Comb Plate
Overview
A comb plate is the toothed plate at the top and bottom landings where the step tread passes under the floor cover, and it is one of the most frequently replaced safety parts on an escalator. Its teeth interlock with the step cleats to close the gap that traps shoes and loose clothing. One Elevator supplies complete comb plates, individual comb segments and the comb impact devices that sit behind them.
Applications
Comb plates are used in every escalator and moving walk installation — metro stations, airports, shopping malls, hospitals and hotels — and are made to fit OTIS, KONE, Schindler, Mitsubishi, ThyssenKrupp and Hyundai equipment. Damaged teeth are a common cause of passenger trips, so most maintenance teams replace segments in sets. The comb impact switch behind the plate is tested at the same time, since it must trip before a trapped object reaches the root of the teeth. Most operators keep a full comb set in stock, because the alternative is running the unit with a damaged tooth until the replacement lands.
Types and Range
- Full-width comb plates for 600, 800 and 1000 mm escalators
- Individual comb segments and matched segment sets
- Aluminium and stainless steel combs
- Yellow-painted and black anodised finishes
- Comb plates for moving walks and autowalks
- Comb impact switches, springs and retaining hardware
Teeth are machined to match the step cleat pitch, then deburred and inspected.
Selection Guide
Confirm three things before ordering: the escalator step width, the number of teeth per segment, and the fixing pattern on the floor plate. Check the comb-to-tread clearance after fitting — it is a safety clearance and is checked at every annual inspection. Comb teeth must sit in the middle of the cleat groove, not on top of it, so we supply the setting template with every set. Combs are produced to EN 115-1 geometry and test-fitted against the mating step.
Ordering and Lead Time
Stock sizes dispatch in 7-10 working days; custom widths take 2-3 weeks. Send your model number or a dimension sketch and our team will verify fitment before you order.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I order the right comb plate?
- Tell us the escalator step width, the number of teeth per segment and the fixing pattern on the floor plate. A dimension sketch is enough.
- How often do comb plates need replacing?
- On condition, not on a schedule. A broken tooth, a bent segment, or teeth that no longer mesh with the cleats all mean replacement.
- Can you supply individual comb segments?
- Yes. Most operators buy matched segment sets rather than a full plate, and we supply both, with the setting template included.
