Electric Hoist Annual Inspection: Process & Interval Guide
Electric Hoist Annual Inspection Process — Special equipment cranes must comply with TSG Q7015-2016: installation supervision inspection (application within 15 days, report issued within 10 working days), periodic inspection every 2 years (application 1 month before expiry), and annual inspection (organized by the user unit). Failed inspections must be rectified within 30 days. Operating without a valid inspection is illegal and may result in fines ranging from 30,000 to 300,000 CNY (approx. $4,450–$44,500). It is recommended to apply 1–2 months in advance to avoid the year-end peak season.
Annual inspections and periodic inspections of electric hoists mounted on cranes are essential to ensuring safe operation. Many user units are unclear about when the inspection is due, who performs it, what it covers, and how to proceed. Based on TSG Q7015-2016 (Rules for Periodic Inspection of Lifting Appliances) and TSG Q7016-2016 (Rules for Supervision Inspection of Installation, Retrofit, and Major Repair of Lifting Appliances), this article provides a complete walkthrough of the electric hoist annual inspection process, covering inspection types, application procedures, on-site inspection items, and inspection interval management.
1. Three Types of Inspections
Installation Supervision Inspection: After an electric hoist is installed on a crane with a rated capacity of ≥3t, the user unit must apply for supervision inspection with the local special equipment inspection body within 15 days. The inspection covers the equipment body, safety device verification, electrical system checks, and load tests at 125% static load plus 110% dynamic load. Upon passing, the inspection body issues the Installation Supervision Inspection Report for Lifting Appliances, which authorizes the equipment to be put into operation. This report serves as the equipment's "birth certificate"—without it, the equipment is considered illegally in use.
Periodic Inspection (Every 2 Years): In-service cranes must undergo a periodic inspection every 2 years. The due date is calculated as 2 years from the issue date of the previous inspection report. The inspection includes visual inspection, functional testing of safety devices, wear measurement of major components, insulation resistance testing, and a rated load test at 100% SWL. Periodic inspections are carried out on-site by an accredited inspection body, which then issues the Periodic Inspection Report for Lifting Appliances.
Annual Inspection (Every Year): The user unit is responsible for organizing an annual routine inspection, which does not replace the periodic inspection. The annual inspection is performed by the user unit's safety management personnel or a delegated maintenance company. Inspection items follow Appendix A of TSG Q7015-2016 and cover the metal structure, hoisting mechanism, travel mechanism, safety devices, electrical system, and protective devices. Inspection records must be kept on file for future reference and are subject to review during routine market supervision inspections.
2. Application Process
Step 1: Verify the issue date of the last inspection report and calculate the due date (issue date + 2 years).
Step 2: Contact the local special equipment inspection body (provincial special equipment inspection institute or municipal inspection center) 1–2 months before the due date, either by phone or through their official website. Avoid applying during the November–December year-end peak, as wait times can double.
Step 3: Submit the required documents: the previous inspection report, equipment maintenance records, self-inspection records, and the use registration certificate. Incomplete documentation may delay processing.
Step 4: Pay the inspection fee (500–3,000 CNY per unit, approx. $75–$445) and wait for the inspection body to schedule the visit.
Step 5: The inspection body performs the on-site inspection and issues the inspection report within 10 working days.
3. On-Site Inspection Items
① Technical Documentation Review — Verify that the previous inspection report, maintenance records, and usage logs are complete.
② Metal Structure Inspection — Check the camber of the main girder (L/1000–L/800), diagonal difference of the end carriage, weld seam appearance, and NDT reports.
③ Hoisting Mechanism Inspection — Check brake clearance (0.5–1.5 mm), brake slip distance (S ≤ v/100), and wire rope wear and wire break conditions.
④ Travel Mechanism Inspection — Check crane wheel wear, rail joint misalignment, and gauge deviation.
⑤ Safety Device Inspection — Functional test of limit switches, calibration of the overload limiter, emergency stop button function, and anti-collision device.
⑥ Electrical System Inspection — Check insulation resistance (≥1 MΩ), grounding resistance (≤4 Ω), and cable condition.
⑦ Load Test — Run the hoist at 100% rated load over the full travel range to verify smooth operation of all mechanisms and reliable braking.
4. Inspection Interval Management Reference
| Inspection Type | Frequency | Performed By | Key Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Supervision Inspection | Once after installation | Special equipment inspection body | Equipment body, safety devices, electrical system, 125% static + 110% dynamic load test |
| Periodic Inspection | Every 2 years | Accredited inspection body | Visual inspection, safety device function tests, wear measurement, insulation resistance, 100% rated load test |
| Annual Inspection | Every year | User unit or delegated maintenance company | Metal structure, hoisting/travel mechanisms, safety devices, electrical system, protective devices |
| Inspection Type | Period | Executing Party | Main Items | Report Issuance Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| supervision inspection | First Time(New Installation) | inspection body | 125%static load+110%dynamic load | 10Working Days |
| periodic inspection | Per2Year | inspection body | 100%Load+safety device+structure | 10Working Days |
| annual inspection | Annually | user unit/Maintenance Unit | Appearance+functional test+Records | None(keep on file for future reference) |
5. Annual Inspection Process Data Card
2Year periodic inspection interval Based oninspection report Effective from Issue Date2Year, Before Expiry1Months Prior for Application | 10Days Report Submission Deadline Inspection Upon Completion10Working Days to Issue Formalinspection report, Complaint Allowed for Delay | 30Days rectification Deadline Inspection Non-Conformance Rectification Period30Daysrectification, re-inspection Approval Required for Continued Use |
Electric Hoist Inspection FAQ
Q: How often does an electric hoist need an annual inspection?
A: An electric hoist itself is not classified as special equipment and does not require an annual inspection. However, when the hoist is assembled onto an overhead-type or gantry-type crane with a lifting capacity of 3t and above, the complete crane must undergo a periodic inspection every 2 years in accordance with TSG Q7015-2016, plus an annual inspection organized by the user unit. The due date for the next periodic inspection is calculated as 2 years from the issue date of the last inspection report. We recommend submitting the application 1–2 months before the expiry date.
Q: Where do I arrange an annual inspection for an electric hoist?
A: Contact the provincial special equipment inspection institute or the municipal special equipment inspection station in your area. Most cities have one or two accredited inspection bodies that can be booked through their official website or by phone. Try to avoid the peak period from November to December, when waiting times can double. You will need to provide the previous inspection report, maintenance records, self-inspection records, and the special equipment use registration certificate.
Q: What documents are required for an electric hoist annual inspection?
A: To apply for the periodic inspection, you will need: ① the previous periodic inspection report; ② maintenance records for the last 2 years; ③ self-inspection records (annual inspection records); ④ the special equipment use registration certificate. Incomplete documentation may delay the application, so we recommend preparing everything in advance. Kelude delivers each crane with a complete set of factory documentation and inspection files to help users complete the inspection application process.
Q: How much does an electric hoist annual inspection cost?
A: Periodic inspection fees are set at the provincial level: approximately 500–1,000 CNY per unit for cranes with a lifting capacity of 1–5t, 1,000–2,000 CNY for 10–20t, and 2,000–3,000 CNY for 32t and above. Rectification costs after a failed inspection are charged separately (typically from a few thousand to tens of thousands of CNY). User units are advised to carry out routine maintenance to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
Kelude provides a complete Factory Acceptance Test Report and installation documentation with every crane delivery, and assists users with the supervision inspection application. Refer to the related article Which Electric Hoists Require Inspection for equipment classification criteria.
