Chain Hoist
chain hoist, electric chain hoist, stage chain hoist
What is a Chain Hoist?
A chain hoist is a lifting device that uses a load chain (calibrated steel link chain) and a chain wheel (sprocket) to raise and lower loads. In stage and entertainment applications, chain hoists are used for temporary rigging, touring productions, and heavy-load lifting where wire rope hoists are not suitable.
How It Works
An electric chain hoist uses a motor to drive a sprocket that engages with calibrated load chain links. The chain is stored in a chain bag or chain container. When the motor rotates the sprocket, the chain moves linearly, lifting or lowering the attached load. Chain hoists are available in standard (fixed speed) and VFD-controlled (variable speed) versions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 500kg – 5,000kg |
| Lifting Speed | 2 – 16 m/min |
| Chain Type | Calibrated steel link (grade 80/100) |
| Hook Type | Swivel safety hook with latch |
| Control | Pendant / wireless remote / DMX |
| Duty Class | FEM 1Am – 3m |
Applications
- Touring productions: Temporary stage rigging for concerts and events
- Industrial stages: Heavy scenery and set piece lifting
- Festival stages: Flying large LED walls and speaker arrays
- Warehouses: Equipment storage and retrieval
Related Standards
- EN 17206:2021 — Machine safety for stage applications
- FEM / ISO 4301 — Hoist classification and duty ratings
- ASME B30.16 — Hoists (US standard)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Chain hoist or wire rope hoist — how do I choose for my venue?
A: It really comes down to how permanent your installation is and what you prioritize. Chain hoists shine in touring and festival environments where gear needs to go up and come down frequently — they tolerate rough handling, stack easily in road cases, and the chain itself is visible and easy to inspect on the fly. Wire rope hoists are the go-to for fixed theater grids because they run noticeably quieter (important during a dramatic pause on stage), offer smoother speed ramping via VFD, and can be recessed into the building structure. At BRD, we often supply both in the same venue: wire rope hoists for the permanent fly system overhead, and a few chain hoists stored backstage for those one-off events that need extra rigging points. If you are still unsure, our engineering team can walk you through a site-specific comparison based on your ceiling height, noise tolerance, and show schedule.