Escalator

An **escalator** is a power-driven, continuous moving stairway designed to transport passengers up and down short vertical distances. Escalators are used around the world to move pedestrian traffic in places where elevators would be impractical.



The first building in the world which has a modern day escalator is **Macy's Herald Square** in New York City. It was built in **1902**. It is made of wood and iron and it is still used today.



Modern escalators are usually inclined at **30° with floor-to-floor rise of about 3.5 m**. They are **electrically powered**,** driven by chain and sprocket**. As the treads approach the landing, they pass through a **comb device**. The steps themselves are solid, one-piece. The leading and trailing edges of each step are created with comb-like protrusions that mesh with the comb plates on the top and bottom platforms. The steps are linked by a continuous metal chain. The front and back edges of the steps are each connected to two wheels. At the side of an escalator the brushes are installed. The brushes are there as a safety precaution. Escalator brushes are commonly known as escalator skirt deflector brushes or escalator safety brushes. Their main function is to promote passenger safety by gently guiding passengers away from the skirt panels.