Escalator Directory© Copyright 2021 La Grazia Srl - All rights reserved

Terms & Definitions

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It will be accessible from November 22, 2021.

In this section of our website, you have access to the comprehensive directory of escalator components. All the components are arranged in different categories and subcategories. In the search box, you can search for the components and you will see the definitions as a result of your search.
For some of the components, two buttons of “Related Pictures” and “Related Articles” are activated and based on the existing pictures and articles on the website, they will lead you to the pictures or articles related to the components you search for.

Transit System

Transit System is a group of components that cause the movement in an escalator.

Step Tread Surface

Step Tread Surface is the horizontal surface of a step.

Step Riser

Step Riser is the vertical part of a step.

Step Trailing Roller

Step trailing rollers are two rollers installed at both corners of the step on the lowest level of step riser curvature.

Step Demarcation Cleat

Step Demarcations are yellow strips on the edge of the step tread surface which are painted yellow or made of yellow plastic and are designed to show the passengers the safe area to step on.

C-Type Frame Painting

C-Type Frame Painting is a type of demarcation cleat in which the front and both sides of the step are painted and distinguished with a yellow color that forms the "C " letter.

C-Type Frame Yellow Resin

C-Type Frame Yellow Resin is a type of demarcation cleat in which the front and both sides of the step are made of yellow plastic that forms the "C" letter.

E-Type Frame Painting

E-Type Frame Painting is a type of demarcation cleat that in addition to the front and sides of the step, the central line is also painted yellow that forms the "E" letter.

E-type Frame Yellow Resin

E-type Frame Yellow Resin is a type of demarcation cleat in which the demarcation cleats are at the front and both sides of the step made of yellow plastic that forms the "E" letter.

Step Axle Slot

The Step Axle Slot is a point of the step from which the step is mounted on the step chain axle.

Step Frame Yoke

Step Frame Yoke is a part of the step structure that connects the step riser to the step tread surface in order to provide more resistance.

Locking Pin and Spring

Locking Pin and Spring is a grip that is used in some types of steps in order to connect the step to the step chain axle.

Step Chain

The step chain is composed of two sets of chains including rollers at regular intervals. These chains are linked together by several axles on which the escalator steps are mounted.

Chain Bolt

A chain bolt is a bolt that passes through the step chain roller and connects it to the link plates.

Step Chain Axle Bush

The Step Chain Axle Bush is a part that is located in the step axle slot to fix the step to the step chain axle.

Step Chain Axle Clamp

Step chain Axle Clamp is a clamp located on the step chain axle that fixes the bush on itself and prevents step movement.

Sagging Step Detector

Sagging Step Detector is a device located in the truss middle section, between the steps designed to stop the device in case of an unauthorized step deflection.

Missing Step Detector

Missing Step Detector is a sensor that counts the rollers of the steps and stops the device in case of a missing step.

Multi-Purpose Bracket

Multi-Purpose Bracket is a bracket that holds the three main tracks in the middle section, and there is a roller on top of it to guide the handrail.

Anti-Slipping Test

Anti-Slipping Test is a test in which the slip resistance level of the step tread surface is assessed.

Step Width

Step Width is the available width of an escalator step.

Static Test

A Static Test is a test that assesses the performance of the steps under a certain amount of load.

Dynamic Test

Dynamic Test is a test that assesses the performance of the steps under a sinusoidal pulsating load.

Load Test

Load Test is a test that assesses the amount of load that a step can withstand without permanent deformation.

Torsional Test

Torsional Test is a test that assesses the amount of torsion that a step can withstand without permanent deformation.

Sinusoidal Pulsating Load

Sinusoidal Pulsating Load is a load that must be exerted in a pulsating form to the step during the dynamic test. 

Step Nose Line

The Step Nose Line is the frontal part of the step tread surface.

Reversal

Reversal is the abrupt and unintended movement of the steps against the direction of movement.

Anti-Static Brush

Anti-Static brush is a brush located in the truss middle section, between the steps, and discharges the electrical charge through being in constant contact with the steps.

