Escalator Drive Chains

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Self-lubricating escalator and moving walkway drive chains. EP-16ASLR, EP-16BSLR, EP-20BSLR, EP-24ASLR, EP-24BSLR, and EP-28ASLR series. Simplex and duplex configurations. Compliant with EN 115 and ASME A17.1 dimensional requirements for major OEM brands.

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EN 115

and ASME A17.1

Self-Lubricating

Oil-Impregnated Bush

25.4 to 44.45mm

Pitch Range

OEM Compatible

Otis / Schindler / Kone

Escalator Drive Chain - Product Overview

Ever-Power escalator drive chains are precision roller chains engineered specifically for the main drive function on passenger escalators and moving walkways. Unlike general power transmission chains, escalator drive chains must meet a distinct set of mechanical and safety requirements that reflect the continuous duty cycle, high public safety classification, and very long design life demanded by escalator installations in metro systems, airports, shopping centres, and commercial buildings.

The defining feature of the EP escalator chain range is the self-lubricating bush construction, identified by the SLR suffix in the chain designation. The bush is manufactured from a sintered bronze alloy that is vacuum-impregnated with a high-viscosity oil during the manufacturing process. As the chain operates, the sintered bronze releases a controlled flow of oil through the pores of the bush material directly to the pin-bush bearing surface, maintaining a lubrication film at the joint without any external lubrication system. This is critical in escalator installations where drip oilers and bath lubrication systems introduce unacceptable mess and fire risk hazards in public areas, and where the maintenance interval between inspections can be 3,000 hours or more. The self-lubricating bush also prevents dry running during the initial break-in period and in any installation where the external lubrication was inadvertently omitted during maintenance.

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The EP escalator chain range covers the principal drive chain specifications used in the major escalator OEM platforms. The EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 duplex chain with 25.4 mm pitch is the most widely used escalator drive chain globally, specified in escalators from Otis, ThyssenKrupp, and many Chinese domestic manufacturers. The EP-16BSLR(FQ) series covers both simplex (-1) and duplex (-2) configurations at the same 25.4 mm pitch but with ISO B series roller geometry, used in Schindler, Kone, and Mitsubishi escalator platforms. The EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2 at 31.75 mm pitch is the standard drive chain for longer escalator rises and heavier-duty installations in airport and metro applications. The EP-24ASLR(FQ)-2 and EP-24BSLR(FQ)-2 at 38.1 mm pitch cover high-rise installations in metro systems, while the EP-28ASLR(FQ)-2 at 44.45 mm pitch is specified for very long-rise high-capacity escalators where the chain tension at the bottom of the rise requires the larger pitch.

The FQ designation in the chain number refers to the heavy series plate thickness variant of the SLR chain, providing higher plate cross-section and fatigue life for the most demanding duty cycle installations. All EP escalator chains are manufactured to the same dimensional standards as the equivalent ANSI A or ISO B series roller chain at the corresponding pitch, ensuring dimensional interchangeability with existing installations. The step attachment holes are drilled and reamed to the pitch dimension and side offset required by each OEM platform. Metric and imperial pitch-to-attachment-hole dimensions are held to ISO 286 H7 tolerance to ensure correct step attachment bolt engagement.

Designation key: EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 = EP brand / 16A pitch group (25.4 mm) / SL = self-lubricating / R = roller chain / (FQ) = heavy plate variant / -1 = simplex / -2 = duplex  |  P = Pitch  |  d1 = Roller dia. max  |  b1 = Inner width between plates min  |  d2 = Pin dia. max  |  L = Pin length max  |  Lc = Pin length conn. link max  |  h2 = Inner plate depth max  |  t/T = Inner/outer plate thickness  |  Pt = Transverse pitch (duplex)  |  Q = Min. tensile strength kN/lbf  |  Fd = Dynamic load strength kN  |  q = Weight kg/m

Escalator Drive Chain Specifications - Self-Lubricating Series

All dimensions in mm. Q = minimum tensile strength; Fd = minimum dynamic load strength; q = weight per metre. Transverse pitch Pt applies to duplex (-2) models only. Dash (-) in Pt column indicates simplex chain.

