In the horizontal load test, what is the maximum allowed height of the suspension cable above the ground?

• A. 3 feet
• B. 6 feet
• C. 1 foot
• D. 4 feet

Answer: (A)

Safety and control during a horizontal load test hinge on how the suspension cable is positioned above the ground. Keeping the suspension cable no more than three feet above the ground ensures the line remains clear of obstacles, minimizes swing, and provides a stable, repeatable setup for taking readings. If it’s higher, the cable can swing more and risk contacting equipment or people, making the test harder to control and the results less reliable. If it’s too low, rigging becomes impractical and the cable could ride on the ground during movement. So, the maximum height is three feet.