Electric Hoists and Winches: 220/380 V Rope and Chain Hoists

A wire-rope mini hoist is light and suits workshops and construction sites, a chain hoist is compact, robust and suits intensive use, while a winch is designed for pulling or lifting loads. A hoist is mounted on a beam, a trolley or a swing-arm bracket, and the anchor point must carry the load with a margin. Learn more: wire-rope and chain hoists: types and mounting.

Choose a capacity with a margin over your heaviest load and never exceed the rating. On wire-rope mini hoists, using the pulley block (double fall) doubles the capacity while halving lifting height and speed — for example 500/1000 kg and 12/6 m. Read how to choose hoist capacity, lifting height and speed.

Household and semi-professional hoists are designed for short cycles, so the PV (ED) rating matters: it shows what part of a cycle the motor can run without overheating. See what is the PV or ED duty-cycle rating; on motor thermal protection: what is motor thermal protection.

Mini hoists and most winches run on 220 V, while high-capacity chain hoists usually need 380 V. Connect the hoist to a circuit with a suitable circuit breaker. On voltage: volt (V); on protection devices: how to choose electrical protection and switching devices.

The pendant control should have an emergency stop button, and the hoist should have an automatic brake that holds the load on power loss and an upper limit switch that stops the hook at the top. Check that they work before every job: how to inspect a tool before use.

The hook should have a safety latch, and the rope or chain must be free of damage, kinks and corrosion. Replace a worn rope, chain or hook in time, and choose the pulley block, trolley and mounting bracket to match the hoist model. See which spare parts and service kits are replaced during preventive maintenance.

Most household mini hoists are designed for enclosed, dry spaces, while outdoor work requires rain protection and a suitable protection rating. See what is an IP rating.

Never stand or work under a suspended load, use only suitable slings and rigging, never lift people and never pull a load at an angle. Read how to lift loads safely with an electric hoist and essential power tool safety rules; on choosing helmets and gloves: how to choose personal protective equipment.