Article 24 -Dynamic Test of Escalator Step

Escalator Step Dynamic Test

The step dynamic test is divided into two different types: Load and Torsional. In this article, we intend to explain the load and torsional test procedures of the escalator step and its requirements according to standard EN 115-1:2017.

Load Test for Escalator Step

For the dynamic load test of the escalator step, we must apply a continuous sinusoidal pulsating load of 500 - 3000 N at a frequency of 5-20 Hz for a minimum of 5x10⁶ cycles. The load must be applied perpendicular to the tread surface center of the escalator step on a steel plate (0.20 m x 0.30 m & at least 25 mm thick). The dynamic load test must be applied to steps with rollers (not rotating), axles, and stub shafts (if existing) together in horizontal position and at the maximum inclination.

No cracks or issues must be seen as a result of the test. Permanent deformation must be less than 4 millimeters on the tread surface of the escalator step and also the step and its components including all inserts/ fixings must remain secure and attached firmly after the test.

 Any damaged roller must be replaced during the test as required.

Torsional Test for Escalator Step

For the dynamic torsional test for the escalator step, we must apply a continuous sinusoidal pulsating load of 500 - 3000 N at a frequency of 5-20 Hz for a minimum of 5x10⁶ cycles to the tread surface center of the escalator step on a steel plate (0.20 m x 0.30 m & at least 25 mm thick). The dynamic torsional test must be applied to steps with rollers (not rotating), axles, and stub shafts (if existing) together in horizontal position and at the maximum inclination and the step is supported and fixed via the step chains. To minimize the effect of the escalator step rollers on the result of the test, we must replace them with steel rollers of the same dimensions. We must take out one of the step rollers (or make it unsupported) and in order to prevent lifting off of the opposite step roller, we must use a locking clamp with a distance of less than 0.2 millimeters on the step chain roller.

During the dynamic torsional test, the removed roller side must move downward less than 4 millimeters.

No cracks or issues must be seen as a result of the test. Permanent deformation must be less than 4 millimeters on the tread surface of the escalator step and also step and its components including all inserts/ fixings must remain secure and attached firmly after the test. Any damaged roller must be replaced during the test as required.

The 4 millimeters displacement is acceptable when the distance of the step roller center and the step chain roller center is 400 millimeters and in other cases, the ratio must be maintained.