Elevator cables (hoist ropes) do not have a fixed "expiration date" but are typically replaced every 3 to 9 years, depending on the building's height, usage volume, and maintenance quality. In 2026, safety standards (such as ASME A17.1) mandate semi-annual or annual inspections by qualified professionals. During these inspections, cables are "scrapped" (replaced) if they meet specific wear criteria: if the outer wires are worn down by 40% of their diameter, if there are "clusters" of broken wires in a specific length of the rope, or if the cable shows signs of corrosion or "rouging" (red dust indicating internal friction). High-traffic commercial skyscrapers in cities like New York or Dubai may replace cables much more frequently due to the intense "cycles" they perform daily. Conversely, a low-rise residential elevator with perfect lubrication and regular use might see its cables last a decade. Ultimately, the modern "safety factor" for these cables is so high (often 10:1) that they are replaced long before they pose a structural risk, ensuring that elevator travel remains the statistically safest form of transportation in the world.