Electric Hoist Operating Instructions and Safety Guide

The electric hoist is a very important and useful lifting appliance in several industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. It is designed to lift and move heavy loads with minimum effort applied to it, relying on electricity for the needed power in its operation. Knowing how to safely operate and maintain an electric hoist is important for ensuring safety, efficiency, and meeting standards in an industry.

This blog will look into the different types of electric hoists, their operating instructions, and an in-depth safety guide that will make it a must-read for those businesses willing to invest or improve in their hoisting equipment.

What is an Electric Hoist?

The electric hoist is an electrical-powered machine for lifting and lowering heavy loads. This basically consists of an electric motor, a lifting mechanism in the form of a chain or wire rope, among other components that might be used for safety and control. Electric hoists have been commonly applied in an industrial setting for moving goods and material efficiently and safely, thereby providing efficiency over manual lifting.

Because electric hoists have large load-handling capacities, their applications are wide and varied in many industries such as construction, automotive, steel, and more. Electric hoists are normally installed on overhead beams, cranes, or gantries, and their operations include the lifting of loads vertically or horizontal movement along a given track.

Types of Electric Hoists

Wire Rope Electric Hoists

In principle, a wire rope hoist depends for its lifting on a strong steel cable wound around a grooved drum, for the really heavy models, or not. They are well employed for heavy tasks in large manufacturing plants and warehouses where lifting heavy loads often arises. The great flexibility and strength of wire rope allow for a wide range in lifting capacity, normally from 500 kg up to 100 tons.

The main advantage of wire rope hoists is that they are capable of operating at greater heights with higher lifting capacities. They can also be installed in more difficult environments since they are very durable and strong.

Chain Electric Hoists

Chain hoists are designed for medium-duty to light-duty applications. It uses a metal chain instead of a wire rope and generally finds its application in tasks where space becomes a constraint, or where the application requires very accurate control over the lifting. Chain hoists are very common in building and construction, lighter factories, and service industries.

They are smaller in size and more portable compared to their wire rope counterparts, hence easy to install and maintain. They have a loading capacity from 500 kg to 5 tons depending on the model.

Explosion-Proof Electric Hoists

Explosion-proof electric hoists are used in industries dealing with volatile materials, such as chemical plants or oil refineries. They are designed to operate in hazardous environments where the presence of flammable gases, dust, or vapors could lead to an explosion.

Explosion-proof hoists feature specially designed casings and components that prevent sparks and electrical arcs, ensuring safe operation in high-risk environments.

Operating Instructions for Electric Hoists

Before the use of any electric hoist, the following checks should be made:

Pre-Operation Inspection for Electric Hoists :

-The working area of the operator and the path along which the load is lifted shall be free from any obstacles.

-Hand-operated buttons shall actuate correctly and sensitively in all directions. The motor and reducer shall run without abnormal noise.

-The brake shall be reliable and sensitive.

-The hoist track shall be clear of dirt or other foreign matter.

-Upper and lower limit switches to be correctly set.

-Hook stop nuts to be tightened.

-The hook to rotate smoothly in the horizontal and vertical planes.

-Rotation of the hook pulley to be free.

-Wire rope not to have any visible defects, to wind neatly on the drum, and not to show evidence of wear or to be dislodged from its groove. It should be well greased.

-All auxiliary lifting devices to be in normal condition.

-Ensure the operating temperature of the hoist ranges from -25°C to +40°C.

-Electric hoists are not to be used in environments with corrosive gases, relative humidity above 85%, or hazardous areas with molten metal or flammable, toxic, or explosive materials.

During Operation for Electric Hoists:

-Never overload the hoist; do not lift objects from the side.

-The wire rope should be kept straight and checked for tangles, knots, or wear. In case of any abnormality, take immediate action.

-Do not use the limit switch as a stop for lifting objects or as a means of halting equipment in operation.

-After work is completed, power supply shall be turned off and main electrical source cut off.

Maintenance for Electric Hoists:

-The hoist performance and safety features shall be checked by a person in charge of maintenance every week.

-The lubricating part of the hoist should be greased with clean oil. The lubricating oil should be changed regularly (about 2 months) and the lifting and travel gearboxes should be well lubricated.

