Safety factor is the margin between the brake’s rated torque and the maximum torque your hoist may demand in real conditions. For overhead and gantry cranes, the hoisting brake is safety-critical because failure can lead to load drop. While exact requirements depend on local regulations, crane duty class, and OEM design, a common best practice is to size the hoist brake with a conservative safety factor above calculated load torque and to verify compliance with applicable crane standards.
Do not base selection on “average” load. Include worst-case scenarios: rated load, overload policies, shock loading during inching, wind-induced swing, emergency stop conditions, and friction coefficient variation due to temperature or contamination. Also consider wear—clearances and friction behavior change over time if not adjusted properly.
A higher safety factor is not always better if it causes harsh braking or excessive drivetrain stress. The correct approach is: size for safe holding and emergency needs, then ensure smooth control with proper drive coordination and brake adjustment.