Inserts and Fixings

Inserts and Fixings are some parts that are attached to the steps such as demarcation cleats.

Transition Radius

Transition Radius is the curvature radius of the upper and lower parts of the track system.

Track Joint Line

Track Joint Line is a line where two track ends meet.

Track Joint Plate

Track Joint Plate is a plate located under the track joint line in order to strengthen the joint area.

Brake Load

The weight of the steps/pallets (considering the load of passengers standing on them), which the brake system must stop.

Transportation Equipment

Transportation Equipment is a group of devices used for transporting escalators and moving walks.

Roller Dollies

Roller Dollies are wheels located under the escalators to facilitate their movement on the ground.

Shackle

A Shackle is a metal link, typically U-shaped, closed by a bolt, used to secure a chain or rope to the escalator.

Wire Rope

Wire Rope is several strands of metal wires twisted into a helix forming a composite rope, in a pattern known as the laid rope used for lifting or towing escalators.

Lifting Device

Lifting Devices are a group of devices used for lifting escalators and moving walks.

Eye Lift

Eye Lifts are pre-drilled plates at the corners of each escalator section from which points it is possible to lift the device. 

Ceiling Crane

A Ceiling Crane is a crane attached to the ceiling and is often used for lifting the escalators inside the factory.

Crane Truck

Crane Truck is a truck on which a crane is installed to move the escalator to different parts of a job site.

Forklift Truck

A Forklift Truck or a forklift is a small vehicle with two movable parts on the front that are often used to carry escalators inside the project area.

Tower Crane

Tower Crane is a type of crane sometimes used for carrying the escalators to the job site usually when the ceiling of the installation area is opened.

In-Plant Crane

In-Plant Cranes is fixed on the ground at a certain point of the project area, sometimes used for carrying the escalators to the job site when the ceiling of the installation area is opened.

Manual Chain Hoist

Manual Chain Hoists are used for lifting the escalator inside the project area and placing it on the construction beams.

Aluminum Gantry

Aluminum Gantry is support for hanging the manual chain hoist when there is no appropriate suspension point in the building structure of the project. 

Saddle Support

Saddle Supports are installed underneath, in corners of the escalator through which the escalators are placed on the ground.

 Truck Trailers

A Truck Trailer is a type of truck used for transporting escalators with or without containers.

Shrink-Wrapping

Shrink-Wrapping is a way of covering escalators in which the heat is applied to the polyethylene films to tighten and fit it to the escalator body.

Eyebolt

 Eyebolt is a bolt with a loop at one end.

Polyethylene Sheets 

Polyethylene Sheet is a plastic film made of petroleum that is used for covering escalators. 

Plywood Protection Sheet

Plywood is a material made of thin layers or "plies" of wood that are used for packing escalator components.

Installation Arrangement

Installation Arrangement is a selected arrangement for installing escalators in the building based on utilization and customer choice.

Single Escalator Arrangement

Single Escalator Arrangement, also known as one-way traffic flow, is a type of arrangement in which an escalator is installed singular and there is no other escalator beside it.

Parallel/Interrupted Arrangement

The Parallel Arrangement, also known as the interrupted arrangement is a type of arrangement in which two escalators are installed adjacent to each other in a parallel position.

Crisscross Arrangement

Crisscross Arrangement is a type of arrangement in which two escalators are installed in a crisscross form between two floors.

Commercial

A Commercial escalator is a type of escalator installed in commercial buildings. This type of escalator and moving walk is often installed in indoor environments where there is usually normal passenger traffic. 

Infrastructure

Infrastructure escalator is a type of escalator suitable for high-traffic environments such as subway or train stations, airports, footbridges, etc. They must carry a heavy passenger load in traffic peak hours.

Utilization

Utilization refers to the type of buildings in which the escalators are installed. The two general categories of escalator utilization are “Commercial” and “Infrastructure”.

