Loose Escalator Comb Plates: Risks & Standards
In escalator safety systems, the comb plate often receives the most attention, while the comb plate fixing plate—which works closely with it—is frequently overlooked. In reality, once the comb plate fixing plate becomes loose, it can not only affect normal escalator operation but may also directly lead to serious passenger safety accidents.
As a professional elevator and escalator parts supplier, A-FLY has identified through extensive maintenance and modernization projects that issues related to comb plate fixing plates have become a high-risk safety concern in escalator systems.
1. What Is an Escalator Comb Plate Fixing Plate?
The comb plate fixing plate is located at the escalator entrance and exit. Its primary function is to secure the comb plate and maintain the correct clearance between the comb plate and the steps. It is typically fastened to the escalator structure with bolts and serves as a key load-bearing and positioning component within the escalator safety structure.
2. Risks Caused by a Loose Comb Plate Fixing Plate
Increased risk of foot entrapment and tripping
When the fixing plate becomes loose, the comb plate may shift, increasing the gap between the steps and the comb teeth. This significantly raises the risk of shoe heels or soles becoming trapped, leading to falls and injuries.
Failure to properly activate safety switches
Most escalators are designed so that abnormal comb plate movement triggers a safety switch to stop the escalator. If the fixing plate is loose, the comb plate may not move correctly during abnormal conditions, causing the protection function to fail.
Accelerated abnormal wear of steps and comb plates
Insufficient fixation leads to continuous friction between the comb plate and the steps, shortening the service life of the comb plate, steps, and even the drive system.
Non-compliance with escalator safety standards
Structural stability at escalator entrances and exits is a mandatory inspection item in safety regulations. A loose fixing plate may cause the escalator to fail annual inspections or regulatory audits.
3. When Must the Comb Plate Fixing Plate Be Replaced?
Replacement is strongly recommended rather than repeated tightening when any of the following conditions are present:
Visible deformation, cracks, or metal fatigue
Severe wear of mounting holes preventing secure bolt fastening
Serious corrosion resulting in reduced structural strength
Repeated loosening after multiple tightening attempts
Incompatibility with new comb plates or step specifications (common in modernization projects)
4. Key Standards for Compliant Replacement
Compliant replacement is not just a simple part change—it is a systematic safety upgrade:
Material compliance: High-strength steel or alloy materials with excellent fatigue resistance
Dimensional accuracy: Exact matching with escalator brand, model, and comb plate specifications
Standardized installation: Bolts tightened to specified torque with proper anti-loosening measures
Comprehensive inspection: Simultaneous checks of comb plates, safety switches, and step-to-comb clearances after replacement
The escalator comb plate fixing plates provided by A-FLY are manufactured strictly according to mainstream escalator structural standards and are suitable for maintenance and compliance upgrade projects.
5. A-FLY — Your Trusted Escalator Safety Parts Supplier
As an experienced elevator and escalator parts supplier, A-FLY supplies global customers with:
Escalator comb plates and comb plate fixing plates
Escalator steps and step roller systems
Escalator safety switches and sensors
Escalator drive and braking system components
A-FLY products are compatible with major escalator brands worldwide and support OEM/ODM customization to meet regional project requirements.
Conclusion: Small Component, Big Safety Responsibility
Although the escalator comb plate fixing plate is a small component, it directly affects passenger safety at the escalator entrance and exit. A single loose fixing plate can be the starting point of a serious accident.
Choose A-FLY to make every escalator entrance and exit more stable, compliant, and secure.
A-FLY — Dedicated to elevator and escalator parts, protecting every step with professional safety solutions.