Escalator-drive-chains-dimension-1

EP Model P (mm) d1 max (mm) b1 min (mm) d2 max (mm) L max (mm) Lc max (mm) h2 max (mm) t/T max (mm) Pt (mm) Q min (kN/lbf) Fd min (kN) q (kg/m)
EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 25.40 15.88 15.75 7.92 62.70 65.30 24.00 3.25 29.29 111.2/24998 12.80 5.21
EP-16BSLR(FQ)-1 25.40 15.88 17.02 8.28 36.10 39.10 21.00 4.15/3.10 — 72.0/16185 12.50 2.69
EP-16BSLR(FQ)-2 25.40 15.88 17.02 8.28 68.00 71.00 21.00 4.15/3.10 31.88 149.5/33607 19.00 5.48
EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2 31.75 19.05 19.56 10.19 77.80 81.50 26.40 4.50/3.51 36.45 200.0/44860 30.00 8.04
EP-24ASLR(FQ)-2 38.10 22.23 25.22 11.10 95.80 99.70 35.70 4.80 45.44 284.0/63843 46.00 11.82
EP-24BSLR(FQ)-2 38.10 35.40 25.40 14.63 101.70 106.20 33.20 6.00/4.80 48.36 319.2/71756 37.20 12.43
EP-28ASLR(FQ)-2 44.45 25.40 25.22 12.70 103.30 107.90 41.00 5.60 48.87 380.0/85424 69.00 14.80

OEM Platform Cross-Reference Guide

EP Chain Model Typical OEM Application Pitch Notes
EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 Otis, ThyssenKrupp, Chinese domestic brands 25.40 mm Most widely used escalator drive chain globally. Duplex ANSI A series geometry.
EP-16BSLR(FQ)-1 Schindler simplex step chain applications 25.40 mm ISO B series roller geometry. Simplex only. Wider inner width than 16A.
EP-16BSLR(FQ)-2 Schindler, Kone, Mitsubishi duplex drives 25.40 mm ISO B series roller geometry. Duplex. Pt 31.88 mm.
EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2 Airport and metro long-rise escalators 31.75 mm Higher load capacity for rise over 6 m. ISO B series geometry duplex.
EP-24ASLR(FQ)-2 Metro high-rise installations, heavy capacity 38.10 mm ANSI A series geometry. 284 kN tensile. For high-rise and heavy-duty metro use.
EP-24BSLR(FQ)-2 Heavy-duty metro and airport escalators 38.10 mm ISO B series geometry. Larger roller dia. (35.40 mm) for wider sprocket tooth engagement.
EP-28ASLR(FQ)-2 Very long-rise and high-capacity escalators 44.45 mm Highest load rating in range. 380 kN tensile, 69 kN dynamic. For extreme duty applications.

Self-Lubricating Technology and Key Features

Oil-Impregnated Sintered Bronze Bush

The self-lubricating function is achieved through a sintered bronze bush manufactured with a controlled pore structure. High-viscosity oil is forced into the pores under vacuum during production. As the pin rotates inside the bush during chain articulation, the pressure and temperature at the bearing surface cause the oil to weep out through the pore network and form a continuous lubrication film on the pin surface, independent of any external lubrication supply.

Extended Maintenance Interval

Standard escalator drive chains require external lubrication every 500 to 1,000 operating hours, typically requiring the escalator to be taken out of service. EP SLR chains are rated for 3,000 to 5,000 hours of unlubricated operation, significantly reducing planned maintenance outages and the associated labour and passenger disruption cost in high-throughput installations such as metro stations and airports.

Dual Load Rating

EP escalator chains carry both a static minimum tensile strength (Q) and a dynamic load strength rating (Fd). The dynamic load rating is a fatigue-based value derived from pulsating tension tests at 10 million cycles, representing the maximum chain tension that can be sustained continuously without fatigue failure. EN 115 requires that escalator chains be selected on the basis of both values, with a safety factor of at least 5 applied to the dynamic load when calculating the required chain specification for a given installation.

Clean Operation in Public Areas

Conventional chain drives require external oil that can drip onto steps and the surrounding structure, creating slip hazards, staining, and fire risk. The SLR self-contained lubrication system eliminates external oil completely during normal operation. This is a specific requirement of many transit authorities and building owners, and a qualification criterion for chains in enclosed or climate-controlled escalator installations where the smell and mess of mineral oil lubrication is not acceptable.

