Introduction

An escalator is a moving staircase – a conveyor transport device for carrying people between floors
of a building.

Escalators are powered by constant-speed alternating current motors and move at approximately 1–2
feet (0.30–0.61 m) per second. The maximum angle of inclination of an escalator to the horizontal
floor level is 30 degrees with a standard rise up to about 60 feet (18 m). Modern escalators have single
piece aluminum or steel steps that move on a system of tracks in a continuous loop.

Direction of movement (up or down) can be permanently the same, or be controlled by personnel
according to the time of day, or automatically be controlled by whoever arrives first, whether at the
bottom or at the top (the system is programmed so that the direction is not reversed while a passenger
is on the escalator).

The benefits of escalators are many:

 They have the capacity to move large numbers of people.
 They can be placed in the same physical space as one might install a staircase.
 They have no waiting interval (except during very heavy traffic).
 They can be used to guide people toward main exits or special exhibits‫ز‬
 They may be weatherproofed for outdoor use.
 They can help in controlling the traffic flow of people For example, an escalator to an exit
effectively discourages most people from using it as an entrance, and may reduce security concerns.

Escalators Configurations:

Escalators have four typical configuration options:

1- Parallel
 Parallel Escalators

Up and down escalators "side by side or separated by a distance," seen often in metro stations and
multilevel motion picture theaters)

2- Crisscross

Crisscross Escalators

(Minimizes structural space requirements by "stacking" escalators that go in one direction, frequently
used in department stores or shopping centers)

3- Multiple parallel
 Multiple parallel Escalators

(two or more escalators together that travel in one direction next to one or two escalators in the same
bank that travel in the other direction).

4- “Up” Escalator next to Staircase

“Up” Escalator next to Staircase

It is preferred that staircases be located adjacent to the escalator if the escalator is the primary means
of transport between floors.
Note: It may also be necessary to provide an elevator lift adjacent to an escalator for wheelchairs and
disabled persons

Escalators Basic Components

Escalators Basic Components

The Escalator consists of the following components:

1. Landing Platforms.
2. Truss.
3. Tracks.
4. Steps.
5. Handrail.
6. Escalator Exterior (Balustrade).
7. Drive system.
8. Auto-Lubrication System.
9. Braking system.
10. Safety devices.
11. Electrical & Control Systems.

First: Landing Platforms

These two platforms house the curved sections of the tracks, as well as the gears and motors that drive
the stairs. The top platform contains the motor assembly and the main drive gear, while the bottom
holds the step return idler sprockets. These sections also anchor the ends of the escalator truss.

In addition, the platforms contain a floor plate and a comb-plate. The floor plate provides a place for
the passengers to stand before they step onto the moving stairs.

This plate is flush with the finished floor and is either hinged or removable to allow easy access to the
machinery below. The combplate is the piece between the stationary floor plate and the moving step.
It is so named because its edge has a series of cleats that resemble the teeth of a comb. These teeth
mesh with matching cleats on the edges of the steps. This design is necessary to minimize the gap
between the stair and the landing, which helps prevent objects from getting caught in the gap.

Second: Truss

The escalator truss

The escalator truss is the structural frame of the escalator and consists of three major areas:
 The lower section,
 Incline section,
 Upper section.
It is a hollow metal structure that bridges the lower and upper landings. It is composed of two side
sections joined together with cross braces across the bottom and just below the top.

The ends of the truss are attached to the top and bottom landing platforms via steel or concrete
supports. The truss carries all the straight track sections connecting the upper and lower sections. The
structural steel truss members are designed to carry the entire load of the escalator equipment and the
steel covering without shifting more than specified by the contract requirements. The entire structure
is rigid enough to maintain close operating tolerances but will allow for building shift and vibration
because of a built-in system of shift- plates and Teflon pads.

Third: Tracks

Tracks system

The track system is built into the truss to guide the step chain, which continuously pulls the steps from
the bottom platform and back to the top in an endless loop. There are actually two tracks:
 One for the front wheels of the steps (called the step wheel track).
 One for the back wheels of the steps (called the trailer-wheel track).
The relative positions of these tracks cause the steps to form a staircase as they move out from under
the combplate. Along the straight section of the truss, the tracks are at their maximum distance apart.
This configuration forces the back of one step to be at a 90-degree angle relative to the step behind it.
This right angle bends the steps into a shape resembling a staircase.

At the top and bottom of the escalator, the two tracks converge so that the front and back wheels of
the steps are almost in a straight line. This causes the stairs to lay in a flat sheet-like arrangement, one
after another, so they can easily travel around the bend in the curved section of track.

The tracks carry the steps down along the underside of the truss until they reach the bottom landing,
where they pass through another curved section of track before exiting the bottom landing. At this
point, the tracks separate and the steps once again assume a staircase configuration. This cycle is
repeated continually as the steps are pulled from bottom to top and back to the bottom again.

