1. What is an Emergency stop switch?

An emergency stop switch, also known as E-stop switch or emergency stop push button switch is a fail-safe control switch that provides safety for the machinery and for the person using the machinery.

All machinery equipment requires an emergency stop switch unless it would not reduce the risk or the machine is hand operated. The common emergency stop switches push parts is a 40mm or 60mm mushroom red head, There are arrow, EMERGENCY or STOP character at the top of the mushroom head. You also can see directly the pictures of the emergency stop switch, if you still don't have an intuitive impression.

2. What is function of an emergency stop switch?

The purpose of an emergency push button is to stop the machinery quickly when there is a risk of injury or the workflow requires stopping.That is intended to avert harm or to reduce existing hazards to people, machinery, or working, so people also says safety push button switch or push button safety switches. (Extended learning: What to pay attention to when using the emergency stop button?)

3. How does an emergency stop button work?

Emergency stop buttons are wired in series with the control circuit of  machinery equipment. When pushing the mushroom head of emergenty stop button will break the circuit of machinery equipment and removes power supply from the that keeps the circuit energized. Ingress protection of common e stop button is IP54, but the waterproof emergency stop button can reach IP65 or IP67. (Extended learning: How does an emergency stop button work?)

4. How many types is the emergency stop switch?

There are three kinds of the most common emergency stop switches, according to the action mode of the actuator. Push-pull: The actuator is pushed in to stop and released by pulling the actuator back. Twist release: The actuator is pushed in to stop and released by twisting the actuator. Key release: The actuator is pushed in to stop and only released with a key.

5. Where are the emergency stop switch used?

The emergency stop push buttons can be found in any industry including industrial, commercial and public facilities. They are required to be clearly visible to anyone that is required to use them. It is also possible to have several emergency stop buttons on one machine depending on what part of the machine has to be stopped. For example, elevator, packaging machine, lift equipment.

6. What are the difference between Push Button and Emergency Stop switch?

A push button switch is used for start machine operation or to switch modes. An emergency stop push button switch is used as a safety measure to stop hazardous parts (loads). (Extended learning: What is the principle of the push button switches?)

An estop button must be highly visible in color and shape, that is easy to operate in emergency situations. The following requirements are specified in the European Standard EN 418 and International Standard ISO13850.

-The actuator must be a mushroom head design or something equally easy to use.

-The actuator cap must be red and the background must be yellow.

-A direct opening mechanism must be installed on the NC contact.

-There must be a self-holding function.

-emergency stop button with enclosure or emergency stop button cover will be used under some environment in order to prevent misoperaton.

7. Why would an emergency stop button have a mushroom head?

According to International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) standards and industrial safety requirements, the emergency stop button must be safe, reliable and convenient for operators to operate by one hand. Mushroom head is the best choice.

Recommended article:

How does an emergency stop button work?

What to pay attention to when using the emergency stop button?

What are the push button switches commonly used by electricians?