At-A-Glance
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NA7.15.1 Escalator and Moving Walkway Speed Control |
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Use Document NRCA-PRC-13-F |
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Purpose of the Test |
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This test is to ensure that the speed of the escalator or moving walkway slows when not occupied. The control system must be able to detect occupancy, and approaching pedestrians in either direction. §120.6(g). |
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Instrumentation |
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This test verifies the functionality of installed automatic controls visually after a prolonged period of time. A clock or stopwatch and calculator will be needed. |
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Test Conditions |
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The test will be performed by varying the control parameters used by the escalator or moving walkway control system. Therefore, the control system must be installed and operating, including completion of all start-up procedures per manufacturer’s or designer’s recommendations, to perform the test. |
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Estimated Time to Complete |
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Construction inspection: 30 min (for one system) |
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Functional testing: 1 hour (for one system) |
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Acceptance Criteria |
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The control systems must do the following: Reduces speed to a minimum when passengers are not detected |
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Ramp up to maximum speed when the controls detect an approaching passenger Sound an alarm if a pedestrian is approaching the conveyance in the wrong direction. |
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Potential Issues and Cautions |
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Verifying the sensors are located in the corrected, unobstructed location. |
A. Test Application
Newly Constructed Buildings and Additions/Alterations: Applies to functional testing and verification of the speed control system.
B. Construction Inspection
Verify and Document:
•The variable speed drive is installed
•The occupancy sensors have been located to minimize false signals, such as from pedestrians using an adjacent conveyance
•The occupancy sensors do not encounter any obstructions
•Ultrasonic occupancy sensors do not emit an audible sound
C. Functional Testing
Step 1: Determine the Speed of the conveyance using the controller interface (If this method is not applicable skip this step and proceed to Step 2)
Verify and Document:
•The full speed is less than 100 ft/min
•The slow speed is 10 ft/min
•The acceleration and deceleration does not exceed 1 ft/sec
If the speed of the conveyance is determined using this method, then skip steps 2, 4, 6 and 9.
Step 2: Measure the diagonal length of the conveyance
Document:
•The diagonal length in feet.
Step 3: Measure the speed of the conveyance
Document:
•Using a stopwatch, board the conveyance and measure the travel time from one landing to the other. Document the time in seconds.
Step 4: Calculate the speed of the conveyance.
Document:
•Using the data from Steps 2 and 3, divide the length (in feet) by the travel time (in seconds).
•Convert the ft/sec to ft/min by multiplying the ft/sec by 60.
Step 5: Conveyance reduces speed
Verify and Document:
•Using a stopwatch, stand away from the escalator and wait approximately 3 times the escalator travel time. (Step 3 multiplied by 3).
•Verify that the conveyance has slowed to a minimum speed.
Step 6: Verify the minimum speed of the conveyance.
Verify and Document:
•Using a stopwatch, record the time it takes for one step of the conveyance to travel from one landing to the other.
•Using the length from Step 2, Divide the length by the time measured above. This will determine the minimum speed.
Step 7: Verify the occupancy controls
Verify and Document:
•While the conveyance is still at minimum speed, approach at a normal walking pace and verify the conveyance ramps up to full speed before boarding.
•After waiting for the conveyance to reduce speed to a minimum. Approach the conveyance from multiple angles and verify the conveyance ramps up to full speed.
Step 8: Verify the alarm
Verify and Document:
•After waiting for the conveyance to reduce speed to a minimum approach the conveyance from the wrong direction (the exit).
•Verify that the conveyance ramps up to full speed
•Verify that an audible alarm is triggered to alert passengers that they are entering from the wrong direction.
Step 9: Calculate the acceleration of the conveyance
Verify and Document:
•When the conveyance is at minimum speed, approach the conveyance and record the amount of time it takes to reach maximum speed.
•Take the difference of the high and low speeds in ft/sec and divide it by the recorded time above. Verify that the acceleration does not exceed 1 ft/sec.