7 Types of Escalator [Explained with Details]

Types of Escalator :- There are various designs of escalators which can be installed depending upon the actual condition of the site or the requirement of the site:

1. Parallel Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

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Parallel escalators are those types of escalators which face in the same direction. These escalators use more floor space as compared to the other arrangements of escalators which is found having an impressive appearance. On the other side it is found that these are less efficient and more expensive as compared to other escalators. Parallel escalators can also use either spiral or stacked parallel arrangements which also depends upon the practical condition of the site. The parallel escalators also helps the user to continue using it by simply turning around at the end of the ride. Parallel escalators are commonly used in places like:

• Malls
• Metro Station
• Public Buildings

2. Spiral Parallel Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

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The spiral parallel escalator are the arrangement which forces the users to walk around as these as these are installed at places which has a too long walking area. The facility of walking around staves off the user from being annoyed. The other type of parallel escalator is stacked parallel escalator which is mostly used at places like malls, metro stations and is limited till two stories only. Whereas, in the public buildings or any other heavy traffic area, they are found easily which all move in the same direction. The Stacked parallel escalators proffer an option of reversing the direction specifically in the rush hours when everyone is travelling in a particular direction way.

3. Multiple Parallel Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

Multiple Parallel two or more escalators are those escalators which together travel in a single direction next to one or two escalators in the same space that travels in the other direction.

It is mandatory to have a moving handrail in an escalator which keeps the pace with the movement of the steps. The direction of movement remains the same throughout which can be controlled by person according to the requirement or even automatically.

4. Crisscross Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

Crisscross escalators are the most popular arrangements of escalators which places the entrance and exit to its upper and lower end at the opposite end of the escalator. This arrangement is particularly known as crisscross arrangement or crisscross escalators. These escalators are commonly known as they can be installed in a comparatively less price and take up a very minimum amount of floor space with lowest structural requirements. A spiral crisscross is the one wherein the stairs rest into each other and offers a rapid and comfortable trip in a very less price and space. These escalators are easily used up to five floors without any inconvenience. In a walk around crisscross escalator arrangement the proper construction of floor is required around the escalator, which proffers an opportunity to view the merchandise.

These escalators consists of a movement only in one direction, either up or down. The trip is made worse when the space between the floors is kept inadequate. This leads to overcrowd, pushing and delays which causes inconvenience to the people and in case the passengers travel over three floors and do not have an access to an escalator then the problem can get even worse. The places where you can easily find crisscross elevators are as follows:

• Cinema Halls
• Airports
• Departmental stores

5. Curved Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

A curved escalator is the one which is designed in a special manner including curved or helical shape with curved steps. This escalator is curved either to the left side or to the right side. These escalators are mostly those which are used at places where the steps need to be connected with the help of any landing. Curved escalators are installed to either enhance the architectural beauty or to save the space. The angle at which the escalator is inclined is 30 degrees. The number of people which it can carry per hour is around 6500. The average rated speed covered by it is around 25 m per minute and the vertical rise in meters varies from 3500-6600.

6. Step Type Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

This is the most common type of escalator which is quite resurgent these days. Now a days the steps which are being made are of metal whereas earlier these steps were made of wood, which could not be that successful. Step type escalators are popular as they can also go up or down, it can get flat, then up and down again. The steps of the escalator are mounted on the hinged circles, which tracks its appearance besides the steps which is kept visible from all the above steps. This escalator is designed to be quite safer as compared to any other type of escalator.

7. Wheelchair-accessible Escalator: ( Types of Escalator )

Wheelchair accessible escalators are those escalators which have an attendant in case if someone in a wheelchair is in need to use the escalator, it will get stopped. These types of escalators are designed to let the patients or the wheel chair user face convenience while travelling. Once the wheelchair boards the escalator, it automatically gets switched to a special mode. 3 consequent steps will level out in order to make a platform.

After this, it will be found that some spikes come out of the step which are closest to the lower landing of the escalator of the platform which is made out of 3 steps which prevents the roll off of the passenger’s wheelchair from the platform. Once it is complete, the escalator will start moving slowly automatically. The attendant will necessarily ride with the passenger in order to maintain safety of the traveler. Once the whole process is complete the escalator will get back to its original speed and as soon as the passenger in the wheelchair gets close to the top, the escalator will slow down.

Once the passenger in the wheelchair de-boards the escalator, the escalator is switched back to its normal operating speed. These escalators are mostly found and installed in Japan only. It is still not know whether the wheelchair accessible escalators have been launched or not.

Image Source :- Mitsubishielectric, emsd