If you’ve spent any time around overhead cranes or hoists, you know how important the pendant station is. It’s the control center in your hands—whether you’re lifting heavy loads or guiding equipment through precise movements. But when it comes to choosing the right pendant station, one detail often gets overlooked: how deep should it be?
You’ve got two main options—deep or shallow pendant stations. Both get the job done, but the difference lies in how much wiring space you have inside. And depending on your setup, that extra room might make your life a lot easier.
The Basics
Shallow pendant stations are the slimmer, more compact version. They’re great when you don’t need a lot of extras—maybe just up/down, left/right, or a simple start/stop. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for straightforward applications.
Deep pendant stations, on the other hand, offer more interior space. That gives you room for extra wiring, terminals, contact blocks, and accessories. If your system is more complex or you want the flexibility to expand down the line, this might be the better fit.
So, When Do You Actually Need a Deep Pendant Station?
Here are a few signs:
You’ve got a lot going on inside. Multiple speeds, auxiliary controls, or operating more than one hoist? You’ll want the room to wire everything cleanly and safely.
You’re retrofitting older equipment. Adding new safety features like emergency stops, selector switches, or interlocks? A deeper enclosure can handle those upgrades without getting cramped.
You’re running thicker wires or specialty cables. In tougher environments, you might need heavier-duty cabling. Deep stations offer better routing and strain relief.
You care about easier maintenance. More space means easier access. If your crew needs to get in there for inspections, repairs, or rewiring, deep pendant stations make the job faster and less frustrating.
When a Shallow Pendant Station Does the Trick
If you’re working with a basic hoist or crane and just need simple, single-speed control—don’t overthink it. A shallow pendant station is often the smarter, more economical choice. It saves space and cost, and gets the job done without any extra bulk.
Bottom Line
Choosing between deep and shallow pendant stations isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what fits your system best. Think about what you need today and what you might need tomorrow. A little extra wiring space now could save you a lot of hassle later.
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we help customers across industries find the right control solutions for their operations—whether it’s a basic pendant station or a custom setup. If you’re not sure what you need, we’re happy to talk it through.
Questions? Need a recommendation? Reach out to our team—we’ll make sure you’re wired for success.