Quick answer: breaking strength is the measured or specified tensile force at which a new wire rope fails under a controlled test. It is not the allowable working load. A safe selection requires the rope construction, diameter, grade, minimum breaking force, termination efficiency, design factor, service environment and applicable code.
The minimum breaking force is a product acceptance value. Working load limit is established by the responsible designer or system provider after applying the required design factor and accounting for terminations, bending, shock loading, fatigue, corrosion, temperature and inspection practice.
A simple division can illustrate the relationship: allowable load may be calculated from the verified minimum breaking force divided by the required design factor, then reduced further for termination efficiency and service effects. The design factor must come from the governing regulation, standard or engineering assessment—not from a generic web table.
1×19 is relatively stiff and is commonly considered for standing rigging and straight tension members. 7×7 offers intermediate flexibility. 7×19 is more flexible for pulleys and repeated bending, but construction alone does not establish capacity.
304 and 316 stainless steels are selected primarily for corrosion conditions, while wire tensile grade and manufacturing route influence strength. Do not assume 316 always has the same breaking force as 304 at equal diameter; use the certified value for the ordered rope.
Breaking force rises strongly with metallic cross-sectional area. Nominal diameter, measured diameter, construction and fill factor must therefore match the supplier data. Coating thickness must not be mistaken for steel-rope diameter.
Swaged terminals, sockets, clips, thimbles and splices do not all transfer the same percentage of rope strength. Bending over a small sheave can accelerate fatigue, while fleet angle, groove shape, misalignment and crushing can damage the rope. The weakest verified component governs the assembly capacity.
Compare available stainless steel wire rope constructions. Final capacity must be approved for the complete assembly and service condition.