Load Limiters & Overload Protection

Electronic load limiting devices to prevent overloading on overhead cranes and hoists. Protect your equipment, your loads, and your people with visual and audible warnings plus automatic cut-out when limits are exceeded.

Why Use Load Limiters?

Every overhead crane and hoist has a rated Safe Working Load (SWL). Exceeding this limit – even briefly – can cause serious consequences including structural damage, equipment failure, dropped loads, and injury to personnel.

Load limiters provide an automated safeguard against overloading by continuously monitoring the load and intervening before limits are exceeded.

Prevent Overloading

Automatic cut-out stops the hoist before the SWL is exceeded, preventing damage and accidents.

Early Warning

Visual and audible alarms alert operators as loads approach the limit, allowing corrective action.

Compliance

Supports compliance with LOLER and PUWER regulations for safe lifting operations.

Equipment Protection

Protects hoists, cranes, and supporting structures from damage caused by excessive loads.

How Load Limiters Work

Load limiters use a load cell (strain gauge sensor) installed in the lifting system to continuously measure the weight being lifted. This signal is processed by an electronic control unit that compares the actual load against pre-set limits.

Load Sensing

Load cell measures actual weight in real-time

Signal Processing

Electronic unit compares load to programmed limits

Warning Stage

At ~90% of SWL: visual/audible warning activates

Cut-Out Stage

At 100% SWL: hoisting motion automatically stops

Typical Warning Levels

Pre-warning: 90% of SWL – amber light / intermittent alarm

Warning: 100% of SWL – red light / continuous alarm

Cut-out: 100-110% of SWL – hoisting disabled

Warning levels can be adjusted during commissioning to suit your requirements.

Types of Load Limiter

We supply and install load limiting systems to suit different crane types, capacities, and requirements.

Basic Load Limiters

Simple, reliable overload protection with warning light and automatic cut-out. Ideal for standard applications where weight display is not required.

  • Warning light indicator
  • Audible alarm
  • Automatic hoist cut-out
  • Adjustable set points

Load Limiters with Display

Full-featured systems with digital display showing real-time load weight. Allows operators to see exactly how much they’re lifting.

  • Digital weight display
  • Percentage of SWL indication
  • Multi-stage warnings
  • Remote display options

Wireless Systems

Wireless load monitoring with handheld or crane-mounted displays. Easier installation and flexible display positioning.

  • No signal cables required
  • Handheld display option
  • Multiple display support
  • Ideal for retrofit

Integrated Systems

Factory-fitted load limiters integrated into new hoists and cranes. Seamless integration with hoist controls and diagnostics.

  • OEM integration
  • Single control interface
  • Diagnostics integration
  • Available on new equipment

Applications

Load limiters can be fitted to virtually any lifting equipment. Common applications include.

Overhead travelling cranes

Electric chain hoists
Wire rope hoists
Gantry cranes
Jib cranes
Monorail systems
Goods lifts
Bespoke lifting equipment
Retrofit or New Installation

Load limiters can be fitted to existing cranes and hoists as a retrofit upgrade, or specified as part of new equipment. We can advise on the best solution for your situation.

Compliance & Regulations

While load limiters are not mandatory for all lifting equipment, they provide an important safeguard that supports compliance with UK health and safety regulations.

LOLER 1998

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations require that lifting equipment is safe to use and that loads do not exceed the equipment’s rated capacity. Load limiters provide automated protection against overloading.

PUWER 1998

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations require employers to ensure equipment is safe and that risks are controlled. Overload protection is a recognised risk control measure.

BS EN Standards

Load limiters should comply with relevant standards including BS EN 12077-2 for crane safety and limiting devices.

When is Overload Protection Required?

Overload protection may be required or recommended when:

Lifting loads of unknown weight

Multiple cranes working in tandem

Lifting in safety-critical environments

Required by customer specifications

Part of risk assessment controls

What We Provide

Specification

We help you select the right load limiter for your crane, capacity, and application requirements.

Supply

Quality load limiting equipment from trusted manufacturers, competitively priced.

Installation

Professional installation by our qualified engineers, whether retrofit or new equipment.

Commissioning

Calibration and setting of warning and cut-out levels to your specifications.

Calibration

Periodic calibration and testing to ensure continued accuracy and reliability.

Service & Repair

Ongoing maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repair when required.

Related Products

Need Load Limiting for Your Crane?

Whether you need a new load limiter fitted or want to upgrade existing equipment, our team can advise on the right solution and provide a competitive quote.

Or call us: 0800 376 27 27