Where are escalator manual stop switches located?

• A. On the handrail support at the top and bottom of the unit
• B. Inside the step treads
• C. At the motor housing
• D. In the control room

Answer: (A)

Emergency shutdown devices on escalators are placed where they can be reached quickly by someone on either end of the unit. The manual stop switches are mounted on the handrail support at the top and bottom because that location provides direct, immediate access to shut off power to the drive system in an emergency, regardless of which direction the escalator is moving.

Putting a stop switch inside the step treads would be unsafe and practically inaccessible during normal use, and it wouldn’t provide a quick, universal way to stop the unit. Locating switches in the motor housing isn’t suitable for public access and would require opening equipment, delaying response. A control room location isn’t appropriate for immediate, on-site emergencies since passengers and staff need to act right where the problem is.

So the top and bottom handrail support positions give fast, reliable control for stopping the escalator when needed.