Handrail Guide Rail

Overview

Handrail guide rails are the extruded profiles inside the balustrade that carry and guide the handrail along its return path. They take the full sideways load of the belt through every curve, so their surface condition drives handrail life. One Elevator supplies replacement guide rails and the joint connectors that hold successive lengths in line.

Applications

They are fitted on escalators and moving walks from OTIS, KONE, Schindler, Mitsubishi, ThyssenKrupp and Hyundai, in malls, metro stations, airports and hotels. Worn guides cause handrail drift, edge wear and the squeal that passengers notice first. Newel-end curves wear fastest, because that is where the handrail is under the highest tension. On older escalators the rail and the handrail are usually worn together, so we quote them as a pair rather than separately.

Types and Range

• Straight guide rails in aluminium and stainless steel
• Guide rails with nylon or PTFE slide surfaces
• Curved sections for the newel and return bends
• Joint connectors, brackets and fixing clips
• Guide rails for moving walks and inclined walkways
• Lengths cut to drawing or supplied in 2 m and 3 m bars

Joint faces are machined so the handrail passes without a step.

Selection Guide

Check three things: the profile cross-section, the material and slide surface, and the length per run. Inspect the mating handrail lip at the same time — a worn lip will accelerate wear on a new guide. Misaligned joints are the most common installation fault, so we ship the alignment jig with curved sections. Rails are checked for straightness, surface smoothness and joint alignment before dispatch. Lead time is longest on curved newel sections, so we recommend ordering them together with the handrail.

Ordering and Lead Time

Stock lengths dispatch in 7-10 working days; curved sections take 2-3 weeks. Send a cross-section drawing or a sample end-piece and we will match the profile and quote within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I match a guide rail profile?

Send a cross-section drawing or a cut sample of the old rail end. Curved sections also need the radius and the arc length.

When does a guide rail need replacing?

When the running channel is worn, or the rail no longer holds the belt at the right height. A worn rail shows up as handrail drag and noise.

Can you supply curved sections?

Yes, straight lengths and curved sections. Curved sections take longer because they are formed to the radius you give us.