Crane & Hoist Safety Devices: Brakes, Limits, Overload, E-Stop and Warnings

Understand the roles of brakes, limit switches, overload limiting, emergency stop, hook latch, warnings and motion-limiting functions in crane and hoist systems.

Brake and limit have different roles

The brake controls load or motion, while a limit switch provides control information at defined travel boundaries. The two functions do not replace each other.

• Brake
• Limit switch
• Motion control
• Boundary

Overload limiting

Load cells or associated measurement/control elements can be used to monitor load and apply defined threshold behaviour according to system design. Selection and calibration follow equipment requirements.

• Load cell
• Limiter
• Threshold
• Calibration

Emergency stop and warnings

Emergency stop, audible/visual warnings and pre-motion alerts are positioned around risk assessment and operating scenario and checked during commissioning.

• Emergency stop
• Audible warning
• Visual warning
• Commissioning

Mechanical load-path safety

Hook latch, rope/chain, sheaves, drum, connections and supporting elements belong to the same load path and should not be treated separately from control-system safety functions.

• Hook latch
• Rope/chain
• Sheave/drum
• Connections