Elevation Height

Elevation Height is defined as the level difference between two finished floor surfaces of a building.

Angle of Inclination

The Angle of Inclination is the angle at which the inclined section of the escalator and moving walk meets with the horizon.

Horizontal Length

The Horizontal Length is equal to the horizontal distance between two construction beams, located on the lower and upper floors.

Nominal Speed

The Nominal Speed is the speed of the moving steps and pallets without load which must be equal to or less than the authorized speed.

Number of Horizontal Steps

For the passengers’ safety, there must be a number of Horizontal Steps in both landings so that the passengers can keep their balance before the steps start the inclined movement.

Ceiling Opening

A Ceiling opening is an opening that must be considered on the upper floor with the appropriate length and width in order to install an escalator in a building.

Wellway Opening (Pit Opening)

Wellway opening is a pit that must be considered on the lower floor with an appropriate length, width, and depth in order to install an escalator.

Operational Brake

An Operational Brake is a device that gradually brings the escalator to a halt.

Capacity

Capacity is the maximum traffic flow of passengers transferred at optimal conditions per hour by escalators or moving walks.

2-Direction-Mode

2-Direction-Mode is a mode of operation for escalators in which an escalator can move in both directions of movement, upward or downward.

Slip Resistance Level

The Slip Resistance Level is the measurement indicator for slip resistance of the step tread surface.

Suspension Points

Suspension Points are the points in the ceiling of the installation area provided for lifting the escalator or moving walk.

Direction of Movement

The Direction of Movement is the direction in which the escalator or moving walk is moving whether upward or downward.

Construction Beams

Construction Beam is the beam of the building structure on which the escalator is located and resists the load.

Heavy-Duty

A Heavy-Duty escalator is a type of escalator designed to work under heavy workloads where there is a heavy traffic flow.

Standby Mode

Standby Mode is a mode of operation in which the escalator moves very slow, but will start speeding up to reach the nominal speed the moment a passenger steps on the escalator.

Stop Mode

Stop Mode is a mode of operation in which the escalator is stopped.

Layout Drawing

Layout Drawing is a sectional drawing for escalators in which all the dimensions are specified.

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Pre-shipment Inspection is a series of required tests and inspections prior to transporting escalators to obtain required standard certificates.

Return Station

Return Station is the lower machine room of the escalator at the lower landing where the steps flip over and return to the upper landing.

Drive Station

Drive Station is the upper machine room of the escalator at the upper landing where the steps start moving towards the lower landing.

Installation Environment

Indoor

Indoor escalators and moving walks are suitable for closed environments, where there is control over the ambient climate. Therefore, these types of escalators and moving walks are not subject to elements such as rain and snow.

Semi-Outdoor

Semi-outdoor escalators and moving walks are installed outside the building; nonetheless, they have roofs above them to protect them against the direct downpour of rain and snow. Obviously, since these escalators and moving walks are outside the building, they are not in a climate-controlled environment.

Fully-Outdoor

Fully-Outdoor escalators and moving walks are installed outside the building without any roof or other overhead covers. As a result, they are completely subject to the elements, such as rain, snow, etc.

Climate-Controlled Environment

A Climate-Controlled environment refers to the conditions in which escalators are not exposed to the direct downpour of rain and snow and the weather condition is stable.

Balustrade Safety Devices

Anti-Colliding Device

An Anti-Colliding Device must be installed at the floor intersections or criss-cross escalator arrangement where there is a risk of passenger entrapment.

Anti-Climbing Device

Anti-Climbing Device(s) must be installed to ensure the prevention of stepping on the outer decking and climbing from outside the balustrade.

Access Restriction Device

An Access Restriction device must be installed in the spaces between two parallel escalators with a slim balustrade or when the escalator is installed beside a wall and the outer decking width is more than 125 millimeters, to prevent passengers from entering this restricted area.

Lubrication System

The Lubrication System consists of a group of components used for lubricating the device.

Lubrication Pump

A Lubrication Pump is a device that causes pumping the oil to the oil pipes.

