How to Select an Electric Chain Hoist
If you work with heavy materials in your manufacturing or warehousing business, then an electric chain hoist can improve operational efficiency. It can also help you uphold physical ergonomics in the workplace.
This article provides an overview of these versatile tools from 154-year-old lifting and rigging company Harrington. It covers several important topics, including power requirements, load capacity, safety features and maintenance.
Power Requirements
In order for an electric chain hoist to operate effectively, it must be powered by a reliable power source. This is why it is important to evaluate the power requirements for your project before deciding on a particular type of hoist. For example, if your job site is wired for 120 volts only, your choices for hoists will be limited to those that operate on this voltage. However, if your job site is wired to operate on 230 or 460 volts, you can choose from a much wider selection of electric hoists.
You should also consider the duty cycle that you expect your hoist to perform. The higher the duty cycle, the more likely your hoist will wear out faster than one that operates under lower cycles.
It is also important to consider how you will feed power to your hoist. Some models have a power cable that can be dragged behind the hoist while others use a festoon system that eliminates the need for cables by keeping them dragged out of the way. In any case, you should ensure that the cable is not snagged or crushed as it moves along with the hoist.
Finally, it is important to consider the warranty features offered by your electric hoist provider. Some companies will offer lifetime warranties while others may offer shorter terms. In any case, you should make sure to read the fine print on these warranties before committing to a specific company. This is because the warranty features often only cover a select number of components and do not necessarily apply to all damage caused by your hoist.
Load Capacity
Electric chain hoists have a wide range of capacities to efficiently lift loads in different types of facilities. Choosing the right model depends on factors such as electric chain hoist load weight and height, duty cycle and headroom requirements. For example, a light-duty hoist is sufficient for smaller loads in manufacturing plants, while a heavy-duty model meets heavier needs on construction sites.
The rated capacity of an electric chain hoist indicates the maximum amount of weight that it can safely lift. This is calculated based on the motor’s strength, rigidity of the assembly and strength of the load chain or wire rope. The working load limit is the maximum amount of load a hoist can lift while operating in normal conditions and following the recommended safety procedures.
Unlike manual chain hoists, electric ones operate at a faster speed and uphold physical ergonomics in the workplace. They eliminate manual lifting and positioning tasks that require intense exertion. They also require less space than conveying systems and are cost-efficient.
Electric chain hoists can be single-speed, two-speed or variable (inverter) speed to meet the specific needs of each facility. They are available in either single-phase or three-phase power options and can be single, double or triple geared. The voltage and phase of the current power supply also influences the size and power consumption of an electric hoist. Before purchasing, an electrician should evaluate your current electrical system to determine whether it can handle the power requirements of your new electric chain hoist.
Safety Features
When selecting an electric chain hoist, it is important to consider the safety features of the hoist. This will help prevent mishaps while working with the heavy weights. It will also ensure that your load is safely transported from one location to another. This will save ample amount of time and money for the operating company.
Some of the best safety features include a mechanical load brake, high grade helical gearbox, and a heavy duty chain. These will help to keep the load suspended during operation and will prevent any damage to the equipment. A 3 phase model is better for long lift applications as it will help to avoid heat buildup in the motor and is more dependable. Jogging the motor of the hoist should be avoided as it can cause heat to the windings and may result in the motor failing. A heavy duty hoist will normally have a pull rotor brake that is designed to last up to two million brake cycles.
It is also a good idea to select a model with a food grade lubrication system, especially in the case of food processing. This will ensure that the lubricant used is safe for incidental contact with product. This will prevent contamination and help the machine to stay contaminant free and running smoothly for years to come.
Maintenance
It is important to understand the maintenance requirements of an electric chain hoist so that it can be kept in good condition. This includes checking for proper electrical connections, preventing overheating and examining the mechanical components of the hoist for damage or wear. In addition, the hoist should be kept away from humid areas or hot and chemical environments.
If the hoist begins to make a loud noise during operation, it should be turned off immediately and the load removed. This is an indication that the motor is overheating or there are issues with the electrical circuits. Possible causes of overheating include a lack of voltage supply, excessive loads or aging of the electrical components.
A visual inspection of the hoist should be done by a professional to determine Electric Chain Hoist Manufacturer whether or not it is safe to continue using. A checklist is often provided for inspections, and this should be reviewed to determine the features, aspects and areas that need to be examined.
For example, a qualified hoist inspector should examine the hook and wire rope for gouges, nicks or cracks as well as arc burns or twisted or bent links. They should also look for throat opening deformity, birdcaging, strand displacement and unstranding and general corrosion. It is also a good idea to lubricate the chain and wire rope prior to use.