How to choose a fall arrest connector: closure and EN 362 standard

For work at height, choose a connector marked EN 362, with a screw closure (screw-lock) or an automatic locking closure (twist-lock, tri-lock, due-lock). Aluminium is the choice for those who wear it all day, because it is light; steel is for heavy use and for damp or aggressive environments. In the collection the gate opening ranges from 18 to 25 mm: it must be wide enough to fit over the anchor point or the harness ring.

The types

• Screw-lock connectors. They close by turning the sleeve by hand. Simple and reliable, they are fine when you can be relied on to always remember to close them.
• Automatic locking connectors. The data sheets show twist-lock, tri-lock and due-lock closures: the gate returns to the closed position by itself and two or more movements are needed to open it. They are the most used where you clip on and off often, such as the Petzl Vertigo Twist-Lock connector.
• Aluminium karabiners. Light, suited to rope work and access, where every gram is felt. On the data sheets the weight ranges from a few grams to about 100 g.
• Steel and stainless steel connectors. Heavier, but more resistant to wear and corrosion. They are the choice for industrial, marine or chemical environments.
• Quick links (Maillon) and connecting rings. They close with a screw and are used to join two elements in a stable way, for example inside a system that stays assembled. An example is the Petzl RING2RING connecting ring.

How to choose by job

If you have doubts about a complete system (lanyard, energy absorber, anchor), ask: the connector must be compatible with all the elements it attaches to.

The features to look at

• Standard. EN 362 covers connectors for fall protection equipment. After the standard you will find a letter indicating the intended use: in the collection classes B, T, A, M and Q appear. For example, T is for the termination of a component, Q is for quick links with a screw closure. Some models also carry EN 12275 and UIAA 121, which cover mountaineering connectors.
• Standards for the whole system. If the data sheet shows EN 361, 358 or 813, these are standards for harnesses and belts: check that the connector itself is marked EN 362.
• Material. Aluminium or light alloy, steel, stainless steel. Aluminium weighs less, steel is more durable.
• Gate opening. From 18 to 25 mm. If the anchor is a tube or a large ring, you need the widest opening.
• Type of closure. Screw-lock, due-lock, tri-lock, twist-lock: the number of movements needed to open it changes, and so does the risk of accidental opening.
• Weight. From a few grams to about 100 g. It matters if you carry many of them.
• Service life. For metal models some data sheets state an unlimited service life. This does not mean it is not checked: inspection before use and periodic examination remain mandatory.

Common mistakes

• Loading the connector sideways or on the gate. The load must act along the major axis: in other directions the strength drops considerably.
• Leaving the sleeve open. A connector that is not closed does not protect. After clipping on, always check that it has snapped shut or screw the sleeve closed.
• Choosing on weight alone. The lightest is not the most suitable if you work in corrosive environments or clip on continuously.
• Reusing a connector after a fall or if it is deformed. It must be discarded even if it looks fine.
• Not checking the marking. A climbing or load connector is not automatically fall arrest PPE.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, screw closure or automatic?

It depends on how often you clip on and off. For frequent clipping, the automatic closure reduces the risk of forgetting the sleeve; for connections that stay in position, the screw closure is perfectly fine.

What is the difference between EN 362 and EN 12275?

EN 362 covers connectors for fall arrest systems; EN 12275 covers those for mountaineering. Some models carry both.

Aluminium or steel?

Aluminium if weight matters and use is intermittent; steel, preferably stainless, if the connector is used every day or in aggressive environments.

When should it be replaced?

After a fall, if it is deformed, if the gate or spring does not work properly, or if the manufacturer says so. Always follow the instructions for the model.

You will find the available models in the Connectors collection: if you do not know which to choose, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.