🔧 Hoists & Lifting Tools
Lifting Magnet Inspection & Certification in Saudi Arabia
Lifting magnets pick up steel plate, bar, billet and fabricated parts without slings, using a permanent magnet switched by a handle, an electro-permanent system with a controller, or an electromagnet on a crane supply. They are used in steel service centres, fabrication shops and port yards in the Kingdom. The rated capacity applies only to clean, flat, thick low-carbon steel with full contact, so inspection checks the pole faces, the switching and the actual holding force.
What we inspect on a lifting magnet
- ✓Pole faces for flatness, scoring, rust, burrs and dents that create an air gap and reduce holding force
- ✓Operating handle, lock and ON/OFF indicator on permanent magnets for positive engagement
- ✓Electro-permanent and electromagnet units: controller, supply cable, connectors and battery backup or power-loss warning
- ✓Breakaway force check on a test plate to confirm the holding force against the rated value
- ✓Body and housing for cracks, dents and damage to the lifting eye or shackle
- ✓Coil insulation and temperature on electromagnets, including any duty-cycle limits
- ✓Marking of rated capacity at the stated plate thickness and air gap, with derating chart where supplied
- ✓Safety device that prevents release of the load while it is suspended
Common defects we find
- ✓Worn or scored pole faces reducing holding force
- ✓Handle latch worn or broken, allowing accidental release
- ✓Damaged supply cable or faulty controller on electromagnetic units
- ✓Capacity plate or derating chart missing
- ✓Cracked body or worn lifting eye
Risks of operating uncertified
- ✓Loss of holding force and dropped load on thin, rusty, curved or hot plate
- ✓Accidental release through a failed handle lock or lack of a power-loss warning
- ✓Overloading because the nominal rating was applied to a plate that does not meet the test conditions
Testing, standards & frequency
Load / performance test
A proof load test is typically carried out at 100%-125% of rated capacity depending on the standard and client, using a test plate within the rated thickness and surface condition, with a breakaway force check.
Inspection interval
Typically a thorough examination at least annually, with a pole face and handle check before each shift and more frequent re-inspection in heavy fabrication or port use where client or site rules require.
Standards referenced
- ASME B30.20 (Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices)
- ASME BTH-1 (Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices)
- Manufacturer specifications and load charts
- Saudi Aramco General Instructions (GI), where applicable
Part of our Lifting Equipment Inspection & Load Testing service. You receive an inspection report, Certificate of Conformity and inspection tag for passing equipment.
Industries using this equipment
FAQs
Why does the rated capacity of a lifting magnet change from job to job?＋
The rating assumes clean, flat, thick, low-carbon steel in full contact. Thin, rusty, painted, curved or high-alloy steel reduces the holding force, so manufacturers publish derating charts that must be followed.
What does an inspection of a permanent lifting magnet include?＋
A visual check of the pole faces and body, a function test of the handle lock, and a lift or breakaway test on a test plate, followed by a certificate that records the serial number and rated capacity.