Safety chain

[barrytech]

Whilst surfing the web for lighting supplies, I have come across some companies that are saying that safety chains are now no longer acceptable and are selling safety bond instead. My question is in 2 parts, part 1- When did this regulation change? and part 2 - Do I now have to change all my safety chain to safety bond? Hope somone can give me some advice

[Simon Lewis]

This thread should help clarify things...

[barrytech]

Thanks Simon

I think that this means that the safety chain supplied with the lanterns can be used but if anything needs replacing than it should be safety bond. Is this correct?

[Simon Lewis]

I think that this means that the safety chain supplied with the lanterns can be used but if anything needs replacing than it should be safety bond. Is this correct?

 

That's the approach that many seem to be taking.

[Trunker]

A Stage Electrics rep told me, however, that they still sell Chains as well as Bonds. mmmm, can of worms time I think!

[Brian]

...can of worms time I think!

Not really. There are still plenty of things which will be quite happily restrained by a chain in a 'safety' application. And situations, not necessarily 'safety', where a chain's variable length is useful.

[maeterlinck]

As I understand it as much as regulations it is about liability and where the 'chain' of liability ends. Safety chains don't come with a rated working load. Safety bonds are stamped and tested, whether that be type, batch or lot. A failed safety bond used within spec, the liability can theoretically be bounced back to the OEM.

 

Safety chains can be very strong. We once tested a few different types dropping 12.5Kg over 300mm. The bent / open link type failed after the 2nd drop, where as the closed link, new style chains faired much better with the crab / carbine giving in first.

 

We concluded safety chains were acceptable for small lanterns <5Kg. But do your own tests, develop a practice you stick to and risk assess it.