Precision Pitch Tolerance

Escalator drive chains must maintain very tight pitch tolerances throughout their service life. Pitch variation across the circuit of an escalator drive chain causes the step carrying lugs to arrive at the return path out of registration, generating impact loading and step misalignment visible to passengers. EP SLR chains are pre-loaded at assembly to seat joint clearances, and measured pitch variation across a 20-link section is held to within 0.15 mm of nominal in the factory.

OEM-Matched Step Attachment Dimensions

Escalator drive chains must carry the step axles through the attachment holes in the outer link plates. EP SLR chains are available with step attachment hole positions and diameters matched to the original OEM specification for each major escalator brand. Attachment hole diameters and side offsets for Otis, Schindler, Kone, ThyssenKrupp, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Fujitec, and Chinese domestic brands are held in the EP production database. Supply the OEM brand and escalator model when ordering to receive the correct attachment configuration.

Applications

Metro and Rapid Transit Systems

Metro escalators run 18 to 22 hours per day, 365 days per year, in high-humidity underground environments that accelerate conventional chain wear. The EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2 and EP-24ASLR(FQ)-2 series are the standard replacement specification for metro escalator drive chains worldwide. The long maintenance interval of the SLR chain is particularly valuable in metro systems where taking an escalator out of service disrupts passenger flow and requires advance planning with the transit authority.

Airport Terminal Escalators and Walkways

Airport escalators and moving walkways carry very high passenger volumes with long step-to-step spacing and extended rise distances. The EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2 and EP-24BSLR(FQ)-2 series are specified for airport applications, providing the dynamic load rating and self-lubricating service life required for 20,000+ passenger movements per day. The clean operation characteristic is also essential in climate-controlled terminal environments where oil contamination of flooring and passenger areas is not acceptable.

Shopping Centre and Commercial Buildings

Commercial escalators operating in shopping malls and office buildings typically run 12 to 16 hours per day. The EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 and EP-16BSLR(FQ)-2 series are the most common specification for these installations. The clean, low-maintenance characteristics of the SLR chain allow facility managers to minimise planned downtime and extend the interval between full drive chain inspections, reducing the ongoing maintenance cost of the escalator installation across its 25-year design life.

Ever-Power escalator chain pitch measurement and quality inspection

Matching Sprockets and Other Chain Types

Ever-Power sprockets and chain wheels for escalator drive chains

Matching escalator drive sprockets for EP SLR chain series are available through our partner site sprocket-chain.net, including OEM-matched tooth profiles for major escalator brands.