Oil Brush

Oil Brushes are small brushes that are in contact with the components required to be lubricated.

Water and Oil Separator

Water and Oil Separator is a device that collects the oil and water and separates them at the lower machine room.

 

Oil Collector

Oil Collector is a pan located under the step chain in the direction of movement to collect the extra oil dripping in the lower machine room.

Landings

Landings are the upper and lower areas of the escalators where passengers enter or exit.

Upper Landing

Upper Landing is the landing located at the upper section of the escalator.

Lower Landing

Lower Landing is the landing located at the lower section of the escalator.

Floor Plate

The Floor Plate is a plate located on both landings which are installed next to the comb plate; it also functions as the machine room cover.

Comb Plate

The Comb Plate is a plate on both landings on which the combs are installed.

Comb

A Comb is a toothed part installed at both landings and meshed with the grooves of the steps tread surface.

Aluminum Die-Cast

Aluminum Die-Cast is a kind of aluminum wherein metals are melted under high pressure in the mold cavities. In the die casting process, the metals are hardened and the desired shapes are produced.

Step Guide

Step Guide is a device located at the upper and lower landing that prevents the steps' lateral displacement before they reach the combs.

Comb Plate Support

Comb Plate Support is support on both sides of the comb plate that holds it at an appropriate height.

Floor Plate Frame

The Floor Plate Frame is a frame around the floor plates on both landings that determine the place they must be installed in.

Extruded Aluminum

Extruded Aluminum is a type of material that can be used for the floor plate and is mostly used for outdoor and semi-outdoor escalators.

Linear Pattern

Linear Pattern is a type of pattern on the stainless steel sheets used for designing the floor plate.

Rectangular Pattern

Rectangular Pattern is a type of pattern on the stainless steel sheets used for designing the floor plate.

Handrail System

Handrail System is a group of parts and devices that cause the turning of the handrail and guide it in the direction of movement.

Handrail

The Handrail is a moving rubber belt, located on the balustrade for the passengers to hold and keep their balance on the escalator or moving walk.

Sliding Layer

The Sliding Layer is the lower layer of the handrail that is in contact with the handrail frame guide and slides on it.

Inner Layers

Inner Layers of the handrail are layers inside the handrail between which the steel cords are located.

Steel Cord

A Steel Cord is a metal wire inside the handrail to control its tension.

Rubber Cover

The Rubber Cover is the outer layer of the handrail that is in contact with passengers' hands.

Handrail Tension Device

The Handrail Tension Device is a device consisting of a set of rollers over which the handrail passes and adjusts the handrail tightness.

Handrail Pulley Guide Device

Handrail Pulley Guide is a device consisting of a set of rollers near the friction wheel on which the handrail passes and is guided in the direction of movement.

Handrail Pressure Belt

The Handrail Pressure Belt is a belt consisted of a set of rollers located under the friction wheel and the handrail passes through them. The handrail pressure belt presses the handrail to the friction wheel and causes it to turn.

Compressing Spring

Compressing Spring is a spring in handrail pressure belt that adjusts the amount of handrail pressure to the friction wheel.

Truss

The Truss is a chassis made of triangular units composed of different steel profiles on which all the machinery is installed.

Supporting Structure

Supporting Structure is another name of the truss which is a chassis composed of different steel profiles on which all the machinery is installed. 

Truss Upper Section

The Upper Section of the truss is where the upper assembly and the motor are located in and the motive force is generated there.

Truss Middle Section

The Middle Section of the truss is where the inclined movement takes place from.

Truss Lower Section

Truss Lower Section is the lower section of the truss where steps flip over and return towards the drive station.

Upper Chord

Upper Chord is the horizontal and inclined profiles at the upper edge of the truss.

Lower Chord

Lower Chord is the horizontal and inclined profiles at the lower edge of the truss.

Diagonal Strut

Diagonal Struts are a group of skewed profiles making the triangular units of the truss and respond to tension.

