Article 28 -Escalator & Moving Walk Braking Systems
Braking System Function
In this article we will be explaining in details all about both escalator braking system and also moving walk braking system.
One of the Operational and when necessary according to the standard.
The operational braking system must cause to a stop as well as hold it stationary. The common operational brake is an Note: The brake must never be released by electrically generated self-excitation of the braking device.
For the operational braking system the following items are highly important:
- Calculation of the Brake Load
- Authorized Stopping Distance
- Deceleration rate when the braking system is actuated
The main issues of designing the braking system are the Calculation of the Escalator Brake Load for Escalator Braking System
For calculation of the Escalator Brake Load, the number of steps is calculated by dividing the vertical height of the escalator and the height of each step (Step Riser). The brake load for each type of step width is as per table below:
| Step width | Brake Load |
| 600 mm | 60 kg |
| 800 mm | 90 kg |
| 1000 mm | 120 kg |
full length that the passenger can stand on must be divided by 400 millimeters. The brake load for each 400 millimeters length is as per the table below:
| Pallet width | Brake Load |
| 800 mm | 75 kg |
| 1000 mm / 1100 mm | 100 kg |
| 1200 mm / 1400 mm | 125 kg |
| more than 1400 mm up to 1650 mm | 150 kg |
Authorized Stopping Distance for Escalator Operational Brake
The authorized stopping distance means the distance that the step travels after the brake system is actuated.
The operational brake must activate immediately (less than 1 second after the specified braking command) but not stop too harshly to cause passenger falls. Considering the nominal speed, the range of authorized stopping distances for unloaded upwards, unloaded downwards and loaded downward moving escalators must be as per table below:
| Nominal Speed | Stopping Distance Range |
| 0.5 m/s | 200 – 1000 mm |
| 0.65 m/s | 300 – 1300 mm |
| 0.75 m/s | 400 – 1500 mm |
During the operation of the braking system, the Authorized Stopping Distance for Moving Walk Operational Brake
The authorized stopping distance means the distance that the pallet travels after the less than 1 second after the specified braking command) but not stop too harshly to cause passenger falls. Considering the nominal speed, the range of authorized stopping distances for unloaded upwards, unloaded downwards and loaded downward moving inclined moving walks must be as per the table below:
Note: This applies also for unloaded and loaded horizontal moving walks in both directions.
| Nominal Speed | Stopping Distance Range |
| 0.5 m/s | 200 – 1000 millimeter |
| 0.65 m/s | 300 – 1300 millimeter |
| 0.75 m/s | 400 – 1500 millimeter |
| 0.90 m/s | 550 – 1700 millimeter |
During the operation of the braking system, the downward and horizontal deceleration in moving walk must not be more than 1 m/s2 and it is recommended to achieve the shortest possible stopping distance by considering the deceleration limit.
Note: For moving walks a brake test under no load will be sufficient and for loaded moving walks, the manufacturer shall prove the stopping distances.
