Outdoor escalator is made from multi-story steps that move up or down in pairs, similar to the way stairs work. They are often installed with an incline that mimics the slope of a staircase to help passengers feel more comfortable. They are often used to connect the upper and lower levels of a building, or to create shortcuts between different parts of a mall.

They are usually powered by electric motors, and have a belt that runs underneath the steps. Cables from one end of the belt to the other are connected to motors at each end of the escalator. These motors drive the belt to make the escalator rise or descend, and they also control the speed of the escalator.

Some of these escalators are quite large, and they can accommodate thousands of people at once. They are also designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, using low-voltage electric motors that produce very little pollution. The escalators are made from durable materials, and they are built to last for many years.

In addition, these escalators feature safety features to protect passengers from injuries or accidents. These include a yellow demarcation line that borders the step surface to warn passengers of danger, and a design that prevents people from being trapped in the gap between the skirt panel and the next step. They also have an anti-reversing device that ensures the escalator doesn’t reverse direction.

Another feature of these escalators is that they can easily be adjusted to fit the terrain. This means that they can be moved to a new location with minimal expense and effort. They can also be built to accommodate people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs.

These escalators are often constructed from a special stainless steel or aluminum alloy, which makes them more resistant to corrosion than other types of metals. They also have a special coating that helps protect them from rain or snow. The escalator’s structure can be divided into several components, including the main conveyor belt and the side guides that keep the steps in place. Each component is connected to the motor by a series of cables that run through holes in the steps.

The escalator is also equipped with a system that detects and removes debris from the moving belt. This system is called the debris removal and cleaning system, or DRBS, and it is a valuable tool for keeping the escalator running smoothly. The DRBS is a highly accurate and reliable system, and it can prevent the escalator from malfunctioning or becoming unsafe.