These Habits Are Secretly Shortening Handrail Belt Life – Ignored by 90% of People

  The service life of a handrail belt is never determined solely by its material and craftsmanship. All too often, improper use and negligent maintenance in daily operation cause high-end handrail belts, originally designed to last 6 to 8 years, to be scrapped 2 to 3 years ahead of schedule. This not only increases replacement costs but also creates potential safety hazards. These invisible factors that cause wear and tear often lie hidden in easily overlooked details.

  Non-standard user behavior is the primary cause of damage to the handrail belt’s surface and internal structure. Leaning fully against the handrail belt is the most common “killer”. It is designed to only withstand gripping force; leaning against it causes localized overloading, leading to deformation of the internal steel wire framework and bulging of the rubber surface. Over time, this breaks the interlayer adhesion, resulting in delamination and debonding. In addition, accidental scratches from sharp objects and impacts from high-heel shoes leave tiny marks on the rubber surface. These scratches gradually expand through repeated friction, eventually forming cracks that allow moisture and oil to seep in and corrode the steel wires.

  Misconceptions in cleaning methods also accelerate the aging of handrail belts. Wiping directly with strong acid or alkali cleaners, alcohol, or disinfectants damages the vulcanized structure of the rubber surface, causing the rubber to harden, powder, and lose elasticity. In some cases, to pursue cleaning efficiency, vigorous scrubbing with stiff brushes wears away the surface rubber, reducing anti-slip performance while shortening the service life of the outer layer.

  Non-standard maintenance operations further undermine the durability of handrail belts from within. Imbalanced tension adjustment is a core issue. Excessively loose tension causes the handrail belt to slip and rub, exacerbating wear on the drive wheels and the surface. Excessively tight tension keeps the steel wire framework in a prolonged state of tension, accelerating fatigue and fracture. Furthermore, neglecting speed difference calibration and failing to promptly remove debris between the handrail belt and the side plates intensify localized friction, leading to abnormal heat generation, which further ages the rubber and adhesive layers.

  In fact, standardized practices can significantly extend the service life of handrail belts. Avoid leaning, keep sharp objects away, clean with a neutral detergent and a soft cloth, precisely adjust tension during maintenance, and regularly remove debris. These simple actions can extend the handrail belt’s service life by more than 30%. Taking good care of handrail belts not only reduces operation and maintenance costs but also strengthens the safety line for travel.