What is the difference between Type-A and Type-B lines of semi-static ropes?
With semi-static ropes there is a difference between the Type-A and Type-B ropes.
The difference in Type-A and Type-B lines has to do with the quality/resistance.
A type A-line has a higher resistance and is therefore tested with a weight of 100KG, while a Type B-line is tested with a weight of 80KG.
Type-B safety lines are often cheaper in price but have a lower performance level than Type-A lines.
When using Type-B lines, more attention should be paid to signs of wear.
Below schematically the difference between the test results that Type A and B lines must meet as a minimum.
| Type | A | B |
| Diameter | 9-16mm | 9-16mm |
| Static resistance | 2200kg minimum | 2200kg minimum |
| Static resistance with "double eight" knot | 1500kg (3 minutes) | 1200kg (3 minutes) |
| Minimum number of rope break traps (interval 3 minutes) | 5 x fall factor 1 (test weight 100kg) | 5 x fall factor 1 (test weight 80kg) |
| Force / impact on body, carabiner and/or anchorage (fall factor 0.3) | < 6kN (test weight 100kg) | <6kN (test weight 80kg) |
| Elongation line (test weight between 50 & 150 kg) | <-5% | <-5% |
| Sheath shift | 20-50mm (depending on diameter) | 15mm maximum (0.66%) |
| Shrinkage rate in water* | No limit | No limit |
Source: http://www.beal-pro.com
*Before using a semi-static rope for the first time, it must be placed in a cold water immersion bath for 24 hours. This will cause the rope to shrink once and thus obtain its final length. Preferably, the rope is left on a roll during the dipping bath and also during drying.
See also: Information about rope: choice and maintenance
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