What Is Single Phase and Is It Suitable for Electric Chain Hoists in Industrial Use?

Single-phase power looks simple and affordable, but is it really good enough for industrial chain hoists?

Single-phase power is suitable for light to medium-duty electric chain hoists, especially in small workshops or industrial setups with limited access to three-phase electricity.

I remember struggling with this exact question during a setup for a client’s workshop. Choosing the wrong power supply led to overheating and slow lifting speeds.

[Table of contents]

• What’s the difference between a single phase and a three phase hoist?
• Why choose a single phase electric chain hoist for a workshop?
• What are the limitations of single-phase hoists in industrial use?
• What are the common power specifications for single-phase electric hoists?
• Conclusion

What’s the difference between a single phase and a three phase hoist?

This is the first question most engineers and buyers ask.

Single-phase hoists are easy to install and cost less, while three-phase hoists offer better performance and load capacity.

Dive Deeper

From an electrical perspective, single-phase systems use one live wire and one neutral, creating an inconsistent wave of power. In contrast, three-phase systems deliver a steady stream of energy across three wires, making them ideal for high-load operations.

I once worked with a client using a single-phase hoist for lifting 2-ton molds. It struggled constantly. Switching to a three-phase system reduced lifting time by half and eliminated overheating issues.

Why choose a single phase electric chain hoist for a workshop?

Many small workshops don’t have three-phase power. So, what’s the alternative?

Single-phase hoists are budget-friendly and perfect for workshops where lifting is occasional and load weight is moderate.

Dive Deeper

In smaller spaces like auto repair shops, fabrication corners, and light-duty assembly lines, single-phase electric hoists perform really well. Most of these facilities run on 230V or 110V and don’t lift more than a ton at a time.

I once helped an auto shop install a 1-ton single-phase hoist. They used it to lift car engines a few times a week. The hoist performed flawlessly and didn’t require a three-phase upgrade.

What are the limitations of single-phase hoists in industrial use?

Of course, single-phase systems come with downsides.

They can’t support continuous or heavy-duty lifting and may struggle with overheating under long operation.

Dive Deeper

Here’s where single-phase hoists start to fall short:

• They overheat with frequent use
• Start-up torque is lower
• Load capacity is usually capped at 1–2 tons
• Fewer industrial-grade models are available

In one of my projects, we tried to use a single-phase hoist in a busy warehouse where packages were lifted every few minutes. Within a week, the unit tripped breakers repeatedly and motor temperatures rose dangerously high.

If you’re running high-frequency operations or dealing with unpredictable heavy loads, three-phase is not just better—it’s safer.

What are the common power specifications for single-phase electric hoists?

Let’s talk numbers for a second.

Single-phase hoists commonly use either 110V or 230V depending on regional power standards.

Dive Deeper

Here’s how voltage matters:

• 110V is standard in North America and Japan. It’s suitable for light-duty tools and hoists under 1 ton.
• 230V is common in Europe, China, and most industrial regions. It supports stronger performance and slightly heavier loads.

When I worked with a workshop in Sydney, switching from a 110V hoist to a 230V unit improved lifting speed by almost 30%—just by changing the voltage!

Conclusion

Single-phase hoists are reliable for light-duty lifting where three-phase power isn’t available.