Electric Hoist Safety Manual

Electric Hoist General Safety :

-Only the trained personnel can operate the electric hoist. Operators should be thoroughly familiar with the structure and performance of the hoist and follow safety operation guidelines.

-The ambient temperature during hoisting use is between -25°C and +40°C; it must avoid places where there is a corrosive gas or the humidity is high above 85%.

Pre-Lift Safety Checks for Electric Hoists:

-Pre-use check on the mechanical and electrical system, crack check of hook, damage check of wire rope, excellent working limit switches, and reliable brake performance.

-All wedges and rope clamps should be secured.

Operating Procedures for Electric Hoists:

-Operators should remain in a safe position with attention given to the movement of the load. The path of the load must be clear, and the hoist should be started only when the safety check has been done.

-Use “point motion” to start a lift, ensuring that the load has been placed in a secure position before the hoist is fully operated.

Load Safety for Electric Hoists:

-Ensure that the load is properly secured and balanced prior to lifting. Do not permit the load to pass overhead where it could endanger personnel. Provide a safety zone for high-lift operations.

-During the lowering operation, ensure the rope on the drum is kept neatly wrapped.

After Work Safety for Electric Hoists:

Electric hoist should be kept in a safe place after every use, with the hook drawn up high and power supply switched off. Outdoor hoists should be covered to avoid rains.

Shaoxing Nante Crane Equipment Co., Ltd. and Their Electric Hoists

Shaoxing Nante Crane Equipment Co., Ltd is a prominent integrated solution provider for cranes and their components in China, with experience of more than 30 years in this industry. It is located in Zhejiang, China, with a factory area of 5006 square meters.

Company Highlights:

-Audited Supplier:Nante Crane has been independently audited by a third-party inspection agency, ensuring verified business licenses.

-Patents & Innovation:It owns a total of 2 patents and has 7 R&D engineers working in the company.

-Certifications:Nante Crane has also been certified to ISO9001: 2015 for Quality, ISO14001 for Environmental responsibility, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health & Safety. Its products are also CE-certified.

-OEM & ODM Services:It offers both OEM & ODM services as per different customers’ requirements.

Product Range:

The broad product portfolio and services of Nante also comprise:

Construction Lifting Equipment:

Beam launchers, gantry cranes, segment lifters, form travelers, and Bailey bridges.

Industrial Lifting Equipment:

Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, and light crane systems.

Crane Components:

Electric hoists and trolleys, end carriages, conductor rails, festoon systems, steel rails, flat cables, pendant controls, geared motors, and remote controls.

Integrated Solutions:

Nante Crane offers a full suite of integrated solutions, including:

-Project consultation and design

-Manufacturing and transportation

-Installation and maintenance

-Technical support

Their customer-first service philosophy is supported by:

-Pre-sale technical support

-After-sale maintenance

-Spare parts support

-Customized solutions

Nante Crane actively participates in industry events, such as the Canton Fair, Dubai BIG 5 HEAVY, CONSTRACT Sri Lanka, and BAUMA CHINA.

Nante Crane’s Electric Hoists

Nante Crane manufactures single girder, double girder, and chain hoists electric hoists. They are also made for other industrial uses that have specific applications for each model, lifting, load capacity, height, and speed.

NHA Low Headroom Hoist (Single Girder)

The NHA Low Headroom Hoist is designed for limited headroom, with its structure featuring low profile for allowing a higher hook position. It’s mounted on a single trolley with four wheels to optimize efficiency in compact spaces.

-Capacity (ton):2, 3.2, 5, 6.3, 8, 10, 12.5, 16, 20

-Lifting Height (m):3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24

-Lifting Speed (m/min):5/0.8

-Lifting Power (kW):3/0.5, 6.1/1, 9.5/1.5, 12.5/2, 15/2.5

-Travel Speed (m/min):5/20

-Travel Power (kW):37, 0.55, 0.55 x 2, 0.64, 0.95, 0.95 x 2

-Work Duty FEM/ISO:2m/M5, 3m/M6, 1Am/M4

All of the Nante electric hoists have been designed for durability, efficiency, and safety, offering options to fit a wide array of industries.