Harbor Freight Electric Hoist – How to Extend the Remote Control Cable?

[Northern_Lights]

I just picked up 3 of the HF Pittsburgh 1300lb electric hoists model #62853. I need to extend the remote control cable on all of them since they will all be installed 14-18 feet off the ground. I AM NOT AN ELECTRICAN and a complete novice when it comes to electrical work. I want to do this as safely and easy as I can. Rather than replace the entire cable and hookups at each end, I would like to just cut the original remote cable in the middle and splice in a longer section. Questions for those that know way more about this stuff than I do…

Any reason this shouldn’t work or that I shouldn’t do it this way?

What EXACT type of cable/wire do I need to get?

Any special steps I should take?

Thank you for any feedback.

Here's the hoist:

https://www.harborfreight.com/1300-lb-electric-hoist-with-remote-control-62853.html?hftm_sc=&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901270796&campaignid=21901270796&utm_content=169550066359&adsetid=169550066359&product=62853&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901270796&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czCtkBlDFIWqjrCM3_-_XoW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9vqve7MkgMVhHF_AB39fgD5EAQYAiABEgJLCvD_BwE

 

[Gutman]

I don't recall the number of conductors in the cable, I think mine was 4.

I would find the length of cable you want, and just replace the whole cable, vice splicing in an extension. Fewer connections to be made and you're relying on new connections only in the control pendant or the existing connection box on the hoist, vice splices on the cable itself (which in my case would be hanging, and more likely to ge pulled on). The cable gland or grommets should be reusable.

You'd need some new spade connectors for each end but overall a pretty simple modification.

I think 14/4 SOOW or SJOOW is the type of cable and would be sufficient.

 

[KenB]

Don’t know what vice splicing is, but yeah, I just replaced the cable on mine with a longer one using crimp on connectors.

 

[Gutman]

Don’t know what vice splicing is

As opposed to splicing.

I did one semester in English. Because I had to.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

It's definitely 4 conductor. Sorry, I have done 2 of these, but I can't quite recall the gauge. I want to say 14 This is mostly a special order SJ cord, but some HD's have it in stock (maybe). Just look closely at the cord on your hoist, and use the same gauge #.

 

[lolaetype]

Questions for those that know way more about this stuff than I do…

I'm not saying I know any more about this than you do, but if it were my hoists I'd replace the entire cable with a new longer one of at least the same gauge wire.

Also, it may not matter to you but be aware you will likely be voiding the warranty on the hoist.

 

[The Cobbler]

if it were my hoists I'd replace the entire cable with a new longer one

X2

 

[walta]

I think the smart move is to replace the short cable with a longer cable. Every connection is a potential failure point and give that the control is going to be hanging from this cable I can’t imagine a splice that would distribute the pull evenly among the 4 conductors. Is the plan to put the splices in boxes or are you just going to wrap them up in a pile of tape?

Walta

 

[nadogail]

I just picked up 3 of the HF Pittsburgh 1300lb electric hoists model #62853. I need to extend the remote control cable on all of them since they will all be installed 14-18 feet off the ground. I AM NOT AN ELECTRICAN and a complete novice when it comes to electrical work. I want to do this as safely and easy as I can. Rather than replace the entire cable and hookups at each end, I would like to just cut the original remote cable in the middle and splice in a longer section. Questions for those that know way more about this stuff than I do…

Any reason this shouldn’t work or that I shouldn’t do it this way?

What EXACT type of cable/wire do I need to get?

Any special steps I should take?

Thank you for any feedback.

Here's the hoist:

https://www.harborfreight.com/1300-lb-electric-hoist-with-remote-control-62853.html?hftm_sc=&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901270796&campaignid=21901270796&utm_content=169550066359&adsetid=169550066359&product=62853&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901270796&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czCtkBlDFIWqjrCM3_-_XoW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9vqve7MkgMVhHF_AB39fgD5EAQYAiABEgJLCvD_BwE

You can cut out a section of cable and take it to a supply house and have them sell you a new length, using the parts still connected as a pattern connect the new cable. It dosen't really matter if the colors on the new section are not the same s the old, just be consistent in how you choose which color replaces another.

 

[BurtEggley]

looking at the manual it looks like one end of the cable is spade connectors and the other is eyelets or Y. As suggested get the same gauge wire and fabricate new cables. If the unit fails in the warranty period, just put the old cable back on and take it back. If you cut it they won't warranty it.

 

[DaveAndStuff]

How long is the existing?

How long do you want them?

I would think about buying a new cord for one hoist and then cut the cord you replaced in half to extend the other two cords.

I think the housing end is easier to change than the control end. I would twist, solder and heat-shrink.

How often and how many people will use them? I would add a 1/16" wire rope from the control to the housing to relive the stress, and in case some knucklehead tries to pull the hoist with it. I also put the control in a good plastic bag and tape foam around them.

Be sure to test all the hoists up and down all the way under load a few times before you do anything!

