Abstract: A suspension work platform hoist system powered by an input power source for raising a work platform on a rope. The system includes a hoist having a motor that drives a traction mechanism designed to cooperate with the rope, and a reactive power reducing input power system in electrical communication with the motor and the constant frequency input power source. The reactive power reducing input power system includes an AC-DC converter and a regulator system, wherein the regulator system is in electrical communication with a DC-AC inverter that is in electrical communication with the motor. The system may include an isolation system to electrically isolate the DC-AC inverter from the motor when the DC-AC inverter is not transmitting power to the motor. The system may accept multiple alternating current voltage sources including both single phase and three phase sources.