lift safety question

[danieldolin]

I have a question about 4 post lifts and the potention for a malfunction (sticky) power button. I know some people create a safety cutoff switch for this and others have said you can simply pull down the hydraulic release handle and yell for help.

My question is this... If the power button does get stuck, will pulling the release handle actually lower the car or will it just stay in place with the motor trying to raise it with the release trying to lower it? If it will lower the car, then this will give you a 30-45 second window to run over and unplug the power cord once all the way down if I am thinking correctly. If it will simply stay in place, then you either need to have someone else cut the power or figure out a way to keep the handle locked down while you do it.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Marty256]

Mine is plugged in to a wall socket so I'd just pull the plug!

 

[Matt M PA]

Good question as mine is hard wired with the electric panel within site...but more than a few steps away. How common is this issue?

 

[nehog]

I have a question about 4 post lifts and the potention for a malfunction (sticky) power button. ...

If the button is sticking, replace it...

 

[jfdegnan]

I have had this exact situation occur to me when the internal switch (inside motor) stuck. Holding down the release handle allowed the lift/vehicle to stay in place so I could re-position to get the twist lock plug a few steps away.

This failure mode is very stressful on the motor. It occurs when the centrifugal switches stick.

I would recommend local control of power.

 

[Matt M PA]

I seem to remember a thread about installing a kill switch, but at least the search terms I used did not get me that thread. Anyone remember the title?

 

[budk]

Just install in a 2 pole switch rated for at least 25A on the column above the motor. I priced a 30a switch at lowes the other day and it was around $10.

No reason to overthink it. JMHO

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks budk.....I've done my share of electrical, but wondered how the best way to hook this up.

 

[danieldolin]

Mine is plugged in to a wall socket so I'd just pull the plug!

I agree, but how do you keep the lift from raising too high while you reach for the plug? That is why I was asking if pulling the handle will lower or just keep the car in place. If it lowers, it would allow time to let go and kill the power. If it stays in place, no such luck. I guess I could just grab the power cord and yank untill it comes out of the wall... much cheaper to repair a cord / plug than repair the car and ceiling

 

[jhelrey]

Had that happen at the shop... Car wanted to keep going even though it was just getting to the top and wanted to squeal... Hardwired from the ceiling so that was a no go. Hit the release as someone went running.

 

[Matt M PA]

I just went to Lowes and bought a 30 amp two pole toggle switch...like a light switch, a wet location box, and a cover that should work nice.