What is the braking system in escalators?
Escalator brake is a device designed to quickly stop the escalator’s operation in emergency situations, ensuring passenger safety. The brake is activated immediately when the escalator speed exceeds 1.4 times the rated speed, or when the steps, pedals, or belts change their specified direction of operation. This is achieved by cutting off power through an electrical switch, which engages the brake
Typically, escalators use two types of braking systems: the escalator main brake and the escalator auxiliary brake. The main brake is the primary method for stopping the escalator, while the escalator auxiliary brake (also known as the additional brake) serves as a backup device that comes into play if the main brake fails. Therefore, the purpose of the auxiliary brake on an escalator is to ensure passenger safety in the event of a main brake failure.
When to use the escalator auxiliary brake?
- Main Escalator Brake Failure
- Escalator Speed Exceeds the Specified Limit
- Incline Exceeds the Specified Range
What are the main causes of escalator brake failure?
The causes of escalator brake failure can be analyzed in detail as follows:
Electrical System Issues: Malfunctions in the escalator’s electrical system can lead to brake failure.
Insufficient Braking Force: Causes of insufficient braking force include brake parameters not meeting standard values, excessive gaps between brake pads and the rotating shaft, aging or worn springs causing significant deviation, and worn or obstructed components in the braking system that may cause sticking.
Improper Adjustment of the Auxiliary Brake: During the annual inspection of the escalator, if the position of the auxiliary brake friction block and the sprocket is found to be improperly adjusted, it can lead to malfunction, resulting in escalator jamming.
Escalator brake is one of the important safety protection devices of escalator. We need to perform regular maintenance and inspections on it.
