Static and dynamic tests on the RIG - Petzl United Kingdom
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Static and dynamic tests on the RIG

The following tests were done in laboratories, with new devices and new ropes certified to current standards. Test results are given for information only: they could be different with devices and/or ropes that are worn from use, or with other types or models of rope.

Warnings

  • Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
  • Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
  • We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.

A. Tests on RIG 2018

A1: Static tests on RIG 2018

Slow-pull tests done on different ropes; the measured value is the load at which the rope begins to slip in the device.

Static tests on RIG 2018 1/2
Static tests on RIG 2018 2/2

A2: Dynamic tests on RIG 2018

Fall arrest tests done during the EN 12841, EN 341, EN 15151 and NFPA certifications, and additional Petzl tests designed to cover exceptional situations. Note: all of the tests which were done are not mentioned here, only those yielding pertinent information about RIG usage are cited.

EN 12841 certification test - Device on 1 m of rope, 1 m fall on a 1 m x 11 mm dynamic rope lanyard.

EN 12841 certification test 1/2
EN 12841 certification test 2/2
EN 12841 certification test 2/2

EN 341 certification test - 60 cm fall on 4 m of rope.

EN 341 certification test 1/2
EN 341 certification test 2/2
EN 341 certification test 2/2

EN 15151 certification test and additional Petzl tests - 2 m fall on 1 m of rope.

EN 15151 certification test and complementary Petzl tests 1/2
EN 15151 certification test and complementary Petzl tests 2/2
EN 15151 certification test and complementary Petzl tests 2/2

NFPA certification test with rigid mass.

Additional Petzl tests with dummy and harness - 60 cm fall on 3 m of rope.

NFPA certification test with rigid mass 1/2
NFPA certification test with rigid mass 2/2
NFPA certification test with rigid mass 2/2

B. Archive: tests on RIG < 2018

B1: dynamic test on RIG 2018

Test conditions:

  • Rope length: 1 m
  • Mass:100 kg

The values given are averages; they vary depending on the rope models used.

Dynamic test on RIG < 2018 1/2
Dynamic test on RIG < 2018 2/2
Dynamic test on RIG < 2018 2/2

B2: static test on RIG < 2018

These tests were done using a slow pull.

Static test on RIG < 2018 2/2
Static test on RIG < 2018 2/2

B3. Belaying with RIG < 2018, device on the anchor: 150 kg

Static test on RIG < 2018 2/2

Extreme use case:

Fall factor 0.3 tests were carried out with a 150 kg rigid mass: 1 m fall on 3 m of new rope. The mass could be lowered after the test. The impact forces obtained in these falls are all between 6 and 7 kN, due to rope slippage in the device (on low stretch kernmantel ropes). These results are slightly higher on static ropes (for example NFPA Technical Use certified ropes): from 0.5 kN to 1 kN.

The slippage in the brake hand is more than 100 cm. These tests showed the importance of limiting slack in the rope and of ALWAYS keeping a firm grip on the brake side of the rope. Holding the brake side of the rope allows rope slippage in the device to be minimized.