Escalator Comb Plate Damage: Safety Impact & Maintenance Tips
In the entrance and exit areas of an escalator, the escalator comb plate is one of the most critical safety components that comes into direct contact with passengers’ feet. Its primary function is to precisely mesh with the step grooves, guiding passengers safely on and off the escalator, and to trigger safety protection in abnormal conditions. Once the comb plate is damaged or in an abnormal condition, it can have a direct impact on both equipment safety and passenger well-being.
As a professional elevator & escalator spare parts supplier, A-FLY has found through extensive maintenance projects that comb plate issues are one of the most common sources of escalator safety incidents.
1. Common Types of Escalator Comb Plate Damage
During long-term operation, escalator comb plates may experience the following issues:
Broken, missing, or deformed comb teeth
Severe surface wear on the comb plate
Loose installation or insufficient fastening
Poor meshing between the comb teeth and escalator steps
These problems usually develop gradually as a result of accumulated wear and repeated mechanical impact, rather than sudden failure.
2. Safety Risks Caused by Comb Plate Damage
1. Increased Risk of Foot Entrapment and Tripping
When comb teeth are broken or gaps become abnormal, shoe heels, soles, or even clothing can easily get caught, significantly increasing the risk of passenger falls.
2. Potential Failure of Safety Protection Functions
Under normal conditions, comb plate displacement triggers a safety switch that stops the escalator. However, if the comb plate is damaged or its fixing structure is compromised, the protective function may become insensitive or fail to activate.
3. Accelerated Wear of Steps and Drive System
Poor meshing increases resistance during step movement, placing additional load on the step chain and main drive system, and shortening the overall service life of the escalator.
4. Failure to Meet Safety Inspection Requirements
Comb plate damage is considered a serious safety hazard and often results in immediate rectification requirements during annual inspections or special safety audits.
3. Main Causes of Escalator Comb Plate Damage
Based on maintenance experience, common causes include:
Long-term operation under heavy passenger traffic with frequent mechanical impact
Insufficient material strength or aging of the comb plate
Step height deviation or abnormal running trajectory
Loose comb plate fixing plates or fasteners
Improper cleaning or foreign object impact
Therefore, simply replacing the comb plate without identifying the root cause may lead to repeated failures.
4. Maintenance and Replacement Tips for Escalator Comb Plates
1. Regular Inspection of Comb Teeth Condition
During routine maintenance, priority should be given to checking for missing teeth, deformation, and secure fastening.
2. Inspect Fixing Plates and Safety Switches Together
When replacing the comb plate, the comb fixing plate and related safety switches should be inspected simultaneously to ensure proper protective function.
3. Use High-Strength, Wear-Resistant Comb Plate Components
High-quality comb plates significantly reduce the risk of breakage and extend replacement intervals.
4. Replace Immediately When Damage Is Found
Comb plates are safety-critical components. Once obvious damage is detected, continued operation is not recommended.
5. A-FLY – Your Reliable Supplier of Escalator Comb Plates and Safety Components
As an experienced elevator & escalator spare parts supplier, A-FLY provides:
Various escalator comb plates and comb fixing plates
Escalator steps, step chains, and related components
Escalator safety switches and protective devices
A-FLY products are widely used in shopping malls, transportation hubs, and public buildings. OEM / ODM customization and global supply are fully supported, helping customers efficiently complete safety rectification projects.
Conclusion
Although small in size, the escalator comb plate directly affects passenger safety at the point of entry and exit. Through proper maintenance, timely replacement, and the use of high-quality spare parts, accident risks can be significantly reduced and long-term stable operation ensured.
Choose A-FLY to make every escalator entrance and exit safer and more reliable.
