What are Escalator Steps?
An escalator step is the small, moving platform that takes you up a level without exerting any effort. These escalator steps are interconnected with each other via the step chain. Think of it in terms of those metal straps on wristwatches or the metal-plated wheels of a tank.
It’s the most important part of an escalator and needs to be designed in an ergonomic and safe way. For example, uneven or ill-prepared escalator steps could cause undue damage to the side guards. It could also hurt the passengers by catching their clothing or causing disbalance.
What is the Structure of the Escalator Step?
The structure of an escalator step consists of:
Step Plate: Also known as the pallet, this is the top surface of the escalator step that people stand on. It usually has ridges or tread lines to increase traction.
Step Riser: This is the slightly curved front-part of the escalator step. It’s called the riser because it seemingly rises up from the escalator floor or level ground.
Step Trailing Wheel: This is the small wheel that goes into the lower guiding rails on the side of the escalator mechanism. The distance between this and the main step chain track creates the effect of the rising and lowering escalator steps.
Chain Wheel: This wheel or driving roller is the front wheel of an escalator step, that connects to the rails on the side.
Axle Slot: It is the point where the step chain is mounted onto the escalator step. It keeps the step chain connected to the escalator to keep it moving.
To ensure passenger safety, some countries and regions also require a yellow border on the steps to remind passengers to stand within this safety zone.
How Many Steps Are On An Escalator？
The number of steps in an escalator is determined by the escalator’s inclination angle, rise height, and number of horizontal steps.
In general, escalators with small rise heights may have 50 to 80 steps. Escalators that have larger inclinations might have more than 100 steps.
We created formula to help you calculate steps figures for the standard escalator:
| Inclination Angles | Horizontal Steps Quantity | Calculation Formula (round figure) |
| 35° | 2 | (3.4867×Rise Height+7024)/400+0.5 |
| 30° | 2 | (4×Rise Height+6780)/400+0.5 |
| 30° | 3 | (4×Rise Height+6780+2000)/400+0.5 |
Quick Example:
If the inclination angles is 35°, the number of horizontal steps is 2, and the escalator rise height is 6,000mm, then the number of steps is equal to:
(3.4867×6,0000+7024)/400+0.5)×100=70.3605mm. i.e. 70 steps
If you’re uncertain about the number of steps required for your escalator project, feel free to reach out to our experts for assistance in calculating the precise quantity!
How Does an Escalator Step Work?
A step chain connects the escalator steps to one another, along with the hooks. An escalator motor at the top is connected to some rolling chains via gears. The rolling chain is connected to an axle and gears, which are in turn connected to the step chain.
When the motor is turned on, it turns the gears and the rolling chain. It in turn moves the gears on the escalator and the steps. As the metal steps move forward, the distance between the upper and lower rails changes, which forces the steps to rise or go back underground at the landing points.
The landing points have a comb plate, with a mesh of metal teeth at the landing points. This prevents shoes, clothes, or other items from getting stuck in the escalator while disembarking.
What is the Width of A Step For An Escalator?
The generally accepted widths for escalator steps are 24 inch, 32 inch, and 40 inch. The 32 to 40 inch steps are often used in mall escalators or subways where the flow of traffic is more heavy. The 24 inch steps are much better for low traffic escalators like a private building or small mall.
What is the Height and Depth of Escalator Steps?
The standard height of most escalator steps is 200 mm, while the maximum step height is 240 mm. The rise of most escalator remains the same, while the tread can vary. The step depth of an escalator step should be more than or 380 mm.
Escalator Step Material
Escalator steps are vital components of the whole system and naturally have to be very durable. Since these steps are exposed to grime, dirt, and water, they must also be corrosion-resistant for long-term durability.
Therefore, escalator steps are mostly made of stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
Staineless steel escalator steps are used for indoor installation. The skeleton of these steps consists of high-density carbon steel.
Aluminum alloy escalators are high-strength, die-cast, and very rigid. With their one-piece design, aluminum steps are great for both indoor and outdoor escalators.
Aluminum steps have better performance than stainless steel steps, and the price is more expensive.
Escalator Steps Price
The price of an escalator step can vary between $100 to $200 per piece. Some steps might cost even more considering their tread, the load capacity and the material that is used to create them.
We at DAZEN make escalators parts much more affordable. You can get escalator steps for:
Mall Escalators
Department Store Escalators
Parallel Escalators
Outdoor Escalators
Airport Escalators and more
We guarantee quality and affordable price. If you need help with removals or replacement of damaged parts, we can also help with that. Contact us today at info@dazentech.com.
How to Clean Escalator Steps
- Take a stiff bristled brush to remove visible dirt.
- Wipe off any chunky dirt or grime.
- Take a non-corrosive cleaning solution.
- Spray it onto the escalator steps.
- Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Use the stiff-bristled brush to clean each step.
Alternatively, you can use an escalator cleaning machine or a vacuum. Both of these are great units for a deep cleaning of escalator steps. While you’re at it, you should also clean the handrails, which are always the dirtiest part of an escalator.
Buy Escalator Steps at DAZEN
At Dazen, we create sophisticated escalator steps from the finest-grade material. With years of experience in the industry and some of the most experienced experts on-board, we can create the escalator steps that you need with finesse and style.
Get your escalator steps with DAZEN for quality, convenience, and affordability. Contact us today, and we’ll get you the escalator steps, stairs, rails, and any other elevator and escalator parts that you need.
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