ANSI/DASMA 110 - Standard for Lifting Cables for Sectional Garage Doors

Garage door lifting cables are small in diameter but carry the full weight of the door every time it opens and closes. ANSI/DASMA 110 sets the minimum specs those cables must meet to do that safely.

What this standard says

ANSI/DASMA 110-2025 is the most recent edition of the DASMA standard for lifting cables used in sectional overhead door counterbalance systems. The 2025 edition updated earlier versions to reflect current cable materials and testing requirements.

"This standard establishes minimum requirements for the construction, diameter, break strength, and end-fitting attachment of lifting cables for use in sectional type garage door systems."

Key requirements in the standard include:

Break strength. The cable must have a minimum break strength relative to the maximum door weight it is designed to carry. The safety factor built into ANSI/DASMA 110 cable requirements means the cable can withstand well above the normal operating load.

Cable construction. The standard specifies acceptable wire rope constructions. These define the number of wire strands and how they are twisted together. The construction affects flexibility, wear resistance, and how the cable seats in the cable drum groove.

End fittings. Cables must have end attachments that can be securely connected to the cable drum and the bottom bracket. The fittings must not slip or deform under load within the rated range.

Diameter. Minimum cable diameter requirements are set relative to drum groove dimensions to ensure the cable seats correctly and does not jump the groove during operation.

When it applies

Cable replacement. When a lifting cable breaks or shows signs of fraying, the replacement cable must meet ANSI/DASMA 110 specifications. A cable that is too thin, has insufficient break strength, or uses an incompatible end fitting is not a safe replacement.

High-cycle and heavy-door applications. Heavy wood doors and oversized doors require cables with higher break strength ratings. ANSI/DASMA 110 provides the framework for selecting the right cable for the load.

Mixing component brands. When replacing cables on an existing door, the replacement must be compatible with the existing cable drums. ANSI/DASMA 110 specifications help ensure the cable geometry matches the drum.

Post-damage inspection. After a vehicle impact or a broken spring event, cables may have been overloaded even if they did not break. An overloaded cable may have internal wire breaks not visible from the outside. Cable replacement per ANSI/DASMA 110 is the safe response.

What this means for you

Do not reuse a frayed cable. A cable with visible broken wires or a kinked section has reduced break strength. Replace it with an ANSI/DASMA 110 compliant cable before returning the door to service.

Both cables should be replaced together. The two lifting cables in a counterbalance system wear at about the same rate. Replacing one and leaving a worn one creates an uneven load. For example, if one cable breaks after 8 years, the other is likely near the end of its service life too.

Cable failure is often preceded by fraying at the drum. Check the section of cable that wraps around the drum closest to the end fitting. This is the highest-stress zone. If you see broken wires there, schedule replacement before the cable fails completely.

G Brothers installs replacement cables that meet ANSI/DASMA 110-2025 and replaces both cables as a set when one fails.

Full text and source

ANSI/DASMA 110-2025 is listed at https://www.dasma.com/dasma-standards/. Contact DASMA to obtain the standard document.

ANSI/DASMA 110 covers lifting cables for counterbalance systems on sectional garage doors. Extension spring safety cables (which pass through extension springs to contain them if a spring breaks) are a separate safety component and are governed by ANSI/DASMA 103.