{"id":3246,"date":"2026-03-08T17:16:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T14:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/?p=3246"},"modified":"2026-07-16T22:19:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T19:19:40","slug":"what-is-a-carabiner-en-362-standards-and-working-principle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/what-is-a-carabiner-en-362-standards-and-working-principle\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Carabiner? EN 362 Standards and Working Principle"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-path-to-node=\"4\"><b data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">What is a Carabiner? EN 362 Standards and Working Principle<\/b><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\"><b data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Carabiner<\/b> is the key element of the safety chain in working at height and rescue operations. In order for a carabiner to be considered &#8220;safe&#8221;, it must undergo tests in accordance with the <b data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"151\">EN 362<\/b> standard and possess this certification. Consisting of a metal body and a spring-loaded gate on this body, carabiners connect the personnel to lifelines, anchorage points, or other safety equipment. The connection is established in seconds by opening and closing the gate.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"><b data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Structure and Anatomy of a Carabiner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\"><b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Carabiner<\/b> models consist of high-engineered basic components:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"8\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Body:<\/b> The main frame on which the load is carried; manufactured from steel or aluminum.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Gate:<\/b> The part that opens and closes thanks to its spring-loaded mechanism.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Nose:<\/b> The end point where the gate locks onto the body.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Lock:<\/b> The safety mechanism that prevents the gate from opening unintentionally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"9\" \/>\n<h2>Carabiner Types and Application Areas<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11\">The selection of a <b data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">carabiner<\/b> must be made according to the nature of the work to be carried out and the environmental conditions. Each type has its own unique strength values and ergonomic advantages. Here are the 8 basic types of carabiners according to their technical specifications:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"12\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Locking Carabiners:<\/b> Used at main connection points requiring high safety. Screw lock (manually tightened) or automatic lock (triple-lock: pull-turn-open) options are available.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Non-Locking Carabiners:<\/b> &#8220;Straight Gate&#8221; or &#8220;Bent Gate&#8221; models that require quick clipping and unclipping. Preferred in quickdraws or for carrying materials.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Steel Carabiners:<\/b> Designed for heavy-duty areas where durability is more important than weight. Ideal for intensive use in industrial, construction, and energy sectors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Aluminum Carabiners:<\/b> Come to the forefront in sport climbing and activities where personnel must be constantly mobile, prioritizing the balance of lightness and durability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,4,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">HMS (Rope Installation System) Carabiners:<\/b> Allow the rope to glide smoothly over them and enable belaying with special knot systems thanks to their wide and pear-shaped structure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,5,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Oval Carabiners:<\/b> Distribute the load evenly thanks to their symmetrical structure. Provide perfect compatibility with pulley, block and tackle, and zipline systems.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,6,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">D-Shaped Carabiners:<\/b> Direct the load to the spine section, which is the strongest region of the carabiner due to its design. It is the form that offers the highest strength.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,7,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Mini Carabiners:<\/b> Non-certified models; used only for organizing small accessories such as keys or flashlights.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"13\" \/>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"14\"><b data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Locking Mechanisms and Technical Performance<\/b><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15\">In works carried out at height, equipment is generally expected to perform without any loss of performance. The main performance criteria expected from a <b data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"166\">carabiner<\/b> model in industrial use are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"16\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Speed and Ergonomics:<\/b> The mechanism must open quickly and should be easily controlled with one hand, even with work gloves.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Lock Type Selection:<\/b> Locking carabiners must be preferred to completely eliminate the risk of unintentional opening. Forgetting to lock is the biggest risk factor in manual locks; therefore, automatic-locking models increase safety.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Impact and Tensile Strength:<\/b> It must have high impact resistance against cracking that may occur during a fall and must withstand high tensile loads on the major axis without deforming.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"17\" \/>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"18\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Sectoral Applications and Things to Consider<\/b><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19\">Wherever there is working at height, <b data-path-to-node=\"19\" data-index-in-node=\"37\">carabiner<\/b> plays a critical role:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"20\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Construction and Energy:<\/b> Roof works, wind turbines, and solar power plants.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Telecommunications:<\/b> Base stations and lattice mast tower operations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"20,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"20,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Maritime and Shipyard:<\/b> Shipbuilding and works in offshore facilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"20,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"20,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Defense and Adventure:<\/b> Military operations and adventure courses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"21\"><b data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Safety Tip:<\/b> The maximum carrying capacity specified in <b data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"45\">kN (kiloNewton)<\/b> on the body of the carabiner must never be exceeded. When choosing equipment, the appropriate material must be selected in accordance with the nature of the work (humid environment, chemical contact, etc.).<\/p>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"22\" \/>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"23\"><b data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Periodic Inspection and Maintenance<\/b><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24\">As <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">ARGA SAFETY<\/b>, we provide technical support on choosing the correct <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"41\">carabiner<\/b> in your projects. Remember that it is a legal obligation for occupational safety equipment to undergo regular expert inspections every year in accordance with <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"135\">EN 365<\/b>. You can contact our experts to determine correct equipment configurations and tools conforming to OHS standards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Carabiner? EN 362 Standards and Working Principle Carabiner is the key element of the safety chain in working at height and rescue operations. In order for a carabiner to be considered &#8220;safe&#8221;, it must undergo tests in accordance with the EN 362 standard and possess this certification. Consisting of a metal body [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3246"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3248,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246\/revisions\/3248"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/argasafety.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}