Harrington TCE Spark Resistant Air Chain Hoist, 1/4 to 6 Ton

A spark resistant air hoist for gas and dust atmospheres

The Harrington TCE is a compressed-air chain hoist for potentially explosive atmospheres, in capacities of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 3 and 6 ton. Air power means there is no electrical motor to ignite gas or dust, and Harrington builds the TCE with constructional safety measures: the manual explains that the hoist uses protection by constructional safety ‘c’ under ISO 80079 Part 5, which addresses hot surfaces, sparks and adiabatic compression from moving parts through spark-reducing materials. The nameplate marking for the TCE-IIB hoist is stated in the manual as II 2G Ex h IIB T4 Gb and II 2D Ex h IIIB T130 C Db.

That is why this hoist is a natural choice for oil and gas processing, petrochemical plants, paint and solvent areas and flour or grain dust locations, where an electrical hoist would need hazardous-area certification of its own.

Technical specification

Standard lift is 10 ft on all sizes, with a push-button hose of 8.1 ft (8.6 ft for the 3 and 6 ton) on pendant models and 7.3 ft on cord models. Code letters: P is pendant control, C is cord (pull-cord) control and the digit 2 before the dash marks a double chain fall.

What the IIB class means for selection

The manual defines IIB as atmospheres containing ethylene or similar gases. It warns that to maintain the IIB spark-resistant rating the hoist must carry Harrington’s nickel-plated load chain and bronze hooks, that modifications must not alter the equipment group, and that the ATEX rating of a hoist-and-trolley package is limited by the component with the lowest rating. The rating applies only to the groups shown on the nameplate. Always have the area classification confirmed by a competent person.

Air supply and installation

Size the supply for flow, not just pressure: the 3 and 6 ton units draw 148 cfm no load and 141 cfm when lifting at full load, double the demand of the smaller sizes. Use the minimum pipe and hose sizes in the table, a filter of 5 micron or finer, a regulator and a lubricator at the inlet set to 10 to 15 drops per minute, and avoid quick couplers because they restrict flow. The load limiter on the 3 and 6 ton hoists is factory set to 125% of rated load and may need adjustment if supply pressure differs. Lubricate the load chain every 3 months, more often in severe use; extreme conditions such as sea water or heat can increase wear.

Applications

TCE hoists serve pump and compressor maintenance in refineries, gas plants and offshore decks, tank-farm and loading bays, paint shops, chemical blending and dust-prone food and grain handling. Use is limited to the zones allowed by the marking: Category 2 equipment is for areas where an explosive atmosphere is likely in normal operation, but not continuously. In hot climates, the +60 C upper ambient limit leaves margin for Gulf summers.

Selection and installation notes

A hoist is selected from the rated capacity, the lift height, the duty cycle and the supply or air available, and it must be used only within its rated load under the site lifting procedure by trained people. Check the support structure and the trolley or hook, inspect the hoist, chain and hooks before use, test the brake and the limits at commissioning, never lift people or pull the load at an angle and have periodic examinations carried out by a competent person as the local rules require. Damaged equipment is taken out of service.

An air hoist needs clean, dry compressed air at the pressure and flow on the data sheet, with a filter, regulator and lubricator where the maker requires one.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Related items

A lube-free alternative for non-hazardous use is the Harrington TCL. For dust-location electric hoisting see the RNER2. More lifting gear is in Material Handling & Lifting Equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What ATEX marking does the TCE carry? II 2G Ex h IIB T4 Gb and II 2D Ex h IIIB T130 C Db, as printed in the manual.

Can it be used in Zone 0 or 20? No. The manual states the product is not suitable for Equipment Category 1.

Documents and quotation

The attached TCE owner’s manual (effective 19 January 2026) contains the ATEX explanation, specification tables and the declaration of conformity. Send capacity, pendant or cord control, lift length, available air supply and area classification with your enquiry.