The braking effect of hoists is influenced by the efficiencies of the installed components. It is foreseeable that the occurring losses lead to greater decelerations than lossless consideration. This article considers the efficiency and its description. He goes from an easily comprehensible description for a simple mechanical system for the description of a hoist with its temporally and locally variable energy inputs and energy outputs. The article presents a general equation for the system acceleration of hoists. This general equation potentially takes into account three brakes: motor brake, service brake and safety brake and two efficiencies: Gearing efficiency and rope drive efficiency. Finally, the braking distances and the required braking torques for braking with the safety brake of the reference hoist are shown. The contents are inspired by the VDI Technical Committee 304 Cranes.