Final answer:
The saddle of a U-bolt wire rope clip should always go on the live end of the rope, which is under tension, to ensure a secure termination.
Step-by-step explanation:
When terminating a wire rope, it is crucial to ensure that the setup is secure to prevent accidents or failure of the rope in its application. The rule of thumb is that when using a U-bolt wire rope clip, the saddle of the clip should always be placed on the live end of the wire rope - the part that is bearing the load or tension. The U-shaped bolt or the 'U-bolt' itself should be fastened to the dead end, or the part of the rope that is not under tension. This configuration is commonly referred to as 'saddle on the live end', ensuring the primary tension does not rest against the U-bolt, which can cause damage to the wire rope and compromise the termination's integrity.