Truss Support Angle

The Truss Support Angle is an angle steel profile that enables the escalator to be placed on the construction beam of the building.

Underboard Rubber

Underboard Rubber is a rectangular high-density rubber located underneath the truss support angle to reduce the escalator vibration. 

Leveling Bolt

Leveling Bolt is a bolt located on the truss support angle to level the escalator on the construction beam.

Truss Joining

Truss Joining is a part of the truss where two split truss sections are joined together.

Reamer Bolt

Reamer Bolts are high-strength bolts that connect the two sections of the truss at the truss joining area.

Lifting Eye

Lifting Eye is a pre-drilled plate located on the corners of the truss sections through which the device should be lifted. 

Truss Soffit

The Truss Soffit is a steel plate installed on the underside of the truss.

Middle Support

In escalators with high elevation height and long horizontal length, support(s) should be considered in the middle of the inclined section of the escalator to prevent unauthorized deflection, these supports are called Middle Support.

Coating

The Coating is a protective layer made of paint or other materials used for covering the truss surface to prevent corrosion.

Hot-Dip Galvanized

Hot-Dip Galvanized coating is the process of coating iron and steel with zinc, which alloys with the surface of the truss base metal when immersing the metal in a bath of molten zinc.

Jig-Welding

Jig-welding is a way of welding in which the project parts are kept fixed by some braces before welding.

Ventilation Apertures

Ventilation Apertures are certain openings designed to supply fresh air.

Machinery

Machinery includes all the components, equipment, etc. which cause the device operation.

Machinery Spaces

Machinery Spaces are internal spaces of the truss where mechanical components are installed.

Upper Machine Room

The Upper Machine Room is an internal space at the truss upper section where the main mechanical components such as upper assembly, motor, gear box, main control panels are installed. This space is also known as Drive Station.

Lower Machine Room

The Lower Machine Room is an internal space at the truss lower section where the lower assembly is installed. This space is also known as Return Station.

Support Angle

Support Angle is an angle steel profile at both ends of the escalator truss which is mounted on construction beams.

Balustrade

The Balustrade is a safeguard on both sides of the escalator which provides safety for the passengers as well as supporting the handrail. 

Balustrade Panel

Balustrade Panel is the panel that constitutes the balustrade and can be made of tempered glass or stainless steel.

Stainless Steel Balustrade

Stainless Steel Balustrade is a type of balustrade which panels are made of stainless steel materials.

Glass Balustrade

Glass Balustrade is a type of balustrade which panels are made of tempered glass.

Handrail Frame Guide

The Handrail Frame Guide is a profile on which the handrail is located and guides it in a straight line in the direction of movement.

Handrail Frame Joint Plate

Handrail Frame Joint Plate is a plate that connects the handrail frame guides at joint lines.

Newel

Newel is the curved end of the balustrade at the upper and lower landings.

Top Newel

Top Newel is the curved end of the balustrade at the upper landing.

Bottom Newel

The Bottom Newel is the curved end of the balustrade at the lower landing.

Handrail Return Guide

The Handrail Return Guide is a part made of hard plastic installed at both ends of the handrail frame guide. It guides the handrail from internal spaces into the handrail frame guide and vice versa.

Newel Chain

Newel Chain is a chain comprised of small bearings, installed on the handrail frame guide on both balustrade newels to smooth the handrail movement.

Panel Support Extrusion

Panel Support Extrusion is a track in which glass panels are located.

Mounting Clamp

The Mounting Clamp is the support that holds the panel support extrusion and the glass panel at the desired height.

Handrail Guide Roller

The Handrail Guide Roller is a roller that guides the handrail in the direction of movement and causes smoother sliding of it.

Balustrade Decking

In a solid balustrade, the decking is the group of panels on which the handrail frame guide is installed, but in a slim balustrade, the decking is a group of panels that are located at the lower part of the balustrade panel.

Inner Decking

Inner Decking is a part of the decking which is installed on the inside of the balustrade.

