Escalators are a familiar part of everyday life in shopping centres, airports, hospitals, and commercial buildings across Australia. While they may seem simple on the surface, escalators are highly engineered systems made up of many interconnected components, each playing a critical role in safety, reliability, and smooth operation. Understanding how an escalator works can help building owners, facility managers, and even curious users better appreciate what goes on behind the scenes.
In this guide, we break down the key components of an escalator in clear, practical terms. We’ll also touch on how different types of escalators can influence design, layout, and component configuration in commercial environments.
The Truss: The Escalator’s Structural Backbone
The truss is the main structural framework of an escalator. It’s a large metal structure that spans between the upper and lower floors and supports the entire system, including the steps, tracks, motors, and handrails.
Typically made from steel, the truss must be strong enough to handle constant movement, heavy passenger loads, and long-term wear. Because it is often installed early during building construction, accuracy in design and placement is critical.
Steps: Where Passengers Stand
Escalator steps are the visible moving platforms that carry passengers up or down. They are usually made from aluminium or steel and feature grooved treads designed to provide traction and reduce slipping.
Each step is connected to a step chain, allowing it to move in a continuous loop while remaining level throughout the ride. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the steps flatten out smoothly to allow safe entry and exit.
Step Chain and Tracks: Keeping Everything Moving
Beneath the steps is the step chain system – this chain links all steps together and pulls them through the escalator along a set of fixed tracks.
The tracks guide the steps so they stay level during travel and then collapse neatly underneath at the landing zones. Precision engineering here is essential, as even minor misalignment can affect ride quality and safety.
Handrails: Safety and Stability in Motion
The handrail moves at the same speed as the steps, providing balance and support for passengers. It is made up of multiple layers, including rubber, tension members, and sliding surfaces, all designed to be durable and flexible.
Inside the escalator, a handrail drive system ensures synchronised movement with the steps. Sensors monitor speed differences and can trigger safety shutdowns if irregularities occur.
Drive System and Motor: The Power Source
The motor and drive system are the heart of the escalator. The electric motor powers the main drive shaft, which moves both the step chain and the handrails.
Modern escalators often use energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives. These systems can slow the escalator when not in use and return it to full speed when passengers approach, reducing energy consumption without compromising performance.
Comb Plates: Safe Entry and Exit Points
Comb plates are located at the top and bottom landings where the steps meet the stationary floor. Their tooth-like design meshes with the grooves in the steps, minimising gaps and preventing objects from becoming trapped.
Comb plates are also fitted with impact sensors. If an object becomes lodged or excessive force is detected, the escalator can automatically stop to prevent injury.
Balustrades and Skirting Panels: Protection and Guidance
Balustrades are the side panels that run along the escalator, typically made from glass, stainless steel, or a combination of both. They provide physical separation and support the handrails.
Skirting panels run alongside the steps and help prevent shoes, clothing, or objects from getting caught between moving parts. Many modern systems also include skirt brushes as an added safety feature.
Safety Devices and Sensors: Built-In Protection
Escalators are equipped with numerous safety devices designed to detect faults and protect passengers. These can include:
- Emergency stop buttons
- Step chain tension monitors
- Handrail speed sensors
- Broken step and missing step detectors
- Motor overload protection
All of these components work together to ensure the escalator stops safely if an issue is detected.
Control System: The Escalator’s Brain
The control system manages how the escalator operates on a day-to-day basis. It regulates speed, direction, start-up sequences, and integration with building management systems. Advanced controls allow for features such as automatic start/stop, fault diagnostics, and remote monitoring, making maintenance more efficient and reducing downtime.
Why Understanding Escalator Components Matters
For commercial building owners and facility managers, understanding the key components of an escalator helps with informed decision-making around maintenance, upgrades, and compliance. Regular servicing and inspections are essential to keep all parts functioning correctly and to meet Australian safety standards.
Whether you’re planning a new installation or managing existing equipment, knowing how each component contributes to overall performance can lead to safer environments and longer-lasting systems.
