GUIDEBOOK
MOTORS & ELECTRICAL CHAIN HOISTS
Guide: Motors & Electric Chain Hoists D8+ for Event Technology
Electric chain hoists (also known as motors, hoists, chain hoists, and electric load lifts) are key components in event technology, trade fair construction, and stage installations. They enable the safe, precise, and energy-efficient lifting and positioning of trusses, lighting, speakers, LED walls, and other heavy loads. When properly planned and used, they contribute significantly to the safety, efficiency, and professionalism of an event.
In this guide, you will learn what is important when it comes to electric chain hoists – such as the frequently used D8+ / D8 Plus – what areas of application there are, how loads are calculated, and what you should consider when planning and ordering.
What are electric chain hoists?
An electric chain hoist is an electrically powered lifting device that lifts loads using a chain. In event technology, they are used to:
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Lift trusses and rigging structures
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Position spotlights, loudspeakers, or LED screens securely
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Create stage suspensions or truss structures
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Safely support temporary ceiling loads
Well-known models in the event world include D8+ / D8 Plus chain hoists, which are certified for their high load capacity, reliability, and safety.
We are happy to assist with planning and implementation.
Advice on ordering
of motors
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What are motors and chain hoists used for?
1. Truss lifting equipment
At trade fairs, concerts, or shows, trusses need to be raised to specific heights. Electric chain hoists allow for precise, controlled lifting and lowering, often in combination with rigging systems or suspension points.
2. Lighting and sound technology
Spotlights, speakers, and other audiovisual technology are often mounted above head height. Chain hoists allow the technology to be positioned securely and—if necessary—quickly readjusted.
3. LED walls and video technology
Heavy LED panels or video walls require stable, safe lifting equipment. Electric chain hoists ensure smooth lifting and minimal vibration.
4. Flexible stage sets
In theaters, shows, or performances, elements are often moved during the event. Motors enable automated, repeatable movements.
Safety & standards according to IGVW standard for electric chain hoists
In event technology, more than just simple load capacity applies: electric chain hoists must be selected, installed, and operated in accordance with recognized industry standards. The SQP2 quality standard of the IGVW (Interessengemeinschaft Veranstaltungswirtschaft, German Event Industry Association) describes precisely these requirements for electric chain hoists and associated components, taking into account current safety standards and legal requirements.
IGVW SQP2 – what is behind it?
The IGVW SQP2 standard defines how electric chain hoists may be planned, tested, and used safely. It covers the entire life cycle of a hoist in event technology – from selection and provision to installation and operation to maintenance, servicing, and testing. By incorporating current standards such as DIN EN 17206 and relevant DGUV regulations, SQP2 ensures that technology and processes are state-of-the-art in terms of safety.
D8, D8 Plus & C1 – the right motors for your application
The IGVW standard uses technical terms such as “D8,” “D8 Plus,” and “C1” to classify motors according to their intended use and safety level:
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D8 electric chain hoist:
Standard chain hoist, which may not normally be used above people without additional safety measures. It is suitable for many rigging tasks, as long as no load is held above people. -
D8 Plus electric chain hoist:
Thanks to additional equipment - e.g., a second brake and other safety mechanisms—this motor can hold loads above people without the need for secondary safety measures. It is therefore particularly preferred in safety-critical applications. -
C1 electric chain hoist:
A more advanced classification according to DIN EN 17206, which places additional requirements on safety functions, especially when loads are moved or held above people.
Load systems & static evaluation according to IGVW
The IGVW standard also describes which load systems are statically determinate or statically indeterminate – a key aspect for correct load distribution with multiple motors:
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Statically determinate systems are easy to calculate, e.g., loads that are carried individually by a chain hoist or evenly by two chain hoists.
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Statically indeterminate systems arise, for example, when several chain hoists are used on longer trusses or when there are surface loads on more than three motors. These load distributions can only be reliably determined using complex calculations and simulation models.
This classification is particularly important when several motors are used together to support loads or when trusses, LED walls, or lighting systems are suspended above people.
More information is also available at: Guide to suspension points
Planning & deployment at events
The technical planning of motors/electric chain hoists includes:
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Load calculation: Total loads of trusses & technology
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Positionierung: Wo werden Hängepunkte gesetzt?
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Rigging plan: Drawings for suspension points, rope lengths, rigging matrix
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Approval: Trade fair company, location management
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Coordination: Together with stage, lighting, and sound
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Setup & calibration: Safety, function, load distribution
Electric chain hoists are always part of an overall plan that takes rigging, statics, and the event schedule into account.
Integration with suspension points & truss systems
Electric chain hoists never work alone. They are combined with:
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Suspension points (exhibition halls, hall ceilings)
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Truss systems
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Lifting gear (shackles, round slings, carabiners)
Dry hire or full service
You can rent electric chain hoists on a dry hire basis or as a full service, where we plan and order suspension points, install motors and trusses, and supervise the rigging system on site.
Dry hire may be sufficient for event professionals and exhibition stand builders. However, for complex trade fair appearances or shows, the full-service approach with support and technical management is worthwhile.
Electric chain hoists such as the D8+ are indispensable tools in modern event technology. They ensure safe, controlled lifting operations, enable flexible staging, and are an integral part of rigging, trusses, and suspension points. Selection, planning, and integration require experience—this is exactly where we support you as a technical service provider.
We are happy to assist with planning and implementation.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and a personalized quote!
