Definitions & FAQ

What is the difference between working load, breaking load, and operating limit? 

Working Load (WL) indicates the value of static load at which the product will still function without excessive friction or wear or permanent deformation of components. 

Breaking Load (BL) indicates the value of static load for which a major failure of one or some structural components or the complete destruction of the product can be expected when new. Plastic components may split, rivets may give way, shackles or any other connection parts break and other metallic components may fracture. 

The functional limit indicates the static load beyond which the product stops operating normally. 

What does CMU/WLL mean? 

CMU means “Charge Maximale d’Utilisation” (WLL in English for Working Load Limit), it is only used for industrial applications. It is the breaking load divided by 5. 

WICHARD

Which stainless steels are used by Wichard? 

Wichard uses different grades of stainless steel to manufacture its products: 

• 316L: from the family of austenitic stainless steels - they are non-magnetic 
• 17.4 ph (called HR): from the family of martensitic stainless steels – they are magnetic 
• Duplex : from the family of austeno-ferritic stainless steels 
• Titanium 

What are the differences between the stainless steel grades used by Wichard? 

Each stainless steel has its own characteristics and advantages: 

• 316 stainless steel provides medium mechanical strength and very good corrosion resistance 
• 17.4 PH (HR) stainless steel has higher mechanical strength than 316L stainless steel but poorer corrosion resistance (not recommended for submerged applications) 
• Duplex has both very good mechanical strength and very good corrosion resistance 
• Titanium offers excellent corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength as well as extreme lightness.  Because of its price it is used either for very specific applications (ocean racing and industrial) or for Wichard medical implants

Note that it is the presence of chrome that enables stainless steel to resist corrosion. The higher the chrome content, the better the corrosion resistance.

How can we differentiate an HR stainless steel from a 316L stainless steel? 

To differentiate a 17.4 PH (HR) stainless steel from a 316L stainless steel, it suffices to move a magnet close to it. If it reacts it is a 17.4PH (HR) stainless steel 

Can 17.4 PH (HR) stainless steel products can be used under water? 

Due to their high carbon content, it is definitely not recommended to use 17.4 PH (HR) stainless steel products in submerged conditions (e.g. moorings). For mooring and anchoring, Wichard supplies 316L stainless steel mooring swivel shackles. 

What is corrosion? 

Metal corrosion is a phenomenon that has existed since men learned how to work metals that were not found pure in the natural environment. Corrosion is the phenomenon by which metals and metal alloys are subjected by their environment, regardless of its nature, to attack causing them to return to their original form of mineral ores.(source: gouv.fr). 

Stainless steels are protected by a “passive film” formed by chromium (chromium oxide). This very thin film (a few nanometres), is compact and adheres to the surface of the metal. This film reforms spontaneously if it is damaged. 

How do we combat corrosion? 

During manufacture of stainless steel parts: 

• Systematic decontamination of the parts: Exterior cleaning during brightening (use of a passivator) 

During use: 

• Avoid using tools that are already rusty 
• Never choose a stainless steel product of unknown origin 
• Rinse the boat and the fittings with fresh water 
• Do not use HS stainless steel for applications requiring prolonged submersion (such as moorings) but prefer 316L stainless steel 
• Clean your stainless steel fittings with Wichinox passivator (ref. 9605)

Can we use all the Wichard products for lifting applications? 

Only shackles and carabiners products with a CE marking can be used for lifting applications. 

All the other Wichard products are not suitable for lifting applications. 

Why do some products have a load marked on the body of the product? 

On most Wichard shackles and carbine hooks, the WLL (Working Load Limit) is indicated on the body of the products; this WLL is the load at which the products should be used in industrial applications only. 

What tests are performed on Wichard products? 

Throughout the manufacture of its products, Wichard performs a number of tests, including: 

• Destructive testing on a tensile test bench for each batch to verify the compliance of the working and breaking loads with those indicated in our documentation 
• Depending on the type of product, Wichard may perform other types of test such as fall tests for PPE (harness tethers) and dimensional checks 

How are Wichard products tested mechanically? 

Each batch of Wichard product is tested on a tensile test bench to check the working and breaking loads. 

Can Wichard products break suddenly? 

Thanks to the forge manufacturing process Wichard forged products do not break suddenly. Unlike other methods of manufacture (e.g. casting), the forge aligns the grain of the material and prevents the entry of impurities. Consequently forged material retains all its intrinsic mechanical characteristics. 

What is the service life of a Wichard product? 

The useful life of any product is determined by some factors (fatigue, type of load, exposure to ultraviolet light, corrosion and stress corrosion) and must be assessed in each application. Thus no guarantee can be provided for product life, dynamic capacities or any other factor due to the variability in usage. In some jurisdictions government regulations require the replacement of rigging components within certain periods of time, usually after three or five years. You must ascertain whether any such regulations affect you and take appropriate steps if you are affected. 

How should I maintain a Wichard product? 

All chandlery, your blocks and all your equipment should be inspected regularly for deformation, wear, cracks or corrosion. Even if products are little used or loaded, exposure to ultraviolet light, wave action, and wet and saline atmospheres affects the quality and strength of the equipment. If, after inspection, you have a doubt about the integrity of one or more pieces of equipment, it is your responsibility to replace it/them to ensure your safety. Generally speaking, we strongly recommend rinsing with fresh water after every sail / use. 

For stainless steel chandlery products, it is advisable to use the Wichinox passivator to combat the risk of oxidation. 

For textile products such as lifelines, we recommend wintering them after every season and checking for cuts in the straps. 

Peguet Maillon Rapide 

• Keep to the working load limit mentioned in kg (WLL or SWL).
• Visual check about complete nut screwing is compulsory – no thread must be showing.
• Maillon Rapide Quicklinks should be carefully checked at regular intervals. If you are in any doubt about the safety of a Quicklink after checking, replace it with a new one.
• When fastened with a wrench up to the proper tightening torque, Maillon Rapide Quicklinks are considered a permanent connector.

• When connected with chain, Maillon Rapide Quicklinks should be of the same diameter.
• Stainless steel Maillon Rapide Quicklinks may be used in salt water.
• Maillon Rapide Quicklinks used as lifting accessories – Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
  • Only by competent and trained persons
  • Forbidden to pass under a suspended load
  • No exposure of personnel in the handling area
  • Forbidden to use Maillon Rapide (lifting accessory) as PPE
  • During handling, avoid any dangerous maneuvers, shock loading
  • Consider working load engraved on the Quicklink (WLL or SWL)
• EN 362 : 2004 & EN 12275 : 2013 Standards, PPE Regulation 2016/425 :
  • Maillon Rapide Quicklinks should be accompanied by a user’s instructions when sold or used as a connector on PPE (personal protective equipment).