Elevator & Escalator Code Answers
A17.1, A17.2, A17.3, and B44 — explained in plain language.
Quick, plain-English answers to the elevator and escalator code questions mechanics, inspectors, and building owners actually search for — no binder, no jargon, no login required.
Common code questions, answered
What is the buggy switch?
The buggy switch, also known as the step upthrust device, is a safety device that detects upward displacement of more than 5 mm at the riser end of a step at the lower landing and stops the escalator (6.1.6.3.9). It's designed to prevent a step from being forced upward and causing an accident. The device must stop the escalator before the displaced step reaches the combplate under any load up to brake rated load. Always verify against the official code.
How steep can an escalator be and how fast can it run?
An escalator can be at an angle of no more than 30 degrees from horizontal, with a field tolerance of up to 31 degrees (6.1.3.1). The maximum speed is 0.5 m/s (100 ft/min) (6.1.4.1.1). Always verify against the official code.
Why do I have to keep the area at the top and bottom of the escalator clear?
That area is the safety zone, and it must be kept clear of obstacles — minimum width of the handrail-centerline distance (W) plus 200 mm (8 in.), and minimum length of twice that distance (2W), per 6.1.3.6.4. It prevents tripping hazards and keeps entry and exit safe. Anything left in the zone is a violation against the building. Always verify against the official code.
What are the yellow lines on the escalator steps for?
The yellow lines — called step demarcation — are visual cues showing passengers where one step ends and the next begins (6.1.3.5.6). They must be 38-50 mm (1.5-2 in.) wide on the back of each step and 13-50 mm (0.5-2 in.) wide on the sides. Always verify against the official code.
What is the emergency stop button and where is it located?
The emergency stop button is a red button located at the top and bottom landings, on the right side facing the escalator, covered with a transparent cover that lifts or slides aside (6.1.6.3.1). It must be marked "EMERGENCY STOP" in letters at least 12 mm (0.5 in.) high, plus "MOVE COVER" and "PUSH BUTTON." When the cover is moved, an alarm of at least 80 dBA sounds. Always verify against the official code.
Need these answers on the job, not at a desk?
Escalator Field Command's built-in Field Guide gives you plain-language, sourced code answers right at the unit — no signal required. Ask a question the way you'd ask a senior mechanic and get a clear answer citing the exact code section, drawn from ASME A17.1, A17.2, CSA B44, and the MCP.
