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What is a kiloNewton (kN)?

A kilonewton (kN) is a unit of force measurement in the International System of Units (SI). It is equal to 1000 newtons, and is commonly used in the field of life safety equipment to measure the maximum force or load that a piece of equipment can withstand. This can include things like the strength of a safety harness, the breaking strength of a rope or carabiner, or the load capacity of a pulley system.

When it comes to life safety equipment, it is important that the equipment is able to withstand significant forces, as this will help to ensure that it can support the weight of a person and keep them safe in the event of a fall or other emergency. The kilonewton is a useful unit of measurement for this purpose, as it allows manufacturers and users to easily compare the strength and load-bearing capabilities of different pieces of equipment.

It is also important to note that kN ratings are not only used to indicate the strength of the equipment, but also to indicate the standard that the equipment has been tested and certified to meet. Standards such as EN and UIAA provide guidelines for testing and certifying equipment, and indicate the minimum kN ratings that equipment must meet in order to be considered safe for use. This is important for users, as it provides a way for them to know that the equipment they are using has been tested and certified to meet industry standards and is safe for use.

A kilonewton (kN) is equal to approximately 224.8 pounds of force (lbf). To convert kN to lbf, you would multiply the number of kN by 224.8. For example, if a safety harness is rated to withstand a force of 10 kN, that would be equivalent to 2248 lbf. It is important to note that pound-force and pound-mass are different units and should not be confused. The pound-force is a unit of force, while the pound-mass is a unit of mass.

27th Jan 2023

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