Electric chain hoists are essential tools in many industries. They help move things around. But, even though they’re reliable, they can have problems. Most of these problems come from people not using them right. In this article, we’ll look at the things that can go wrong with electric chain hoists.
It’s important for operators and others to know what can happen and, more importantly, how to keep it from happening. By understanding how electric chain hoists work and following some simple rules, you can avoid these problems and have a good experience lifting things in manufacturing, construction, and logistics.
7 Reasons Why Electric Chain Hoists Fail (and How to Fix Them)
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the most common electrical and mechanical problems that happen to electric chain hoists. We’ll explain why they happen and show you how to fix them.
1.Power Outage
Power outages can occur when a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, causing the hoist to stop working. To fix this problem, you need to check the current to see if it is within the rated range. If it is not, you need to find out why and fix it. You also need to replace the blown fuse or reset the circuit breaker to restore power to the hoist.
2.Motor Failure
Electric chain hoists can have motor failures, such as when the motor overheats because the hoist is overloaded or the motor does not cool properly. To fix a motor failure, you need to check the load, cool the motor, and, if the motor will not start, check the power supply and inspect and repair the motor.
3.Voltage Failure
If the voltage is too low, the hoist will not work correctly. You need to measure the voltage to see if it is less than 10% of the rated voltage. If it is, you need to find and fix the problem with the power supply to get the right voltage for the electric chain hoist to work correctly.
4.Chain Breakage
If the chain breaks on an electric chain hoist, you need to fix it quickly to prevent more damage. You need to fix the reason the chain broke, such as overloading or bad conditions, and then replace the broken chain with a new one. You need to install the new chain correctly to make sure the hoist works right.
5.Control Failure
If the controls on an electric chain hoist do not work right and the hoist does not move like you want it to, you may have a problem with the control circuit or the controller. You need to check the circuit to make sure it is good, make sure all the connections are right, and inspect and repair the controls to get them working again.
6.Brake Failure
If the brakes on an electric chain hoist do not work right, it is not safe to use the hoist. You need to find out why the brakes are not working, such as a problem with the brake mechanism or worn brake pads, and then fix the problem. You need to check everything and replace the worn brake pads to get the brakes working right again.
7.Circuit Failure
If the electrical circuit for the hoist is not working because the coil on a contactor is shorted out, you need to fix it right away. You need to replace the bad contactor so the electrical circuit for the electric chain hoist works right and does not stop working.
Failures in electric chain hoists have safety implications that go beyond equipment damage. Workplace accidents can lead to injuries or fatalities, which can result in legal and financial consequences for the company. Additionally, downtime caused by hoist failures affects productivity and overall business operations.
What are the common preventive maintenance strategies to reduce the risks associated with elevator failure?
- Regular inspections: Frequent inspections of the hoist’s components can identify potential issues before they escalate. Inspections should cover the chain, electrical wiring, brakes, and control systems.
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of the hoist. Regularly applying the recommended lubricants helps prevent friction-related failures.
- Electrical checks: Scheduled electrical checks, including testing the wiring and control panel, can detect and address potential electrical failures.
- Training for operators: Ensuring that operators are well-trained in hoist operation and safety protocols is a key preventive measure. Knowledgeable operators are more likely to identify and address issues promptly.
In addition to the identified common failures, several crucial elements contribute to the overall safety of electric chain hoists. Firstly, selecting a hoist with the appropriate weight capacity for the intended workload is fundamental. This preventative measure significantly mitigates the risk of overloading, a primary cause of hoist failures.
Secondly, investing in a high-quality electric chain hoist is paramount. Such hoists, designed and manufactured to stringent standards, exhibit enhanced reliability and durability, reducing the likelihood of failures. Finally, ensuring that chosen hoists comply with industry standards and hold relevant certifications is essential.
Adherence to these standards not only guarantees the hoist’s safety and performance but also assures meeting regulatory requirements, contributing to a safer working environment. These additional considerations underscore the importance of proactive measures in preventing failures and enhancing the overall safety of electric chain hoists.
Need details on electric chain hoist maintenance or want to explore the types available? Just get in touch with us! Further, for any lingering problems or doubts about electric chain hoists, shoot us an email at [[email protected]], call us at [+86 159 3302 8397] or message us on WhatsApp at [+86 159 3302 8397]. Count on we to respond promptly—within 24 working hours—to assist with your electric chain hoist concerns.
