Single Point Hoist
single point hoist, motorized single point hoist, stage single point hoist
What is a Single Point Hoist?
A single point hoist is a motorized lifting device designed to raise, lower, and precisely position a single load point on a stage or in a venue. Unlike multi-point systems that lift an entire batten, a single point hoist operates independently at one location — making it ideal for lifting scenery, lighting fixtures, speakers, or special effects equipment to exact heights.
How It Works
A single point hoist consists of a motor, gearbox, drum or chain wheel, wire rope or load chain, and a control interface. The motor drives the drum to wind or unwind the rope, creating vertical movement. Modern single point hoists use variable frequency drives (VFDs) for smooth acceleration and deceleration, and encode position feedback for repeatable accuracy within ±1mm.
Key Components
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 250kg – 2,000kg |
| Lifting Speed | 4 – 24 m/min (variable) |
| Lift Height | Up to 30m |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±1mm – ±5mm |
| Power Supply | 3-phase 380V / 440V |
| Safety Factor | ≥ 10:1 (wire rope), ≥ 8:1 (chain) |
Applications
- Theaters: Flying scenery, backdrop drops, and set pieces
- Multi-function halls: Lifting projectors, screens, and speaker arrays
- TV studios: Positioning cameras and lighting rigs
- Concert venues: Flying speaker clusters and LED screens
- Hotels & banquet halls: Decorative installations and chandelier lifts
Related Standards
- EN 17206:2021 — Stage machinery safety requirements for powered lifting and moving equipment
- ANSI E1.4 — Entertainment technology — rigging safety standards
- WH/T 35-2022 — Chinese stage machinery terminology standard
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What separates a single point hoist from a basic chain hoist?
A: Think of a single point hoist as a purpose-built stage automation tool rather than just a lifting device. It comes as a system — incorporating its own VFD drive, absolute encoder for sub-millimeter position memory, and a control interface that can talk directly to your lighting console via DMX or sACN. A standard chain hoist is a capable lifting tool on its own, but it typically lacks the motion profiling, positional repeatability, and multi-hoist synchronization that stage productions rely on. At BRD, we configure single point hoists as part of a networked automation ecosystem, while chain hoists tend to work best as independent rigging points.
Q: Can I deploy a single point hoist in an outdoor or semi-outdoor venue?
A: Yes — and it is increasingly common for festivals, amphitheaters, and open-air performance spaces. The key is specifying the right environmental protection: IP55-rated enclosures for the motor and control gear, sealed connectors, and stainless steel fasteners to resist humidity and corrosion. BRD supplies outdoor-rated configurations with anti-condensation heaters built into the motor housing and UV-stabilized cable management, so the equipment stays reliable even under morning dew, light rain, or coastal salt air.
Q: What maintenance rhythm keeps a single point hoist safe and compliant over years of heavy use?
A: We recommend a three-tier inspection cadence aligned with EN 17206: Before every show or rehearsal, the operator should do a 60-second walk-around — checking for unusual noise, visible rope wear, and that the E-stop and limit switches respond. Monthly, a trained in-house tech should verify bolt torque, measure brake engagement time, and check rope lubrication and drum layering. Once a year, a certified third-party inspector (or BRD's own service team) should perform a full tear-down check: load test at 125% SWL, electrical insulation test, encoder recalibration, and a written report for your safety file. We also log every inspection into the control system's maintenance diary so nothing slips through.