The ASME standard covering the design, manufacture, testing, and inspection of elevator suspension systems — including wire ropes, flat belts, chains, compensation systems, and governor ropes.
Full Definition
ASME A17.6 is the Standard for Elevator Suspension, Compensation, and Governor Systems. It establishes the minimum requirements for the materials, construction, testing, and marking of components that suspend and control elevator cars and counterweights. The standard covers: steel wire ropes (round strand and Warrington-type), coated steel flat belts (aramid-reinforced and polyurethane-coated), roller chains and link plate chains used in suspension, compensation ropes and chains, and governor ropes. For each rope or belt type, the standard defines minimum breaking strength, construction parameters, end terminations, lubrication requirements, and discard criteria (the point at which a rope or belt must be replaced regardless of apparent condition). ASME A17.6 is adopted by reference into ASME A17.1 and CSA B44 and is the primary reference for elevator inspectors evaluating the condition of suspension and governor systems. The shift from steel wire ropes to coated steel belts (as used in KONE EcoDisc and Otis Gen2 systems) has significantly expanded the importance of this standard in modern MRL elevator design.