 

[Northern_Lights]

I don't recall the number of conductors in the cable, I think mine was 4.

I would find the length of cable you want, and just replace the whole cable, vice splicing in an extension. Fewer connections to be made and you're relying on new connections only in the control pendant or the existing connection box on the hoist, vice splices on the cable itself (which in my case would be hanging, and more likely to ge pulled on). The cable gland or grommets should be reusable.

You'd need some new spade connectors for each end but overall a pretty simple modification.

I think 14/4 SOOW or SJOOW is the type of cable and would be sufficient.

Mine is 4 connectors as well. I've looked inside the remote and that end doesn't seem to hard but I haven't looked inside the motor end on the hoist. Any idea where I can source the cable from online? I don't have many local options. Thank you for the reply.

 

[Northern_Lights]

Don’t know what vice splicing is, but yeah, I just replaced the cable on mine with a longer one using crimp on connectors.

So you did not splice in a new section of cable between the factory connected ends, you replaced the entire factory cable with a new one including replacing the connected ends correct? Anything special I should know to do that? Any special tools I'll need? Thanks.

 

[Northern_Lights]

It's definitely 4 conductor. Sorry, I have done 2 of these, but I can't quite recall the gauge. I want to say 14 This is mostly a special order SJ cord, but some HD's have it in stock (maybe). Just look closely at the cord on your hoist, and use the same gauge #.

Thanks! Will the current cable have the gauge number printed on it? Any idea of a good online vendor where I can buy the cable by the foot or in shorter lengths?

 

[Northern_Lights]

I'm not saying I know any more about this than you do, but if it were my hoists I'd replace the entire cable with a new longer one of at least the same gauge wire.

Also, it may not matter to you but be aware you will likely be voiding the warranty on the hoist.

Thanks. Yeah, I figured I'd be voiding the warranty but honestly, I'm not going to use them all the time and I can't use them standing on the ground without a longer remote cable so I guess I'm willing to take the risk.

 

[Northern_Lights]

I think the smart move is to replace the short cable with a longer cable. Every connection is a potential failure point and give that the control is going to be hanging from this cable I can’t imagine a splice that would distribute the pull evenly among the 4 conductors. Is the plan to put the splices in boxes or are you just going to wrap them up in a pile of tape?

Walta

I was going to just wrap the splices in tape.. not too professional I know but figured it would work. But after reading all the replies on here I'm now thinking I should try to replace the entire cable. Like I said, I'm no electrician, so a little nervous to try that.

 

[zimman]

I know this much about splicing wire.
Zim

 

[Northern_Lights]

You can cut out a section of cable and take it to a supply house and have them sell you a new length, using the parts still connected as a pattern connect the new cable. It dosen't really matter if the colors on the new section are not the same s the old, just be consistent in how you choose which color replaces another.

Thanks! I don't have any supply houses locally. I was going to try and order a length online. Any ideas of sites where I could do that? Maybe by the foot or smaller lengths less than 500'?

 

[Northern_Lights]

looking at the manual it looks like one end of the cable is spade connectors and the other is eyelets or Y. As suggested get the same gauge wire and fabricate new cables. If the unit fails in the warranty period, just put the old cable back on and take it back. If you cut it they won't warranty it.

Thanks.

 

[Northern_Lights]

How long is the existing?

How long do you want them?

I would think about buying a new cord for one hoist and then cut the cord you replaced in half to extend the other two cords.

I think the housing end is easier to change than the control end. I would twist, solder and heat-shrink.

How often and how many people will use them? I would add a 1/16" wire rope from the control to the housing to relive the stress, and in case some knucklehead tries to pull the hoist with it. I also put the control in a good plastic bag and tape foam around them.

Be sure to test all the hoists up and down all the way under load a few times before you do anything!

Good point about testing, thanks. I need them to be around 14' in total length minimum but could go longer. You lost me a little with "tape foam" where would you do that?

 

[ipgenie]

Select 10,12,14,16,18 AWG 4 conductor depending on what gauge you need. 50'will be enough for all three hoists.

https://a.co/d/030HjJGj

 

[larry_g]

I just picked up 3 of the HF Pittsburgh 1300lb electric hoists model #62853. I need to extend the remote control cable on all of them since they will all be installed 14-18 feet off the ground. I AM NOT AN ELECTRICAN and a complete novice when it comes to electrical work. I want to do this as safely and easy as I can. Rather than replace the entire cable and hookups at each end, I would like to just cut the original remote cable in the middle and splice in a longer section. Questions for those that know way more about this stuff than I do…

Any reason this shouldn’t work or that I shouldn’t do it this way?

What EXACT type of cable/wire do I need to get?

Any special steps I should take?

Thank you for any feedback.

