Why Is the Design of the Escalator Comb Plate So Critical to Safety?
In an automatic escalator system, people often focus on core components such as the escalator handrail belt, escalator step chain, and drive system, but tend to overlook a “most critical safety device under your feet”—the escalator comb plate. Although it looks simple, just a metal plate with tooth-shaped structures, it is an irreplaceable component in escalator safety design. Its quality and structure directly determine whether passengers may experience entrapment or foot-jamming accidents.
As a professional elevator and escalator parts supplier, A-FLY fully understands how important the safety design of the comb plate is to escalator operation. Below, we will take you through the details.
1. The comb plate is the first line of defense against “entrapment accidents”
Escalator steps move continuously. Once a passenger’s shoes, slippers, long skirts, suitcase wheels, etc. get too close, they may be drawn into the step gaps.
The tooth-shaped structure of the comb plate plays the following roles:
Forces foreign objects to get caught earlier, preventing them from entering deep into the step gap
Minimizes the gap between the steps and the landing platform, reducing entrapment space
Increases friction so that passengers’ feet or items can more easily escape the danger zone
Without a comb plate, the danger level at escalator entry points would increase drastically.
2. The comb plate switch provides key signals for emergency stop protection
A high-quality comb plate must be paired with a comb plate protection switch, which is one of the mandatory components in the escalator safety circuit.
When any of the following occur, the comb plate switch will immediately open the safety circuit and stop the escalator:
A foreign object becomes stuck
The comb plate lifts upward under pressure
The comb plate is deformed or becomes loose
Abnormal squeezing occurs in the comb area
The comb plates and switch systems supplied by A-FLY comply with international safety standards and are suitable for high-traffic environments such as malls, subway stations, and airports.
3. The material of the comb plate determines its durability and safety performance
Common comb plate materials include:
Aluminum alloy: lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install; the most widely used
Stainless steel: higher strength, suitable for high-traffic and high-wear environments
Engineering plastic: used in certain special applications, offering strong impact resistance
The quality of the material directly affects:
Whether the comb teeth break easily
Whether the comb plate deforms due to frequent stepping
Whether the comb teeth remain properly aligned with the step profiles
Whether the comb plate switch can be triggered sensitively
Poor-quality comb plates tend to develop accelerated wear, broken tooth tips, or misalignment—issues that can lead to safety incidents.
4. The comb plate’s angle and tooth pitch design ensure smoother escalator operation
A good comb plate must match the step front-edge tooth shape perfectly. Poor design can cause:
Vibration during step movement
Rough engagement between the step and comb plate
In severe cases, interference with the drive system
A-FLY’s comb plates are designed with tooth pitch and angle precisely matching the step structure, ensuring:
Smooth entry of steps into the comb area
Lower operating noise
Reduced impact at the escalator entrance
5. A-FLY—provider of high-quality escalator comb plates and safety components
As a professional supplier of elevator and escalator parts, A-FLY offers various models of escalator comb plates and related safety devices, including:
Escalator drive chains, guide wheels, friction wheels
Escalator safety sensors and controllers
Our products are compatible with major escalator brands, widely used in maintenance and modernization projects, and are durable, stable, and reliable.
Conclusion: A small comb plate is the key force protecting passengers’ footsteps
Although escalator comb plates are not eye-catching, they are one of the most important safety structures at the escalator entrance. With proper design, high-quality materials, and responsive safety switches, they effectively prevent entrapment accidents and ensure long-term safe escalator operation.
Choose A-FLY to make escalator entry points safer and every trip more reassuring.
