Choosing a wedge socket with an efficiency of 90% means what?

Choosing a wedge socket with an efficiency of 90% means that the effective strength of the socket is reduced by 10%. In practical terms, this efficiency rating indicates that when the socket is under load, only 90% of the rated strength is usable for carrying the load, while the remaining 10% signifies the loss of capability due to factors such as friction and material deformation occurring within the socket mechanism.

This understanding is essential for rigging applications, as it allows riggers to accurately calculate the maximum load that the system can safely support. When using equipment rated for 90% efficiency, riggers must consider this reduction when determining the safe working load (SWL) to prevent overloading and ensure safety during operation. It's critical to account for this efficiency to maintain safe practices in heavy lifting and rigging scenarios.

Effective load calculations thus depend on understanding the specified efficiency, reinforcing the importance of selecting appropriate equipment for specific load requirements.