Braking mechanisms on older escalators can be described as “rustic” when compared to modern standards. Thankfully, modernisation can bring seasoned equipment up to today’s levels of safety, comfort and wear. These two options are worth considering:

How does it work?

It’s like “one pedal driving” on electric cars: Instead of the mechanical brake, primarily the frequency-controlled motor slows down the escalator. The mechanical brake is then only engaged to secure the escalator in place.
What are the benefits?

Electronic braking makes for smoother stops as it allows to reach the defined braking distance independently of the escalator load. It also means less wear on the mechanical brake, especially in combination with energy-saving operating modes.

For which escalator?

TKE and other brands in the course of a controller upgrade.

How does it work?
It’s an additional brake that directly acts on the main shaft in case of an emergency.

What are the benefits?

Avoid a freewheeling escalator in case of disconnection between motor and main shaft. Highly recommended modernisation upgrade for high-traffic escalators that originally lack a brake on the main shaft.

For which escalator?

Any escalator from any manufacturer. TKE’s patented solution does not require welding components to the truss or upgrading the main shaft itself. The installation can be done by just two technicians and requires little downtime.