Design Factors & Ratings

WORKING LOAD LIMIT (W.L.L.)

The maximum mass or force which the product is authorized to support in general service when the pull is applied in-line; unless otherwise, with respect to the centerline of the product.

ULTIMATE LOAD (U.L.)

The average load or force at which the product fails or no longer supports the load.

DESIGN FACTOR

An industry term denoting a product’s theoretical capability; usually computed by dividing the catalog ultimate load by the Working Load Limit. Generally expressed as a ration;

e.g. 4 to 1 or 5 to 1- 4:1 or 5:1

TO FIND THE ULTIMATE LOAD – MULTIPLY THE WORKING LOAD LIMIT BY THE DESIGN FACTOR.

W.L.L. 7,100 lbs X D.F. 4:1 = U.L. 28,400 lbs

TO FIND THE WORKING LOAD LIMIT – DIVIDE THE ULTIMATE LOAD BY THE DESIGN FACTOR.

U.L. 28,400 lbs ÷ D.F. 4:1 = W.L.L. 7,100 lbs