Escalator handrail: how to measure the length and identify the profile

A replacement handrail has to match two things: the cross-section that fits the escalator's guides and drive, and the loop length. Both are measured on site. Handrail makers publish their own procedures; the steps below follow them and stay brand-neutral.

Before you start

Work with the escalator stopped between each move, and follow your site's safety procedure and the instructions of the competent person responsible for the escalator. One handrail maker's procedure calls for at least two people and personal protective equipment.

Measure the length

1. With the escalator stopped, draw a start mark across the handrail at the top or bottom of the incline.
2. Draw a stop mark at the other end of the straight incline and record the distance between the marks. Measure only the straight section, never around the curves at the ends.
3. Run the escalator until the stop mark reaches the start position. Stop it, mark again and measure the next length.
4. Repeat until the first mark comes round again, then add up all the readings.

One maker's procedure measures from top to bottom on an up escalator and from bottom to top on a down escalator. Measuring the same distance each time keeps the arithmetic simple.

Allow for the take-up device

Check the position of the handrail tension (take-up) device. Semperit's guidance is that if the device is at its minimum position, length should be added, and if it is at its maximum, length should be taken off. Tell us the position with your measurement.

Identify the profile

Handrails come in two broad shapes: a flat profile, often called C-type, and a V profile with an internal V that seats on the guide. Measure the cross-section with callipers, in millimetres:

• Lip width: the opening between the two lips
• Inside width and inside height: the cavity that runs on the guide
• Overall width and overall height
• V profiles: the width, height and position of the V

Handrail makers describe lip width, inside width and inside height as the most important dimensions for fit with the guide and drive. Measure at more than one point and send every reading.

Brand names

The escalator's make, model and year from the nameplate help us check a profile, but the profile is confirmed by dimensions. We are not an authorised dealer of any escalator brand, and a compatible handrail is not an original part.

What to send

1. Each length reading and the total, and the take-up device position.
2. Profile type (flat or V) and the cross-section dimensions in mm.
3. Photos of the cross-section with the callipers in place.
4. Colour, escalator make, model and year, quantity and destination.