What is the MBS of Prussik Cord?

• A. 25 kN (5610 lbs)
• B. 15 kN (3370 lbs)
• C. 20 kN (4496 lbs)
• D. 30 kN (6690 lbs)

Answer: (C)

Prusik cord is a small-diameter nylon line, and the rating you need to know is its minimum breaking strength, the maximum load the cord can withstand before failure. For typical rescue-prusik cords of common diameters, that published MBS is about 20 kN (roughly 4,500 pounds). This aligns with standard manufacturer data for nylon prusik cords used in rope systems. The higher values are not characteristic of these small cords, while the lower value underestimates their strength, so 20 kN best reflects the actual breaking strength you’d expect for standard Prusik cord. Remember, MBS is not a working load; in practice you apply safety factors to determine safe loads.