Difference Between Elevator and Escalator

The Difference Between Escalator and Elevator

1. Working principle

An elevator is an enclosed cabin that runs vertically, like a room that moves up and down, to quickly transport passengers or goods to any floor of a building. It uses motors, cables and counterweights to accomplish this.

An escalator is an auto-moving staircase that runs at an incline(usually 30° or 35°). It can only take passengers from one floor to the adjacent floors. It is driven by an electric motor, which drives a chain that moves the steps in a circular motion.

2. Structure and Design
Elevators take up less floor space but require a vertical shaft running through the building, and usually require a machine room on the top.
Escalators take up more space and need a long, diagonal path between floors.

3. Speed
Elevators move faster, from 1.0m/s to 2.0m/s in standard buildings, and even higher in skyscrapers, where they can exceed 10.0m/s.
Escalators move at slower speeds, typically 0.5m/s to 0.75m/s.

4. Capacity
Elevators can carry 6-21 passengers (450-1600 kg) per trip.
The escalators can carry 20 and more passengers at a time, transporting up to 8,000 people per hour.

5. Passenger Transport Efficiency
Elevators are quicker if you need to get to many floors, but you will have to wait in line for one to appear, especially if it is busy. Delays can occur in buildings with high foot traffic due to this.

The escalator always moving. No waiting! You can stand still or walk to go faster, depending on how much you want to hustle.

6. Traveling Height
Elevators is particularly good for tall structures such as high-rise buildings and even skyscrapers. They can go up so many floors
Escalators are more suitable for short movements, specifically covering the distance of a single or at most two floors.

7. Application
Elevators are mainly used in multi-story buildings to transport passengers, patients, equipment and goods, commonly found in office buildings, apartments, hospitals, hotels, warehouses.
Escalators are usually installed in high-traffic areas to transport passengers efficiently, commonly found in subways, shopping centers, and airports.

8. Energy Efficiency
Elevators use energy while starting and stopping, and not when idle. Regenerative drives used in modern elevators absorb and return energy to the building.

Escalators run all the time, even when no people are using them, therefore, they consume more energy. However, the newer systems are equipped with sensors that slow the escalator or make it cease to operate if it is not in use.

9. Maintenance

While both escalators and elevators transport people between floors, elevators require more safety and maintenance measures due to their vertical movement and enclosed space. In contrast, escalators have a more open design and generally require less maintenance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Elevators and Escalators

Space Constraints

Space is significant when choosing between an elevator and an escalator. Elevators can’t be put in a small space like an escalator can. Instead, they need a specific installation shaft. If space is tight, an escalator might be better than an elevator because it needs less room to set up.

Building Height and Design
The height and layout of the building must also be taken into account. If the building is tall, there may be no other way to get to the upper floors. Access for wheelchair users is just one way that elevators can be changed to meet the needs of different buildings and their people. People may need elevators and escalators to move quickly and easily between floors.

Intended User Demographics
It’s also essential to consider the demographics of the people you want to reach. For example, if the building is mainly used by older people or people with disabilities, an elevator could make it a better choice. On the other hand, an escalator might make more sense if most people who use the building are young and healthy.

Cost-Effectiveness and Return On Investment
When deciding between elevators and escalators, it’s important to think about how much it will cost to own both. Even though escalators may cost more at first, they are usually more expensive to install and keep up than elevators. You should also think about how much money you think you can make back. A building with a lot of vertical traffic might get a better return on investment (ROI) from an elevator than one with less vertical traffic.

FAQs About Elevator and Escalator

Which Is Safer, To Ride in an Elevator or on an Escalator? 

Both of these are safe. Accidents are uncommon and typically result from improper usage. You have to follow safety rules like holding the handrail on escalators and not overload that elevator.

Which One Should I Choose? 

Choosing between an elevator and an escalator will depend heavily on the building’s purpose. Office buildings, hotels, and residential buildings often rely on elevators because they efficiently move people between floors. Their enclosed design also provides privacy and accessibility for all users.
Shopping malls, airports, and transit stations often use both elevators and escalators. Escalators are excellent at moving large numbers of people between adjacent floors, especially during peak hours. They’re also great for buildings with high foot traffic where many people need to move between just two or three floors.
In general, a combination of both is usually best.

Which Costs More—elevators or Escalators? 

For the same building, escalators tend to be more expensive. For instance, a 3-story building typically requires at least four escalators (two for ascending and two for descending), whereas only one or two elevators are usually sufficient.

Are Elevators and Escalators Manufactured to the Same Standards?

No. Elevators and escalators are manufactured to different standards due to their distinct mechanical requirements. For example, in Europe, elevators must comply with the EN 81-20 standard, while escalators and moving walks are governed by the EN 115 series of standards (e.g., EN 115-1 for safety requirements).

What Happens to Elevators and Escalators During Power Outages?

Elevators automatically switch to backup power systems that safely bring the cabin to the nearest floor and open doors. For escalators, they gradually slow to a stop, engaging automatic brakes to prevent backward movement. Some premium models have backup power to complete their cycle.

What Is the Difference Between Elevator and Escalator Troubleshooting?

When an elevator breaks down, it usually stops automatically at the nearest floor and passengers can call for help via the emergency call button.

In the case of an escalator failure, passengers can press the emergency stop button and then quickly exit the escalator.

What Is the Service Life of Elevators and Escalators?

The lifespan of an elevator is 15-20 years and an escalator is 10-15 years. However, the exact lifespan depends on the frequency of use and maintenance.

Conclusion 

In short, elevators and escalators do different things and are used in different ways. Both have good points.

We understand that every building has special requirements. If you’re planning to install an elevator or escalator in your building and need help finding the right one, Dazen is here to help.
Since 2014, We have been a trusted leader in elevator and escalator solutions, serving clients in over 80 countries. Located in Suzhou, the heart of China’s elevator industry, we bring unmatched expertise in every project. Our commitment to quality is backed by ISO9001-2000, ISO14000, CE certifications, with all core components meeting EN81-20, and EN115 standards.