What does equalization mean in anchor systems?

• A. Concentrating the load on the strongest anchor.
• B. Spreading load across multiple anchors so each carries part of the load.
• C. Locking anchors together with a chain.
• D. Using a single anchor regardless of redundancy.

Answer: (B)

Equalization means distributing the force of a load across several anchor points so that no single anchor bears the entire load. By linking multiple anchors, the rope or webbing shares the load, improving redundancy and reducing the chance that a single point failure takes the system down. Keep in mind that equalization doesn't magically add strength beyond the weakest anchor, so solid anchors and sensible geometry (avoiding sharp angles that shift load to one point) are still essential. The idea of spreading the load across multiple anchors so each carries part of the load is exactly what equalization does, whereas concentrating the load on one anchor, locking anchors together with a chain, or relying on a single anchor would defeat redundancy.