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Вопрос:
Dear Petzl representative,
I would like to ask a description for the markings on Petzl Ascension I’ve acquired from you.
In particular, what does “Light Use’, and 5KN mean? I have not found these marking on the Ascension shown in the movie at
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportProduits?Produit=123#
Moreover, I am interested at the maximal strength, in KNs, Ascension can sustain. Could it be only 5KN? This is not what is shown in
http://en.petzl.com/ProduitsServices/B1 ... 502-F1.pdf:
Nor this is sufficient for self-belaying on descent on static ropes, even with fall factor of 1 for an average Person.
As far as I understand, the maximum force on the ascension with a fall factor 1 and person weight of 75 kilograms is around 6.3KN, given a static rope, such as PMI, with rope modulus=20000).
If you are not a technical person, could you please forward this e-mail to such an expert, and keep me in the loop.
Thank you in advance,
Best regards,
Boris
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Ответ:
Dear Boris
Thank you for your question
The markings on the back of the device have to do with NFPA Certification (Fire department).
The recommended (safe) strength for using the ascension on a rope is 4-6.5 KN, just as is shown in the technical specs you referred to.
Applying a greater strength than is recommended may resolve in damage to the rope sheath, and even worse (braking of the rope). This is well illustrated in the tables on page 4 in the technical pages.
As for self belay while making a decent: the Ascension is NOT to be used in any form for belaying a decent! This is simply because it is NOT A BELAY DEVICE but a ROPE CLAMP and is used to ASCEND a rope only. Therefore, you may use it for self belaying while progressing a structure as is shown on fig.6 in the technical pages. There, the device is connected directly to your harness- meaning no fall factor!
If you are practicing rope decent I would advice using a SHUNT, Prusik knot or ASAP for industrial use. You may also want to consider using an auto locking device such as Petzl STOP or GRIGRI.
I hope you have your answer and stay on the safe side…
______________________________________
Udi Grinberg
Climbing, Rescue, Work solutions - Manager
Lapidot outdoor equipment - http://www.lapidot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
e-mail - tipusim@lapidot.co.il
Kfar Bin Nun 68, 99780
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