Useful information about ropes and accessory cords

Which ropes and accessory cords are suitable for professional work at height?

Ropes and accessory cords are among the most important components of professional rope and rescue systems. They are used in rope access, technical rescue, arboriculture, industry, wind energy and many other fields of application. Depending on their construction, they perform different tasks, ranging from ascent and descent to work positioning, rescue, rigging and material transport applications.

The SKYLOTEC range includes kernmantle ropes in accordance with EN 1891, specialised ropes for rescue and rigging, and accessory cords for a wide variety of applications. The correct rope is selected according to the field of use, rope diameter, standard, device compatibility and the intended loads within the complete system.

What is the difference between kernmantle ropes and accessory cords?

Kernmantle ropes consist of a load-bearing core and a protective sheath. The core carries most of the load, while the sheath protects against abrasion, dirt and mechanical influences. This construction provides high strength, good handling and a long service life in professional applications.

Accessory cords, by contrast, have significantly smaller diameters and are not used as working ropes. They are suitable, for example, for creating Prusik knots, as auxiliary lines, for securing equipment or within specialised rescue and rigging systems. The accessory cord that may be used always depends on the intended application and the manufacturer’s instructions.

What advantages do kernmantle ropes in accordance with EN 1891 offer?

Kernmantle ropes in accordance with EN 1891 are among the most commonly used ropes for rope access, work at height and technical rescue. Their low elongation enables controlled ascents and descents as well as precise work on the rope. At the same time, they provide high load capacity and reliable operation with compatible descenders, rope clamps and rescue devices.

SKYLOTEC offers kernmantle ropes in different diameters and lengths for various fields of application. Depending on the intended use, variants are available for work positioning, rescue, industrial climbing, rigging or material transport.

Which ropes are suitable for rescue and rescue at height?

Technical rescue requires ropes that function reliably even under high loads and are compatible with rescue devices, hauling systems and rope clamps. Rope diameter, sheath construction and the approved field of use play a decisive role.

Different rope types are used depending on the rescue system. Professional SKYLOTEC rescue ropes support controlled lifting and lowering operations as well as complex hauling systems. The selection must always correspond to the requirements of the respective rescue plan.

What role do rope diameter and device compatibility play?

Not every rope is compatible with every device. Descenders, rope clamps, fall arrest devices and rescue devices are each approved for specific rope diameters. Using an unsuitable diameter can impair braking performance, clamping function or ease of operation.

The manufacturer’s instructions for all components involved should therefore always be checked before making a selection. The complete system can only perform its intended function safely when the rope, devices and connectors are coordinated with one another.

Which ropes are suitable for rigging, material transport and hauling systems?

Ropes used for rigging applications and material transport are frequently characterised by high abrasion resistance, low elongation and reliable performance in pulleys. In hauling systems, the rope construction and surface properties also influence the efficiency of the complete system.

Depending on the configuration, kernmantle ropes or specialised rigging ropes are used. In combination with pulleys, rigging plates, swivels and rope clamps, they create powerful lifting and load-handling systems for rescue, industry and arboriculture.

Which accessory cords are suitable for Prusik knots and auxiliary applications?

Accessory cords are frequently used for Prusik knots, securing equipment or as auxiliary lines. Due to their smaller diameter, they differ significantly from working ropes and perform other functions within a safety or rescue system.

The correct selection depends on the diameter, material and intended application. Accessory cords may only be used in accordance with their approval and do not replace approved working or rescue ropes.

Which standards apply to ropes and accessory cords?

Depending on their construction, professional kernmantle ropes comply with requirements including those of EN 1891 for low-stretch kernmantle ropes. Additional standards may also apply, for example, to specialised rescue, rigging or connection systems. The technical data and manufacturer’s instructions for the respective product are always decisive.

In addition to the standard, rope diameter, breaking strength, sheath construction and approval for specific devices also play an important role. Only fully compatible components ensure safe use in accordance with the relevant standards.

How do you choose the right rope or accessory cord?

The selection always begins with the intended application. Rope access, work positioning and rescue require different ropes from those used for rigging, material transport or auxiliary applications. Rope diameter, length, device compatibility and the applicable standard must also be considered.

SKYLOTEC ropes and accessory cords are designed for professional applications and complement descenders, rope clamps, rescue devices and anchorage devices to form powerful complete systems. The correct combination of all components creates safe, efficient and durable solutions for work at height.