Elevator Mechanic Practice Exam

What is the effect when you change a sling angle from 60 degrees to 30 degrees?

1. Increased capacity, less tension, and higher risk

2. Equal tension and capacity

3. Less tension, more capacity, and lower risk

4. More tension, less capacity, and higher risk

The correct answer is: More tension, less capacity, and higher risk

Changing the sling angle from 60 degrees to 30 degrees impacts the distribution of forces acting on the rigging system. When the angle is reduced to 30 degrees, it increases the vertical load component that the sling must support, which leads to more tension in the sling. This is due to the fact that a lower angle causes a greater increase in horizontal force components, adding strain on the rigging equipment and potentially reducing its effective capacity. Additionally, the increased tension can lead to a higher risk of failure in the rigging system if it is not designed to handle the increased loads. This means that while you might have a decreased capacity for safe load limits, the tension in the sling gears up, raising concerns about safety and risk management. Thus, the response highlights the crucial relationship between angle, tension, capacity, and safety in lifting operations.