be inspected monthly: check for broken wires (max 10% in one lay length), corrosion, kinks, and diameter reduction.
! Wire ropes must be condemned when: >10% broken wires, >3% diameter reduction, visible corrosion pitting, or kink damage.