My hoist has stopped working! How to troubleshoot patient lifting hoists? [+ FREE TOOL]

1. Check the emergency stop button

The emergency stop button is a safety feature on all hoists that is intended to be used in an emergency! On overhead hoists it will feature as a cord that can be pulled. It can be easy to accidentally push the button (or pull the cord) which will stop the hoist from functioning. If the emergency stop has been pressed, simply de-activate it and the hoist will function again as normal.
 

2. Check hand control is connected

Ensure that the hand control is pushed firmly into the socket. If it is not securely in place it will not function. You can remove the control, and re-insert to ensure it is properly connected.

3. Check hand control for obvious signs of damage

Check for any obvious signs of breaks within the cable that could be affecting the connection to the hoist. If you have another hoist of the same model that you can swap the handsets to check whether it is just a fault with the handset.
 

If the handset has a break in the cable, or swapping handsets from a different hoist solves the issue, then you need a new hand control. Call us on 01392 823233 and we will get the correct one for your hoist sent out to you.
 

4. Check battery is charging (for on-board charging)

Ensure the charging cable is removed from the hoist as there is a safety feature that prevents the hoist operating during charging.
 

As with the hand control, check the charging cable for any signs of breakage and test with an alternative cable if you have one. If the cable is damaged, or the alternative cable solves the issue, then you need a new charging cable. Call us on 01392 823233 and we will get the correct one for your hoist sent out to you. 
 

5. Check battery is charging (for off-board charging)

Very often in busy environments the battery can be placed on charge and then removed shortly after from another person requiring a charged battery – not realising it has only just been placed on charge. Allow battery to charge fully.
 

Check the battery is actually being charged. The battery must be sited correctly on the charging contacts. If unsure remove the battery from charge and re-site ensuring the battery sits flush and is in contact with the charging points.
 

6. Check the charger is working (for off-board charging)

The charger will show an illuminated light when it is powered. If this light is not lit check the power is turned on at the wall and the charging cable is firmly connected to the charger. It is also worth checking that the fuse hasn’t been blown.
 

7. Is The Battery At The End Of Its Life?

If your charger is working, but the battery is not charging, it is likely your battery is at the end of its life. This can often be seen when the orange charging light illuminates but switches off shortly after placing on charge. This means the charger has been unable to charge the battery.
 

8. Contact CLH for further assistance

Have you gone through all of the above steps and still not corrected the issue? We're sorry we weren't able to help, but please call us on 01392 823233 and let us know you have completed all our troubleshooting tips and we will do our best to assist you further! We look forward to hearing from you!