Three major assemblies of the tracks are:

 Upper.
 Incline.
 Lower.

The track assembly is bolted but not welded on the truss for easy removal. Sometimes they are
mounted on boilerplate (support plate mounted against the truss) or curve plates at the upper and
lower landing sections. The tracks are used to guide steps wheels and step chains in their travel
around the escalator truss. They are curved at the upper and the lower end of the incline to allow
smooth transition of steps from the form of stairs to a horizontal movement, or vice versa. The lower
and top end tracks are formed semi-circles to contain the chains and the step rollers going around
them.

Forth: Steps

The steps are solid, one piece, die-cast aluminum or steel. Yellow demarcation lines may be added to
clearly indicate their edges.

The steps are linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop. The front and back edges
of the steps are each connected to two wheels. The rear wheels are set further apart to fit into the back
track and the front wheels have shorter axles to fit into the narrower front track. As described above,
the position of the tracks controls the orientation of the steps.

Steps Major Components

Steps Major Components

 The Step Plate (Tread) is the surface area of the step people step on. The step plate is
usually made of an aluminum plate with longitudinal cleats or grooves that run through the combs and
provide secure footing.
 The Step Riser is the vertical cleat cast into the front of a step, designed to pass between the
cleats of adjacent step, thus creating a combing action with minimum clearance for safety.
 The Demarcations are yellow strips or may be in bold color around the step tread but mostly
located at the front and at the rear ends of the tread. They are used to visually locate the step
separation and visual contrast between the steps and the combs.
 Frame/Yoke - main support for riser, step tread, and step wheels
 Trail Wheels are used to guide the step and support its load on the track and prevent it from
being out of plane.
 Step Hook normally attached to the end of the yoke by the step wheel used to activate the
step up thrust safety device when the steps are not on their plane of travel at the top and bottom
inclines.

Note: The length of the step is measured from both ends of the step tread (front and rear) and the
width is from both sides of the step.

Sixth: Handrail

Handrail Assembly

The Handrail provides a convenient handhold for passengers while they are riding the escalator. In an
escalator, the handrail is pulled along its track by a chain that is connected to the main drive gear by a
series of pulleys.

The Handrail is constructed of four distinct sections:

 Handrail Components
 At the center of the handrail is a "slider “also known as a "glider ply," which is a layer of a
cotton or synthetic textile. The purpose of the slider layer is to allow the handrail to move smoothly
along its track.
 The next layer, known as the “tension member” consists of either steel cable or flat steel
tape and provides the handrail with tensile strength and flexibility.
 On top of the tension member are the inner construction components which are made of
chemically treated rubber designed to prevent the layers from separating.
 Finally, the outer layer, the only part that passengers actually see is the cover which is a
blend of synthetic polymers and rubber, this cover is designed to resist degradation from
environmental conditions, mechanical wear and tear, and human vandalism.

Seventh: Escalator Exterior (Balustrade)

Escalator Exterior (Balustrade)

The Balustrade consists of the handrail and the exterior supporting structure of the escalator. It is the
escalator exterior components extending above the steps and it supports the handrail. It is either
designed as Interior Low-deck or Interior High-deck.

The balustrade may also refer to the individual interior panels, skirt panels, and deck covers of the
escalator. Each interior balustrade panel section is individually removable to allow easy access to the
escalator interior for cleaning, maintenance, and component replacement.

Escalator Exterior (Balustrade) Components:

1. Interior Low-deck has interior or side panels that are usually glass panels that support the handrail
base.

2. Interior High-deck is the side panel and is usually aluminum or steel alloy sheets, sometimes
called solid panels. The major components of interior high-deck are:

a. Skirt Panel - commonly called a “Skirt." It is the interior covering of the balustrade located
alongside the steps. It houses the actuator for the skirt safety switch. Side Safety Brushes are installed
slightly above the step level on the skirt panel to provide passenger safety between the side of the
steps and the skirt.

b. Interior Panel - commonly called “side panel" by mechanics. The central point of the balustrade
that supports the handrail base and sets the proper elevation for handrails on a glass balustrade. It
provides access to the handrail; driver, idlers, sheaves, skirt switches in interior high-deck balustrades,
and various components.

c. Handrail Stand - the handrail tracks or guides located above the side panels or maybe the upper
deck.

d. High-deck Interior - the top most, inner part of the balustrade that supports the handrail track or
guide.

e. High-deck Exterior - top most outer covering of the balustrade outside and above the side panels.
Supports the outer side of the handrail guide. If the outer edge of the deck is greater than 12 inches
from centerline of the handrail, an anti-slide device or sometimes called baggage stops (like a hockey
puck) must be installed.