View Matching Sprockets →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SLR designation mean and how does self-lubrication work?
SLR stands for Self-Lubricating Roller chain. The self-lubricating function is provided by a sintered bronze bush that replaces the conventional solid steel bush used in standard roller chains. The sintered bronze is a porous material produced by compacting and sintering bronze powder. During manufacturing, the sintered bush is vacuum-impregnated with a high-viscosity oil that fills the pore network throughout the material. As the escalator operates and the pin rotates inside the bush, the bearing surface pressure and frictional heat cause the oil to flow out of the pores and onto the pin surface, maintaining a continuous lubrication film without any external oil supply. When the escalator stops and the bearing surface cools, the oil is re-absorbed back into the pores, ready for the next operating cycle.
What is the difference between the 16A and 16B series escalator chains?
Both the EP-16ASLR(FQ) and EP-16BSLR(FQ) series have the same 25.40 mm pitch, but they use different roller geometry. The 16A series follows the ANSI B29.1 standard (A series geometry) with a roller diameter of 15.88 mm and inner width of 15.75 mm. The 16B series follows the ISO 606 / DIN 8187 standard (B series geometry) with the same roller diameter but a wider inner width of 17.02 mm and a larger pin diameter of 8.28 mm versus 7.92 mm for the 16A. The two series are not interchangeable - they use different sprocket tooth forms. The 16A series is dominant in Otis and ThyssenKrupp escalators; the 16B series is used in Schindler, Kone, and Mitsubishi escalators. Always verify the OEM specification before ordering replacement chains.
What does the FQ designation mean in the chain number?
FQ identifies the heavy plate variant of the SLR chain. In FQ chains, the link plates are thicker than the standard SLR chain at the same pitch. The thicker plates provide a higher fatigue strength under the pulsating tensile loading experienced by escalator drive chains, extending plate life in high-cycle applications such as metro escalators running 18 or more hours per day. The FQ designation is the standard specification for most escalator original equipment manufacturers, and EP recommends specifying FQ chains as replacement for all commercial and transit escalator applications.
How do I measure the correct replacement chain length for an escalator?
The replacement chain length in links is determined by the escalator geometry and is fixed for a given installation. The correct method is to count the links in the existing chain circuit as the escalator runs slowly or as the chain is laid out during replacement, rather than measuring by tape. If the original link count is not recorded, the chain length can be calculated from the escalator technical drawings or OEM maintenance manual. EP can also provide chain length calculation assistance for common OEM escalator models if you supply the model designation and year of manufacture. Always order a new chain to the same link count as the original, with connecting links to match the chain size.
What are the signs that an escalator drive chain needs replacement?
Escalator drive chain replacement is indicated by: (1) Elongation exceeding 1.5% of the nominal chain length over a 20-link measurement section - this is a tighter threshold than for general industrial chains because escalator step synchronisation requires tighter pitch tolerance. (2) Any visible plate cracking or deformation. (3) Stiff joints that fail to articulate freely as the chain travels around the return sprocket. (4) Visible rust or pitting on the pin or roller surfaces, indicating that the self-lubricating capacity of the SLR bush has been exhausted. (5) Any unusual noise from the drive chain at the sprockets - typically described as clicking or grinding - which indicates roller or sprocket tooth wear. EN 115 requires that escalator chains be inspected for elongation at each planned maintenance visit and replaced before the 1.5% threshold is reached.
Can you supply escalator chains with step attachment holes pre-drilled for specific OEM brands?
Yes. EP SLR escalator chains are available with step attachment holes drilled and reamed to the OEM specification for Otis, Schindler, Kone, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, Fujitec, and major Chinese domestic OEM brands including CNIM, XIZI Otis, and Shindler China. To order chains with pre-drilled step attachments, provide: the EP chain model (from the specification table above), the OEM escalator brand and model, the total number of links required, and whether step axle bolts are to be included in the supply. For OEM brands not listed here, supply a sample of the existing chain with the attachment holes or a dimensioned drawing showing the hole diameter, hole position relative to the chain pitch reference, and side offset from the chain centreline.

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★

"We manage escalator maintenance for 14 metro stations with a total of 68 escalators. After switching to EP-16ASLR(FQ)-2 chains, our unplanned chain-related stoppages went to zero in the first 18 months. The elongation rate at the 3,000-hour inspection was 0.8% on all units - well within the 1.5% replacement limit. We have extended our planned replacement interval to 48,000 hours."

W.L., Chief Maintenance Engineer
Singapore - Metro Operator

★★★★★

"We replaced the drive chains on 8 long-rise airport escalators with EP-20BSLR(FQ)-2. The step attachment hole positions were pre-drilled to our OEM drawing. Installation time per escalator was 4 hours compared to 6 hours with the previous chains, which needed adjustment. No oil contamination on the moving walkway surface at all since installation."

J.B., Facilities Director
UAE - International Airport Terminal

★★★★★

"We supply EP escalator chains to a maintenance contractor covering 340 escalators across a retail property portfolio. Consistent dimensional quality is critical when our engineers must fit chains quickly without adjustment. Every batch of EP SLR chains we have received has matched the specification exactly. Pitch variation has never exceeded 0.08 mm per 20-link measurement in two years of supply."

H.C., Technical Director
Hong Kong - Escalator Parts Distributor

★★★★★

"The high-rise metro escalators in our system had been consuming OEM drive chains every 18 months. We trialled EP-24ASLR(FQ)-2 chains on three units at our busiest station. After 28 months and over 44,000 operating hours, elongation on the trial chains averaged 1.1%. We are now specifying EP SLR chains across all 240 escalators in the system as chains fall due for replacement."

R.N., Rolling Stock Engineer
India - Urban Metro Network

Request a Quotation for EP Escalator Drive Chains

Provide the EP chain model (from the specification table), the number of links required, and the OEM escalator brand and model if step attachment holes are needed. Our escalator chain team will verify the specification and respond within one business day.

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