A rated capacity indicator (RCI) is a safety device used to stop lifting equipment, such as a crane, from lifting a heavier amount than is safe to do so.
Considered a vital piece of safety equipment, an RCI provides operators with real time information about the load being lifted, ensuring the equipment operates within safe limits.
At Metreel, we like to use our blog to educate our customers on safe lifting practices. As a leading supplier of material handling equipment, we hope you find these insights useful.
In this post, we’ll cover all of the key points about rated capacity indicators to improve the safety of your next lifting operation.
What Is A Rated Capacity Indicator?
An RCI is a safety device that is fitted to lifting equipment such as mobile cranes and telehandlers. It is used to monitor the load being lifted against the machine’s rated safe working load (SWL) at any given configuration.
The system continuously calculates whether the current load, combined with the machine’s working radius, boom angle and configuration, is within safe operating limits. It displays this as a percentage of the rated capacity. Often, an RCI will also give the operator a visual readout.
Should the crane load be nearing the SWL limit, the RCI will trigger both audible and visual warnings. Normally, these warnings are triggered once 90% of the SWL has been reached. In doing so, a rated capacity indicator helps to prevent dangerous overload situations.
Why Rated Capacity Indicators Are Important
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers are legally required to ensure lifting equipment is used within its safe limits and that adequate safeguards are in place. An RCI forms part of that compliance picture by providing a real-time safeguard against overloading.
Overloading can lead to equipment damage, structural failure or serious workplace injuries. For this reason, many modern cranes include RCIs as a standard safety feature.
How A Rated Capacity Indicator Works
A rated capacity indicator uses sensors and computer systems to monitor lifting conditions in real time. The system gathers data from several components, including:
- Load sensors that measure the weight being lifted
- Boom angle sensors that track the crane’s position
- Radius indicators that measure the distance between the crane and the load
This data is processed by the system and displayed to the operator, allowing them to see whether the lift is within the crane’s safe working limits.
RCIs often work alongside systems such as a load moment indicator to provide additional protection during lifting operations.
Where Rated Capacity Indicators Are Used
RCIs are commonly used in equipment such as:
- Lorry loader cranes
- Mobile cranes
- Offshore cranes
- Telescopic cranes
- Tower cranes
These systems are particularly important in high risk lifting environments where accurate load monitoring is essential.
What An RCI Doesn’t Do
An RCI is a warning and prevention device. However, it is not a substitute for proper lift planning. It cannot account for dynamic forces caused by sudden movements, side loading or ground conditions. Therefore, operators must still hold the relevant licences (i.e. CPCS or NPORS cards) and work to a lift plan that has been prepared by a competent person.
In Search Of Lifting Equipment? Discover Our Cranes For Sale
Now that you’re clued up on rated capacity indicators (RCI), it’s time to familiarise yourself with the material handling solutions you’ll find here at Metreel.
From overhead cranes to mobile cranes, our material handling products cover a wide range of lifting needs geared towards different industries.
Metreel is based in the UK. Wherever your business is based, we can design and install the exact crane or lifting solution to suit the needs of your team.
For any further questions about RCI, or to place an order, please call us on 0115 932 7010.