f. Low-deck Interior or Inner Decks - the inner covering of the balustrade located between the glass
panels and the skirts. Provide access to the handrail drivers and skirt switches in interior low-deck
balustrades.

g. Low-deck Exterior or Outer Decks - the outer covering of the balustrade located outside the glass
panels.

h. Exterior Panel is an outer covering below the high-deck exterior.

i. Newel - is the balustrade termination at the upper and the lower landing of the escalator in a semi-
circle shape. It normally houses the following switches; emergency stop, on/off, up/down or
directional indicator lighting, Entry to and exit from the escalator normally occurs at one of the
newels and several important features are conveniently located at each.

j. Newel Base or Front Plates - supports the newel stand and it may house the Handrail Inlet (Guard)
Safety Device.

k. Emergency Stop Button is the most important feature at each Newel. The Emergency Buttons are
located so that anyone can stop the escalator if there is a need. These switches have a lift cover that
will sound an audible alarm when lifted. When either button is pushed, power to the electrical drive
motor is shut off and the escalator brake is applied.

l. Key Operated Switches are located on each Newel and they are used to control the “ON” and
“OFF” operation and the direction of escalator travel. These switches are intended for the use of
authorized personnel only.

Seventh: Drive Systems

Drive Systems

An escalator drive system includes the following components:

1. Drive Machine and Gear Reducer.
2. The Step Drive System.
3. The Handrail Drive System.

The variation on how these two systems are combined is dependent upon the type of escalator. The
Drive Machine used to drive the pinion gear or the main drive chain may directly or indirectly drive
the Handrail Drive System.

Eighth: Auto-Lubrication System

 Auto-Lubrication System

The escalators have an Automatic Lubrication System that supplies oil to lubricate the main drive
chain, step chain, and the handrail drive chains. Oil flow rate is adjustable by setting the automatic
timer control “off” and “on” periods to supply more or less lubrication.

The Automatic Lubricator has a gage to show oil reservoir level. The Lubrication Timer can be
programmed for any time mode but, is pre-set for a 20 hour cycle. The system dispenses pre-
determined amounts of oil to the distribution network which delivers this oil to the bearing points.

Note: The Auto Lubrication System does not supply grease to the drive system bearings. Drive
bearing lubrication must be done manually. Bearings that need to be manually lubricated are the Main
Drive Bearings, the Tension Carriage Bearings, the Motor Bearing, and the Handrail Drive bearings.

Additionally, the bearing surface of the Main Drive Shaft Brake, the Step Axle sleeve, the Step Wheel
guide-shoe, and the Gear Box are manually lubricated.
Tenth: Safety devices
Safety devices

Escalator systems are provided with many safety devices that will automatically stop the escalator by
cutting electrical power to the motor and applying the brake if a problem occurs. When a safety
device stops the escalator, the problem must be corrected and the fault cleared before restarting the
system.

If a safety device is tripped out, a corresponding safety relay (PLC Input/output) will drop out. This
applies voltage to the latching circuit of that device. If any safety circuit control is tripped, the
escalator will not operate and the tripped devices will do one of the following actions:
 It will automatically reset when the fault is corrected.
 It will require resetting only the main safety reset button inside the controller.
 It will require that the individual controller circuit for that device must also be reset.

Safety Devices Types:

There are so many safety devices included in the escalators as follows:

1- The Broken Drive Chain Device, or Step Chain Locking Device/Pawl Brake, is a ratchet- type
device that prevents the escalator steps from sliding down from the weight of passengers if the drive
chain breaks.

2- A Broken Step Chain Device (tension carriage) cuts power to the motor and applies the brake if
the step chain breaks or if the step chain is loose.
3- A Skirt Obstruction Device cuts power to the motor and applies the brake if an object is wedged
between the skirt panel and a step. This type of deflection will depress one of the plunger limit
switches that are located behind the skirt panel at the upper and lower transitions and at intervals
between.

4- A Comb Step Impact Device cuts power to the motor and applies the brake if a jam occurs
between the comb plate and a step.

5- A Step Level Device cuts power to the motor and applies the brake if either side of the step at the
riser end is depressed downward more than 1/8” or, if the step chain axle is depressed downward
more than 1/8”.

6- A Missing Step Device cuts power to the motor and applies the brake if an opening is detected in
the step band.

7- Handrail Entry Device is located at the handrail entry port of each newel section. This device will
cut power to the motor and apply the brake if an object is wedged between the handrail and the rubber
entry guard. Any caught object will depress two switches behind the handrail guard.

8- A Broken Handrail Device is located in the escalator incline section. The device consists of a
hinged roller that is held up by handrail tension. If a handrail is stretched or broken, a limit switch is
depressed by the roller bracket dropping. When the switch is pressed, it cuts power to the motor and
applies the brake. The safety reset button in the controller must be pressed to restart the escalator.

