How to Fix a Derailed Escalator Handrail?

Escalators are part of daily life in malls, airports, metro stations, and many other public places. They move people safely and smoothly. But like any machine, they can face problems. One of the most common issues is a derailed handrail. While it might seem minor, a derailed handrail can lead to serious safety risks if left unchecked.

In this article, we’ll walk through why handrails derail, how to identify the cause and the correct steps to fix them. Whether you’re an experienced technician or new to escalator maintenance, it’s important to follow the right process and use reliable parts.

Why Do Escalator Handrails Derail?

Before fixing the problem, we need to understand what causes it. In most cases, derailment happens due to:

Mechanical wear and tear: Over time, drive wheels, guide wheels, or pulleys wear down, which can cause the handrail to misalign.
Improper tension: A handrail that is too loose or too tight may not track properly, especially during peak usage.
Poor lubrication: Friction increases if the handrail or the rollers lack proper lubrication.
Installation errors: If the handrail is installed incorrectly, it may not sit properly on the track.
Foreign objects or dirt: Debris in the handrail guide path can cause it to derail.
Structural problems: Bent guide rails or misaligned brackets can force the handrail out of place.

Step-by-Step: How to Correct a Derailed Escalator Handrail

1. Stop the Escalator Immediately

First things first—safety comes first. As soon as we notice a derailed handrail, we need to:

Press the emergency stop button.
Cut off the power supply to avoid accidental startup.
Place visible warning signs to keep the public away.

Never attempt to fix a moving escalator. Always ensure it’s completely shut down.

2. Inspect the Escalator System

Now we begin a full inspection to locate the root cause of the derailment. We recommend checking the following:

Handrail tension: If it’s too tight or too loose, the tracking will be off.
Drive and guide wheels: Are they worn, misaligned, or missing parts?
Guide rail: Any signs of bending or misalignment?
Handrail joints: Check for damage or stiffness.
Foreign objects: Remove any dirt, screws, or small items that may block the path.

Take your time. A proper diagnosis now can save hours later.

3. Adjust or Replace the Handrail

Depending on the condition of the handrail, we may either:

Re-tensionthe existing handrail using the tension adjustment system.
Reinstallit properly on the drive and guide wheels.
Or, if it’s cracked, torn, or overly stretched, we’ll replaceit with a new one.

When installing a new handrail, it’s essential to:

Match the correct size and profile to your escalator model.
Align it carefully over the rollers and guide rails.
Test the movement by rotating the drive wheels manually before powering on.

A handrail that’s not centered or stretched evenly will derail again soon.

4. Check the Drive System and Lubrication

Don’t forget to inspect the handrail drive system:

Clean the drive and guide wheels.
Check for wobbling or loose parts.
Lubricate the drive mechanism using manufacturer-recommended lubricants. Avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract dirt and cause slippage.

If any components are beyond repair, replace them immediately. This is where high-quality spare parts come into play.

We recommend choosing trusted escalator parts suppliers like POTENSI, who offer durable, well-tested components specifically for handrail systems.

5. Test the Escalator

Once the repair is complete:

Restore the power.
Run the escalator at low speed and monitor the handrail’s movement.
Check for smooth tracking, proper tension, and alignment with the balustrade.

Let it run for a full cycle before putting it back into service. If anything feels off, stop and recheck.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Handrail Derailment

Prevention is better than repair. Here are some things we’ve learned that help avoid handrail problems:

Regular inspections: Check tension, alignment, and part wear every 1-3 months.
Use high-quality parts: Cheap parts wear out faster and don’t hold alignment well.
Train staff properly: Make sure anyone who works on the escalator knows how to handle the handrail system.
Keep the guide path clean: Dust, grease, and debris are enemies of smooth operation.

We also suggest keeping a spare handrail on-site for emergency replacement. This reduces downtime and avoids rush orders.

Conclusion

Fixing a derailed escalator handrail isn’t just about putting it back on the track. It’s about ensuring long-term safety and smooth operation. Every step—from diagnosis to re-tensioning and testing—matters.

When it comes to repairing or maintaining escalator handrails, using high-quality parts can make all the difference. At POTENSI, we supply a wide range of trusted escalator components that are built to perform under demanding conditions. Our escalator handrail are made from durable, wear-resistant materials that ensure smooth operation and long service life.

We also provide essential components such as step rollers, step chains, escalator clear machines, etc—all engineered for reliability and easy installation. Whether you’re replacing a damaged handrail or correcting derailment issues, you’ll find the right parts at POTENSI to get the job done safely and efficiently.

If you’re looking for dependable solutions and long-term support, explore our escalator parts catalog or contact our team directly. We’re here to help keep your systems running smoothly.

How to Fix a Derailed Escalator Handrail?

Table of Contents

Why Do Escalator Handrails Derail?

Step-by-Step: How to Correct a Derailed Escalator Handrail

1. Stop the Escalator Immediately

2. Inspect the Escalator System

3. Adjust or Replace the Handrail

4. Check the Drive System and Lubrication

5. Test the Escalator

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Handrail Derailment

Conclusion

Benefits of being Our Member:

Popular Categories

Support

Company