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Two Wired Controllers to One Electric Hoist

Tudunka

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Nov 5, 2020
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Texas
Hi Fellas,

This is my First Post - So Howdy to all. I have been trolling for a while and like what I read.

I am building an electric elevator using a HF 2000lb 110v, 20a electric hoist that has one cabled remote. I looked at a wireless solution but its very complicated because of the 20a requirement.

Is it possible to connect TWO cable remotes to a single hoist? Can I just purchase a secondary similar cable remote and just connect the wires like the original one that is connected to the hoist now?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thank You.

Andy
 
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Beans

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Jun 26, 2019
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Backyard
So everyone is male on this site?
If you haven't heard from anyone the answer is yes.
That would be a parallel connection where "either" up button runs it up, for example.
Be advised that the "other" remote will be working as well under this situation.
Good luck.
Be careful.
 

nadogail

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Coronado, CA
Winches are not suitable for use as an elevator hoist; I am unable to tell you exactly just why but I doubt that they have any "fail safe" features.

I would not want to ride in an elevator powered by a HF winch, I doubt that the HF winch is approved for the purpose of powering an elevator.
 

PCustoms

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There was recently a post about someone who built a similar "elevator".

Something broke after a few years of use, and they ended up severely injured.....

Might want to rethink your plan.
 

matt_i

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SE Michigan
I don't know their wiring requirements, but its momentary-UP and momentary-DOWN on the controller, I've never looked but probably simple 3 wires.

Thus additional controls could all be wired as parallel contacts.

Its likely, if you could source another hand-control, complete, you could land the same colored wires on the same terminals as existing (if not the same colors then same functionality) and it would work.

The cable hoist has its own version of an upper overtravel limit, I would make sure that works (mechanically) with your setup.
 

billconner

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Normally, you would wire it so that for one control to work, it deactivated the other. Not hard with this kind of control.

Definitely iffy. At least add counterweight so winch is only moving 50% of max load and do a single point failure analysis of the drive.
 

finn

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The post where the builder was severely injured with a HF winch powered elevator was run sometime this summer.

Do yourself a favor and search out that thread before you hurt yourself like he did.

Amateurs building elevators rarely turns out well.
 

Walkers

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Cave Creek Az
There was recently a post about someone who built a similar "elevator".

Something broke after a few years of use, and they ended up severely injured.....

Might want to rethink your plan.
Yeah, as I recall he broke both heels whe he hit the ground.

Whatever you decide, please don’t trust you life or safety to Harbor Freight
 

PCustoms

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Yeah, as I recall he broke both heels whe he hit the ground.
Yep, that's it.

I could not remember exactly what he broke, but it was both sides. Something like a 20' fall.

OP seriously needs to reconsider.
 
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PCustoms

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rlitman

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... Can I just purchase a secondary similar cable remote and just connect the wires like the original one that is connected to the hoist now?...
Aside from the dangers spelled out above, doing this would create a short if one control is pressed up while another presses down.
 

PoorUB

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Just don't ride on the elevator! Problem solved!

I have thought about doing it myself, but I would build a cage or elevator shaft all around. Maybe plywood sides, and a door of some sort, perhaps build a metal frame and expanded metal. Put safety switches on the doors so they need to be closed to operate. Control switches at either floor that can not be reached from inside even if the door switch is rigged.
 

nadogail

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I have an elevator in my home. It has all the required approvals from the appropriate authorities and a placard in the car with the capacity limit. The 5 horse motor is controlled by a PLC. The interlocking safety switches keep the operator from making stupid mistakes.
 

PCMusicGuy

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Houston, TX
For my attic lift, I added a rocker wall switch to mine. It is wired in parallel with the control pendant (in the attic) for my Northern Tool electric hoist. It works just fine. Since I am the only that ever uses it and I can't be in two places at once, I've not bothered with any interlocking safety.
 

Viper98912

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GA
After you read the other thread....

If you still decide to do this, I suggest putting the switches on relays so it cuts out the other controller's feed, just so you don't short out the circuit.
 

glentre

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Gloucester, Virginia
On my lift, I added an OSHA approved safety lanyard so the lift will stop immediately if the winch motor fails or the cable breaks. I may get stuck 10 ft off the floor but at least uninjured.

Glen
 

PCustoms

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On my lift, I added an OSHA approved safety lanyard so the lift will stop immediately if the winch motor fails or the cable breaks. I may get stuck 10 ft off the floor but at least uninjured.

Glen

You added an OSHA approved safety to something OSHA explicitly states shouldn't carry humans?
 
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