Depending on the safety standard applied, GIS electric chain hoists used in entertainment industry are fitted with two spring-loaded brakes. During normal operation, both brakes operate virtually in synchronisation, with only a very slight delay. As the function of each brake must be checked individually during servicing and maintenance, the required testing procedure can be time-consuming. With the new BTB (Brake Testing Box) brake testing system, GIS has developed a solution that enables both brakes to be tested independently, without the need for mechanical intervention or rewiring.

Electrical interface in the chain hoist

The system works by means of an electrical interface inside the electric chain hoist. For the test, this is connected to the test box via a cable. As soon as a connection is established, the first brake can be selectively activated to test its functionality. To check the second brake, the plug connection on the connection module simply needs to be changed and the procedure repeated. This allows a reliable determination of whether both brakes on the hoist are functioning correctly.

Test box available in two versions

The test box is designed as a sturdy plastic case and is available in two versions. The standard BTB version allows the main brake or auxiliary brake to be activated and deactivated, whilst the lifting movement of the electric chain hoist is initiated by the existing control system.
The BTB-1CH variant is equipped with an integrated 1-channel controller. This enables the person performing the test to control the connected chain hoist via the test unit without the need for an external controller. Chain hoists with a fixed lifting speed in ‘direct control’ or ‘low voltage’ executions are suitable for this purpose.

Maximum safety for on-site testing

The brake test system is designed for mobile use at the location of the motors and supports a safe testing process through integrated safety and monitoring functions. For example, it automatically prevents a brake from being continuously energised due to a lapse in attention or the accidental activation of both brakes during the test procedure. The electrical interface can be used not only with newly ordered chain hoists, but is also available as a retrofit kit for existing electric chain hoists of the LP and LPL series.