What is the minimum minor axis breaking strength for general use carabiners?

The minimum minor axis breaking strength for general use carabiners is indeed established at 11 kN. This specification is crucial in the context of technical rescue activities where equipment reliability is paramount, and it reflects the operational safety standards for carabiners used in such high-stakes environments.

The minor axis strength is particularly important because it measures how much force the carabiner can withstand when the load is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to its spine, which is a common scenario during rescue operations. Ensuring that carabiners meet or exceed this strength guarantees that they can safely handle the varying forces encountered during a rescue, such as dynamic loads from a falling person.

Setting the minimum at 11 kN provides a buffer against potential failure, acknowledging that rescues can involve unpredictable stresses. Therefore, carabiners designed to meet this requirement are deemed suitable for general use in rescue scenarios, ensuring the safety of users and subjects alike.