9- The Handrail Speed Device is a 1000 RPM tachometer generator wheel that rolls on the handrail.
The weight of the tachometer generator and wheel pivots on a bracket to hold the wheel against the
handrail. Contact of the tachometer wheel on the moving handrail turns the generator, which outputs a
voltage of 6.72 volts. If the handrail speed drops below 80% or increases more that 110% over this
voltage, then power to the escalator motor is cut and the brake is applied.

10- A Reversal Stop Device immediately stops the escalator when the direction of an ascending
escalator is reversed. This device is located just above the incline section of the escalator. It consists
of a lever clamped to the middle handrail shaft which rotates in the direction of travel. If the shaft
direction is reversed, the lever will rotate and trip the switch, cutting power to the motor and brake.
Design provisions for basic size calculation of space enclosure to accommodate
Escalator services, Safety measures.

 The clear height above the the steps of the escalator or pallets or belt of the moving walk at all
points should not be less than 2.3m (see X4 in fig). The clear height shall extend to the end of
the newel .
 To prevent collision, a minimum free area around the escalator or moving walk is defined as
per fig 4. The height X12, measured from the steps of the escalator or the pallets or the belt of
the moving walk shall be atleast 2.10 m (see X12 in fig 4). The distance between the outer
edge of the hand rail and walls or other obstacles (see Y10 in fig 4) shall under be no
circumstances be less than 80 mm horizontally and 25 mm vertically below the lower edge of
 the handrail (see Y12 in fig 7). The area is permitted to be smaller, if by appropriate measures,
the risk of injury is minimized.
 For escalators arranged adjacent to one another either parallel or criss-cross, the distance
between the handrails shall not be less than 160 mm (see Y11 in fig 4).
 Where building obstacles can cause injuries, appropriate preventive measures shall be taken.
In particular, at floor intersections and on criss-cross escalators or moving walks, a vertical
deflector of not less than 0.3 m in height, not presenting any sharp cutting edges shall be
placed above the hand rail level and extend at least 25 mm below the lower edge of the hand
rail, for example as an imperforate triangle (see X5 in fig 6 and fig 8).
 It is not necessary to comply with these requirements when the distance Y9 between the outer
edge of the hand rail and my obstacle is equal to or greater than 400 mm (see fig 4)
 At exit of each individual escalator or moving walk a sufficient unrestricted area shall be
available accommodate persons. The width of the unrestricted area shall be atleast correspond
to the distance between the outer edges of the handrails plus 80 mm on each side. The depth
shall be atleast 2.5 m measured from the end of the balustrade. It shall be permissible to
reduce it to 2 m if the width of the unrestricted area is increased to atleast double the distance
between the outer edges of handrails plus 80 mm on each side.


A ramp is a sloped pathway used to provide access between two vertical levels. It facilitates the
movement of wheelchairs, bicycles, and other wheeled vehicles.
Ramps are constructed when a number of people or vehicles have to be moved from one level to
another. They are widely used in public buildings, railroad stations, stadiums, hospitals, and
exhibition halls.
Ramps are highly desirable for all buildings, especially to accommodate persons in wheelchairs.

Figure
-1: A Simple Outdoor Steel Ramp
The construction specifications and dimensions of a ramp depend on the standards of the respective
region. This article explains some general design considerations to be followed while designing a
ramp.
Determination of Slope of a Ramp
The slope of a ramp is calculated as the ratio of the height to overcome (h) to the length of the
horizontal plane (d), as shown in Figure-1 below. The slope of the ramp is also called as gradient or
steepness of the ramp and can be expressed either in ratio or in percentage.

Figure-2: The Slope of Ramp in P%

Slope in percentage = (h/d) x 100
For example, if the horizontal distance 'd' = 10 m and the height of ramp h = 1 m, then the slope of the
ramp is 10%.
Design of an Outdoor Ramp
The maximum slope provided to an outdoor ramp is dependent on the height to overcome (h) and the
horizontal length (d) of the plane. Generally, for outdoor ramps of very small heights, a slope between
10 to 12.5% is desirable. This reduces to 8% for heights up to 50 cm, 6% for height up to 100 cm, and
5% for heights up to 150 cm. A slope of 4% is applied for ramps used by elder citizens.

Figure-3: Section of a
Typical Ramp
When the length of the ramp is less than 1.5 m, the slope provided must be less than 12%. This slope
reduces to 10% for length of ramp less than 3 m, and 8% for length less than 9 m. Always take the
height of the ramp into consideration while fixing the final slope.
Example: Design a ramp to overcome a height of 55 cm.
Given Data: Height of ramp, h = 55cm
Take, Slope = 6%;
Slope of the ramp (%) = (h/d )x100
6 = (.55/d) x 100
d = 9.12m
Hence, the horizontal plane for this ramp is 9.12m.