A Beginner's Guide to Electric Chain Hoists

1. A Beginner's Guide to Electric Chain Hoists Electric chain hoists are employed when speed is crucial, but as usual, there are several things to take into account before using one. Here is all the information you need to know while utilizing an electric chain hoist, from ambient conditions to duty cycles. Power The power requirements for your electric chain hoist are one of the most important factors in choosing the right model. How much power does the job site require? Your hoist options are limited if your site can only be wired for 120 volts. An electric chain hoist that can lift heavier loads (over 2.5 tonnes) requires power requirements of at least 230 volts. However, it is possible to wire for up to 460 volts. You can then assess what equipment you have and determine whether additional equipment is required. It is also important to ensure that the hoist receives sufficient amperage. Too often, extension cords are overlooked. However, a short or insufficient length cord can cause a lift to stop. Check out the graphic below to ensure you have the right power supply for your electric hoist. Duty Cycle After you have determined the power requirements for your project, the next thing is to determine the duty cycle of your hoist. A lot of electrically operated equipment operates with a 25% duty cycle. A duty cycle is the time that an item of equipment can work for within a given hour. An electric chain hoist with a 25% duty cycle can only operate for 15 minutes before it needs to cool down. You should evaluate if a hoist is the best option for your project. Or, plan ahead to ensure that your lifts are efficient. Speed The speed at which the hoist lifts a load compared to its height is an important aspect that can sometimes be overlooked. Imagine that you are using a 5-ton hoist to lift 60 feet. A lift speed of 11 feet per hour means that for one lift you use just under five minutes of your duty cycle to lift the load. Do you need more lifts than three in an hour? Or does the hoist suffice for your needs? You have two options if you need to make more frequent trips. If so, either get a second hoist or, if it is possible, reduce the capacity of your hoist to lift less weight while increasing lifting speed. Your lift plan should take into account the lift height, lifting speed, and frequency to ensure that the job runs smoothly. Mounting Method You should also consider the type of mount you need. There are two options for mounting your hoist: a trolley or a hook top. It all depends on which model you have. Which one is best? There are hoists with a trolley mount that can be used to carry a trolley. This not only reduces headroom but also eliminates headroom taken up when the trolley is attached. This option is only available for a few capacities. However, it could be an option that you prefer for your project when space is tight.

2. Ambient Conditions How does your job site look? Are there excessive humidity, dirt, or other pollutants in your air? You can ensure that both the control pendant and the hoist are dry. All of these factors can and will impact the performance of an electric hoist. An electric hoist may not be the best choice if your site is susceptible to any of these factors. Lifting tension It is important to know whether your load is being lifted vertically or horizontally. If the load is more than the hoist's rated capacity, an angular load will create tension and make the hoist inoperable. A 5-ton hoist can lift a load of 9,500 pounds. If the load cannot be lifted vertically, it might be in your best interests to move up to the next size. To get help with your project or to select the right tool, please contact us at HoistCentral.com Or call us at (866) 753-1427 to speak to one of our experts.