Carabiner Specifications

Carabiners refer to metal loops that connect and disconnect via screwed or sprung gates. Carabiners are used to attach components in safety systems, and are often utilized in sailing, climbing and in such industrial rope access jobs as window cleaning.

  1. Recreation Vs. Industry

    • Carabiners used in recreational climbing are typically constructed from 7075 aluminum. Carabiners used for industrial practices are heavier, and constructed from steel. Industrial carabiners often contain a screw shut gate rather than a spring gate which is closed or opened via special equipment.

    European Standard

    • Carabiners in Europe must meet Standard 12275:1998, which demands a minimum breaking stress of 20 kN (kilo-newtons), or 20,000 newtons. A newton refers to a unit equal to the amount of force needed to accelerate a one kilogram mass at a rate of one meter per second per second.

    U.S. Standard

    • The United States National Fire Protection Association Standard 1983 lists carabiner requirements for light use rescue and general use rescue carabiners. Light carabiners must have a minimum 7 kN breaking strength when the gate is open, and a 27 kN when the gate is closed. General use rescue carabiners must meet the 49 kN closed gate breaking strength standard, and the 11 kN open gate standard.