What is the purpose of the hoist line limit switch?

• A. To prevent over travel of the load block.
• B. To prevent motor overload.
• C. To reverse the hoist direction automatically.
• D. To signal when the load reaches a preset height.

Answer: (A)

The line limit switch is a safety device that prevents the load block from moving beyond the designed travel range. As the load is raised or lowered, the switch is activated when the block reaches a set upper or lower limit, cutting power to the hoist and stopping movement. This protects the hoist rope, drum, and end stops, and helps avoid mechanical damage or unsafe conditions from over-travel.

It isn’t primarily about preventing motor overload or automatically reversing direction; those functions involve other protective systems and control logic. The switch may also be used to signal that a limit has been reached, but its main purpose is to stop travel at the preset limit.