Overview - ISO 8794:2020 (Steel wire ropes - Spliced eye terminations for slings)
ISO 8794:2020 specifies minimum requirements and prototype test methods for spliced eye terminations used on steel wire rope slings. The standard covers acceptable splicing methods (hand and machine-aided), design performance targets and the prototype tests (tensile destruction and durability/fatigue) required for type acceptance of splice methods. It applies primarily to six-stranded round steel wire ropes with fibre or steel cores in ordinary lay (ISO 2408), although the methods can be used for other rope types where appropriate.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Splicing methods and annexes: Descriptions and procedures for
- hand-splicing of turn-back eyes (Annex A),
- hand-splicing of Flemish eyes (Annex B),
- machine-aided hand-splicing of turn-back eyes (Annex C).
- Splicing workmanship: Splices must be performed by qualified splicers; supplier responsibility for training and qualification is required.
- Tuck requirements: Typical splice requires at least five tucks per strand (with at least three full-strand tucks), or the specified alternative arrangement of tucks.
- Design breaking strength: A spliced eye termination must have a design breaking strength of at least 80% of the rope’s minimum breaking force (as per ISO 2408). If the steel core is incorporated with ≥3 tucks, it may be considered load-bearing.
- Prototype testing:
- Tensile test to destruction: Two tests on each of three representative rope sizes (small, mid, large). Tests at ambient 10–35 °C; apply up to 60% of design force quickly, then increase at ≤0.5% of design force rate until break. Eye geometry requirements (h ≥ 15·d, included angle 25°–35°) and minimum tail spacing are specified.
- Durability (fatigue) test: Six assemblies cycled between 15% and 30% of minimum breaking force, at ≤5 Hz, for 20 000 cycles. Post-fatigue breaking strength must be ≥70% of the rope minimum breaking force.
- Safety and test setup: Requirements for guarding and safe test practice due to risk from uncontained wire fragments. Test machines should conform to ISO 7500‑1 and ambient conditions per ISO 3108.
Applications and users
ISO 8794:2020 is used by:
- Rope and sling manufacturers for design, quality control and type approval of spliced eye terminations.
- Rigging contractors, crane and lifting equipment designers and maritime/port operators specifying compliant slings.
- Inspection bodies and safety managers validating splice performance and conformity.
- Procurement teams seeking standardized acceptance criteria for slings in lifting operations.
Practical benefits include improved safety, predictable splice performance, and a clear basis for acceptance testing and supplier qualification.
Related standards
- ISO 2408 - Steel wire ropes: constructions and breaking forces
- ISO 7500-1 - Verification of static uniaxial testing machines (force-measuring system)
- ISO 17893 - Steel wire ropes: definitions, designation and classification
- ISO 3108 - Ambient conditions / testing guidance
For specification or compliance queries, refer to the full ISO 8794:2020 text and national standards bodies.
