Electric Lifting Hoist
Whether used on a workstation crane, jib or other types of overhead cranes, an electric lifting hoist helps workers complete their tasks faster and more efficiently. They also require less upfront investment than pneumatic hoists and can be easily recouped over time through energy savings.
However, these devices must be properly maintained to ensure their optimal functioning. Therefore, regular testing and inspection must be performed.
Types
There are several types of electric hoists available on the market that can help workers with lifting operations. Each type is designed for specific tasks and working environments and has a different load capacity, ranging from light loads to heavy ones. When choosing an electric hoist, users should take into account their lifting requirements, operating conditions and installation options to choose the best model for their needs. Modern models feature safety features, such as overload protection and emergency stop buttons, to increase operational safety.
Most electric hoists use a drum that holds a length of metal suspending chain or wire rope and an electric motor that drives it through the gearing inside. When activated, the motor rotates the drum and winds up or unwinds the suspending chain or cable in the process, enabling lifting and lowering operations. The speed and direction of the rotation can be controlled via the control system, allowing precise positioning of loads.
Electric hoists can be used as stand-alone equipment or mounted on trolleys on gantry cranes, jib cranes and workstation cranes. They can also be anchored to existing structures and can be found in many locations including construction sites, warehouses, automotive servicing and repair garages, manufacturing plants and dockyards. In each environment, users must adhere to the appropriate safety protocols and conduct regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Functions
The motor of an electric hoist converts electrical energy into mechanical power to drive its operation. It also works as a controller, manipulating the lifting and lowering speeds of the load. These functions are essential for precision handling of heavy loads, especially when workers need to position and maneuver large objects. Electric hoists can work in environments where pneumatic or hydraulic hoists aren’t suitable, including hazardous ones.
The electric chain hoist can lift and lower loads at different speeds, depending on the type of load and its requirements for positioning. These systems can also boost productivity by moving large amounts of raw materials and finished products between production phases. They can be used in a variety of industries, such as shipping and logistics, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and energy.
A quality electric hoist can come equipped with a number of other useful features, like integrated load beam scales for precise payload weighing and adjustable mechanical brakes for multi-level stopping points. It can also include a simple auto-holding function for unlimited hands-free operations and expandable control solutions for interconnected hoist electric lifting hoist systems. Reputed hoist manufacturers also add motor brakes and a limit switch to their systems for increased safety. Motor brakes retain and hold loads by using friction between mating surfaces, whereas limit switches stop the load lifting process when it crosses pre-set limits.
Safety
The safety of electric hoists is not only dependent on the quality of the equipment but also on the training and operating procedures of the operator. The equipment should be electric lifting hoist properly inspected and maintained on a daily basis and all the safety instructions should be carefully followed in order to uphold the quality and performance of the hoist.
Hoists are primarily used in areas where heavy loads need to be lifted or moved and there is a high risk of strain on the operator if the load is lifted manually. They are also often used in car maintenance garages, warehouses and on large ships.
These hoists have a drum that holds lengths of metal suspending chain or cable and are powered by an electric motor that transfers power through a gear system to rotate the drum. They come with a braking mechanism to allow precise speed control and to safely stop the load at any height.
The motors of most newer electric hoists have safety features that prevent them from overheating or overloading, such as a clutch system that slips when a certain torque is reached and an emergency stop button. These features can help reduce or eliminate many of the hazards that could be present in a workplace where an electric hoist is being used. However, there are still some dangers that cannot be eliminated by engineered safety features and these must be mitigated by the use of common sense and careful consideration of the potential effects and results of activating the controls of the hoist.
Maintenance
While electric hoists provide a number of benefits, it is important to perform regular maintenance. This can help prevent breakdowns and reduce downtime. In addition, proper lubrication can increase the service life of the wire rope. It is also important to check for any twisted or kinked parts that may cause problems during operation.
During maintenance, it is important to shut off the power supply. In addition, the ground wire should be well grounded to avoid electric shock. Moreover, it is important to check the push button switch and power source voltage before starting the hoist.
A good way to prevent problems is to create a logbook for hoist inspections. This will help you track inspection results and identify patterns or recurring issues. It is also important to understand the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model of hoist. This will help you identify any special procedures that are required for safe operation.
When performing maintenance on a wire rope electric hoist, it is important to turn off the power before examining. It is also important to test the overload protection system. This can help prevent injuries and damage to equipment. It is also important to inspect the limit switches to make sure that they are working correctly. If the hoist isn’t working properly, it can lead to dangerous accidents that could harm people and damage property.