Outer Decking

Outer Decking is a part of the decking which is installed on the outside of the balustrade.

Decking Joint Line

Decking Joint Line is a line where two decking panels meet.

Skirt Panel

The Skirt Panel is a vertical panel of the balustrade located on both sides of the steps with an authorized distance from them on the entire route.

Skirt Brush

The Skirt Brush is located on the skirt panel on both sides to prevent any objects from being trapped in the gap between the skirt and step.

Rigid Base

Rigid Base is an alumunim or plastic support installed on the skirt panel to hold the skirt brush.

Skirt Brush Cap

Skirt Brush Cap is a curved-shape cover located on both ends of the skirt brush rigid base.

Handrail Entrance

The Handrail Entrance is a part through which the handrail passes to enter and exit the internal space.

Handrail Entrance Support

Handrail Entrance Support consists of several components on which the handrail entrance is located.

Handrail Inlet Guard

The Handrail Inlet Guard is a part made of rubber fitted at the entry point of the handrail entrance through which the handrail passes.

Glass Joint Line

Glass Joint Line is a line where two glass panels meet.

Panel Support Extrusion Joint

Panel Support Extrusion Joint is a line where two panel support extrusion brackets meet.

Skirt Bracket

A Skirt Bracket is a support that is attached to the skirt panel to hold it in the right position.

Outside Cladding

Outside Cladding are the coverings of the truss outer surface. 

Slim Balustrade

Slim Balustrade is a type of balustrade made of 10-millimeter- thick tempered glass or stainless steel panels.

Slim Balustrade - Narrow Frame

The Slim balustrade - Narrow frame is a type of balustrade comprised of a narrow handrail frame guide. In this type of balustrade, it is not possible to install balustrade illumination.

Slim balustrade - Wide Frame

Slim Balustrade - Wide Frame is a type of balustrade comprised of a wide handrail frame guide. In this type of balustrade, it is possible to install balustrade illumination.

Solid Balustrade

The Solid balustrade is a type of balustrade comprised of stainless steel panels.

Solid Balustrade - High Deck

Solid Balustrade - High Deck is a type of balustrade in which the decking panels are located on the upper part of the balustrade below the handrail frame guide.

Solid Balustrade - Low Deck

Solid Balustrade - Low Deck is a type of balustrade which thickness is less than the high deck type and the decking panels are located on the lower part of the balustrade.

Extended Balustrade

Extended Balustrade is a type of balustrade that is extended to the end of the landings.

Interior Balustrade Panels

Interior Panel is a part of the balustrade which is installed on the inside of the balustrade.

Exterior Balustrade Panels

Exterior Balustrade Panel is a part of the balustrade which is installed on the outside of the balustrade.

Drive Unit

The Drive Unit is composed of a series of main components that cause the escalator movement.

Motor

The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and creates the motive force.

Flywheel

The Flywheel is a disk installed above the motor to drive the motor manually in emergency cases. In some kinds of motor drives, the flywheel is designed with a heavy weight to provide a smooth start.

Cap

The motor cap is a part located above the motor to cover the protruded parts of the motor shaft.

Gearbox

The Gearbox is a device composed of gears and gear trains, used to give speed and torque conversions, from the drive motor to the main drive shaft by a chain.

Magnetic Brake

A Magnetic Brake is a brake located on the motor to bring the device to a halt when it is required.

Auxiliary Brake

Auxiliary Brake is a type of brake that stops the escalator in case its speed exceeds the nominal speed or an unintentional reversal happens, this brake must be used in escalators with more than 6m heights.

Motor Base

Motor Base is a base which the motor is mounted on.

Drive Chain

The Drive Chain is a chain that transmits the motive force from the motor sprocket to the escalator's main drive shaft and causes the device to turn.

Drive Chain Connecting Link

Drive Chain Connecting Link is the final part of the drive chain that connects both ends of the chain and creates a loop.

Brake Load

The Brake Load equals the weight of the step, considering the load of passengers standing on them, which the brake system must stop.