Electric hoist from LGH.
Powered equipment can significantly improve jobsite efficiency, but only when it receives the power it needs. Electric chain hoists are especially sensitive to voltage drops, and one of the most common causes of performance issues is also one of the easiest to overlook: the extension cord.
If the cord is too long or too small for the amperage required, the hoist may not receive enough voltage to operate properly. This can lead to overheating, motor strain, poor performance, or a hoist that will not lift at all.
Understanding electric hoist power requirements, including proper extension cord length and wire gauge, can help prevent unnecessary downtime on the jobsite.
At LGH, we often troubleshoot electric hoist issues where the root cause is not the hoist itself. It is the power supply.
Common symptoms include:
In many cases, the issue comes down to an undersized extension cord or excessive cord length. A good rule of thumb is to use the shortest and heaviest-gauge cord possible for the application.
Electric chain hoist from LGH, helping to maintain the NYC MTA train system.
The correct extension cord depends on the hoist’s full-load amperage and the distance between the power source and the hoist. As cord length increases, voltage drop becomes a bigger concern. Using a heavier-gauge cord helps reduce that voltage drop and supports better hoist performance.
LGH provides the following minimum wire cord chart with electric rentals to help customers choose the right extension cord:
Extension Cord Requirements NOTICE – Minimum Wire Cord
| Extension Cord length (ft.) | Current At Full Load (Amps) | ||||||
| 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | |
| 0′ – 25′ | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| 25′ – 50′ | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| 51′ – 100′ | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 101′ – 150′ | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | – | – | – |
T-500_v1 Extension Cords
Before your rental arrives, confirm:
Having the correct cord on site before the lift begins can help avoid delays and unnecessary troubleshooting.
Below is the chart we send with every electric rental to help customers get it right:
If your electric hoist is not operating properly, start with the power supply before assuming the hoist needs to be replaced.
Try these steps:
More often than not, correcting the cord or power supply issue restores proper hoist function without needing a replacement unit.
Even if the load is well below the hoist’s rated capacity, an undersized cord can still create problems. When the hoist does not receive adequate voltage, the motor may work harder than intended. This can affect performance, generate heat, and increase the risk of equipment issues.
The longer the cord, the more important wire gauge becomes. A cord that works for a short distance may not be suitable for a longer run.
That is why extension cord selection should be part of the setup plan for any electric hoist rental.
Electric hoist power requirements are easy to overlook, but they can have a major impact on jobsite performance. If an electric hoist is humming, overheating, lowering but not lifting, or failing to engage, the extension cord and power supply should be among the first things checked.
Using the shortest and heaviest-gauge cord possible can help reduce voltage drop, protect the hoist, and prevent avoidable downtime.
For help understanding electric hoist extension cord requirements or choosing the right electric hoist rental for your next project, contact LGH today or call 800-878-7305.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
