The working load limit is abbreviated as WLL, and the safe working load is abbreviated as SWL. WLL and SWL are mechanical terminologies that are frequently used in engineering.
The working load limit was previously known as the safe working load.
Key Takeaways
- Working Load Limit (WLL) represents the maximum load a lifting device or equipment can safely handle, while Safe Working Load (SWL) is an older term used interchangeably with WLL.
- WLL is based on the strength of the device or equipment and considers various factors, such as design, material, and safety factors. In contrast, SWL is calculated as a fixed percentage of the breaking strength.
- Modern safety standards and guidelines emphasize using WLL instead of SWL to ensure more accurate and reliable information regarding lifting devices and equipment capacity.
WLL vs SWL
The difference between WLL and SWL is that the working load limit was previously known as the safe working load, hence the term WLL is in usage, whereas the term SWL has been out of use for a long time.
WLL is defined as the maximum force or mass authorized for an item to maintain normal service during the application of pull. The working load limit, or WLL, associated with the lifting equipment highly depends on the manufacturer’s skills and competency.
They can identify the value of the WLL.
The definition of a safe working load is the product’s breakdown capacity multiplied by an acceptable security aspect, resulting in a secure capacity that may be carried. Nevertheless, it may be argued that the storage amount can no longer be estimated using SWL.
It is impossible to identify it because the SWL is deemed to be substantially ambiguous and is held exposed for liability purposes.
Comparison Table
| Parameters for comparison | WLL | SWL |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | WLL stands for Working Load Limit. | SWL stands for Safe Working Load. |
| Term usage | The term WLL is currently in use. | SWL or the Safe Working Load is an outdated term. |
| Usage | It refers to the highest limit of mass or weight that is permitted that can be carried by the rigging under general circumstances. | The definition of a safe working load is the product’s breakdown capacity multiplied by an acceptable security aspect, resulting in a secure capacity that may be carried. |
| Fuction | The working load limit is the machine’s maximum force in general. | The safe working load varies by task. |
| Amount of pressure it can withstand | The WLL is the optimum pressure that a machine may withstand | the SWL is the pressure that is calculated while taking into consideration particular conditions. |
What is WLL?
The full form of WLL is known as the “working load limit.”. It refers to the highest limit of mass or weight that is permitted that can be carried by the rigging under general circumstances.
As an example, we may say that a strap having a working load limit of approximately 6,000 pounds must not be applied for securing any weight that is more than 6,000 pounds since it extends the weight that is rated. It is designed and sets the maximum limit for working load, which is described as WLL.
The working load is described as the force that is less than the force that is necessary for lifting equipment to yield or fail to a very large extent.
When MBL (minimum breaking strength) is divided by SF (or safety factor), we can calculate the working load limit. Because SWL is no longer used to determine maximum capacity, people are quickly adopting WLL as a replacement.
The WLL is considered to be one-third of the rated breaking strength. The strap associated with 6,000 pounds has 18,000 pounds of breaking strength.
The manufacturer should observe the small alterations that are responsible for changing the working load limit of lifting devices. factors such as the applied load, operation speed, number, size, or length, or line for each rope. The manufacturer should possess the ability to determine the accurate value of the working load limit for each of the lifting devices.
What is SWL?
The full form of SWL is known as “Safe working load.”. A safe working load can be described as the component associated with the breaking load that is divided by a reasonable factor, thereby providing a safe load that can be carried or even lifted up.
It can also be referred to as the amount of weight or load that can be carried by the lifting tool without tending to break or break.
It is safe to say that the engineers used SWL as an older term for WLL. However, it can be said that the maximum capacity cannot be determined with the help of SWL anymore.
For legal reasons, it cannot be identified as the SWL is considered to be largely vague and is left open.
The USA has legal standards for which it prohibits the usage of the terms “SWL” or “safe working load.” The terms “safe working load” and “normal working load” are interchangeable. This is a figure that is encountered on any piece of machinery.
It’s a number calculated by a qualified individual using a formula centered on the item’s least breaking capacity. The SWL, or safe working loaf, of a sling, is the most load that can be uplifted considering the reeving arrangement, the sling material’s SWL, and the termination method of the sling.
An SWL for a sling having a flexible wire rope of steel can be given. Sling SWL is equal to the SWL of rope material given in tonnes multiplied by the loading factor as well as the termination factor.
Main Differences Between WLL and SWL
- WLL stands for Working Load Limit, while SWL stands for Safe Working Load.
- The term “WLL” is still in use, whereas SWL is not.
- WLL is alternatively known as the Optimum Load Limit, while SWL is alternatively known as the Normal Working Limit.
- The working load limit is the machine’s maximum force in general, whereas the safe working load varies by task.
- The WLL is the optimum pressure that a machine may withstand, whereas the SWL is the pressure that is calculated while taking into consideration particular conditions.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519216301755
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886908000767
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
