Pro tip: Checked the ASME code book today and got a shock

I was looking up clearances for a new install at a hotel in Austin last week. Found out the A17.1 code says escalator steps can be no more than 400mm deep. I always figured it was a rule of thumb thing. Never knew it was that specific in black and white. Anyone else find a code stat that surprised them?

3 comments

3 Comments

angela_grant1mo ago

400mm is pretty standard honestly, they been running that depth forever. Not really a shocker if you've been around escalators more than 5 minutes.

brian_rivera591mo ago

Nah c'mon man. 400mm is definitely deeper than most people think. I've seen those old Otis models from the 80s that had like 350mm tread depths max, and even then it felt like you were stepping into a hole. The new ones with 400mm are basically asking for trouble. Kids get their shoes stuck all the time. My buddy's kid lost a croc in one last year. I just don't get why they need it that deep.

jordanc321mo ago

Wait, "400mm is pretty standard"?? @angela_grant are you serious? I've been around escalators forever and I always thought that was way deeper than normal. Feels like you could lose a whole shoe in there or something.