Here's the hoist:

https://www.harborfreight.com/1300-lb-electric-hoist-with-remote-control-62853.html?hftm_sc=&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901270796&campaignid=21901270796&utm_content=169550066359&adsetid=169550066359&product=62853&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901270796&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czCtkBlDFIWqjrCM3_-_XoW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9vqve7MkgMVhHF_AB39fgD5EAQYAiABEgJLCvD_BwE

Not that I suggest splicing, I'm with the replace all crowd, but for economy's sake consider this. You have 3 hoists that are the same. Take the cord off one of them, cut it in half and use that to extend the other two. Now you only have to buy one length of new cord to get the third one going.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Jsf721]

From one no electrician to another call a sparky and get it done right.

 

[dkmc]

FYI, there actually is special cable for electric hoist pendants. It has multiple conductors
plus 1/8" braided cable inside the rubber outer cover for mechanical strength for pulling on the hoist
trolley. It is super expensive per foot.

 

[nadogail]

Thanks! I don't have any supply houses locally. I was going to try and order a length online. Any ideas of sites where I could do that? Maybe by the foot or smaller lengths less than 500'?

How many conductors and what gauge?
IMHO, looking at either of those big box stores will be a waste of time and money.

 

[walta]

Thanks! I don't have any supply houses locally. I was going to try and order a length online. Any ideas of sites where I could do that? Maybe by the foot or smaller lengths less than 500'?

When I search on Amazon for ( 4 conductor wire 14 gauge) I see many options.


I just remember when dissembled one of those pendants the strain relief was molded onto the cable. It might be a change to get the short cable out and the long one in without damaging the relief.

 

[manwithtools]

I think you should have bought the wireless remote versions of those hoists...

Best of luck with a replacement cord, it's really not that difficult.

 

[The Cobbler]

@Northern_Lights , where are you located? I have about 50' of 16/4.
I suspect the OD of my cable is larger than what you have .

 

[inphx]

Yep the HF manual has 4 wire cleanest option is to replace one longer wire but for a non electrician cutting and splicing in not messing up colors may be the quickest hack but since the cord is hanging down you should make sure you do a good job on joints and electrical tape so it doesn't pull apart.

 

[DGZRT]

I did mine up north at the cabin by using a trailer light wiring kit and some good heat shrink able **** connections. It’s worked perfectly for over a year .

 

[The Cobbler]

using a trailer light wiring kit

concern with that it's probably not rated for 120volts.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

Thanks! Will the current cable have the gauge number printed on it? Any idea of a good online vendor where I can buy the cable by the foot or in shorter lengths?

Yes, it will have the gauge printed on it. If your local HD doesn't have it, you can order from them online. I cant find my HD receipt, but I know I got mine from there. It's probably this. If I get out to the barn tomorrow, I will double check for you.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...-Portable-Power-SJOOW-Cord-55812399/204725135

 

[whateg01]

I would add a 1/16" wire rope from the control to the housing to relive the stress, and in case some knucklehead tries to pull the hoist with it. I also put the control in a good plastic bag and tape foam around them.

I wish they came like that. I'm sure nobody ever tries to pull a hoist by the pendant.

 

[Northern_Lights]

Select 10,12,14,16,18 AWG 4 conductor depending on what gauge you need. 50'will be enough for all three hoists.

https://a.co/d/030HjJGj

Thank you!

 

[Northern_Lights]

How many conductors and what gauge?
IMHO, looking at either of those big box stores will be a waste of time and money.

4 conductors but I'm not positive on the gauge yet.

 

[Northern_Lights]

When I search on Amazon for ( 4 conductor wire 14 gauge) I see many options.


I just remember when dissembled one of those pendants the strain relief was molded onto the cable. It might be a change to get the short cable out and the long one in without damaging the relief.

Thanks. I guess I'll find out. Appreciate the heads up.

 

[Northern_Lights]

I think you should have bought the wireless remote versions of those hoists...

Best of luck with a replacement cord, it's really not that difficult.

Thanks. It'll be a good spring project to try.

 

[Northern_Lights]

Yep the HF manual has 4 wire cleanest option is to replace one longer wire but for a non electrician cutting and splicing in not messing up colors may be the quickest hack but since the cord is hanging down you should make sure you do a good job on joints and electrical tape so it doesn't pull apart.

Thanks for the image. I was originally going to do the splice method but after all the feedback, I'm going to try to replace the entire cable on 1 of them and see how it goes.

 

[Northern_Lights]

Yes, it will have the gauge printed on it. If your local HD doesn't have it, you can order from them online. I cant find my HD receipt, but I know I got mine from there. It's probably this. If I get out to the barn tomorrow, I will double check for you.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...-Portable-Power-SJOOW-Cord-55812399/204725135

Thank you. I didn't get a chance to look at one of the cables last night. Hopefully tonight. Appreciate the help!!

 

[whateg01]

I think you should have bought the wireless remote versions of those hoists...

Best of luck with a replacement cord, it's really not that difficult.

I would lose the remote. It could be in my have and I wouldn't be able to find it