Smart Hoist Machine Safety | APAC

Ensure safety of the surroundings of elevator hoisting machine
Elevator cars are usually lifted up/down automatically by the hoisting machine installed on the top of the hoist way. Although emergent situation such as hoisting machine failure rarely occurs, the hoisting machine is designed so that a hand winding wheel can be attached in case a worker needs to operate the hoisting machine manually. To do so, the worker removes the protection cover on the wheel attachment part of the hoisting machine and installs the wheel. A safety device is required in this procedure to protect the worker from unexpected wheel movement that can result in injuries.

IDEC interlock switch secures power circuit shutdown
To prevent accidents caused by unexpected wheel movement, the new safety standard EN81-20 stipulates that the elevator power circuit must be shut down when a hand winding wheel is being installed. The same shutdown requirement was also described in EN81-1, the predecessor of EN81-20. The standards do not specify the shutdown means in detail and the choice of measures are entirely left to the discretion of elevator makers.

If you wonder what you should do to comply with the elevator standard, a simple measure using IDEC’s interlock switch and safety controller help you dismiss your concerns. Install an interlock switch to the wheel attachment part, and provide a system to shut down the power when the actuator is disengaged once the protection cover is removed. This way human error is prevented perfectly. As manual emergency rescue operation is rarely necessary, an elevator worker might forget to shut down the power before installing the wheel. The solution to use interlock switch and safety controller powers off the system without fail.

Various lineups to contribute to the safety measures of elevator devices
Two choices of interlock switch are available. HS5D with a metal head is suitable when robustness is required, and HS6B is a good fit for installing in restricted spaces. FS1A safety controller does not require programming to configure safety power circuits. IDEC has a variety of products to contribute to safety measures. If you ever have concerns or questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to present you with the best solutions.