Emergency stop button
What is an emergency stop button?
An emergency stop button (E-stop, mushroom head button) is a large red button that latches when pressed, used to stop a machine or system immediately in a dangerous situation. After it is pressed, its contacts stay changed until it is released by turning or pulling.
Where is an emergency stop button used?
It is used on machines, conveyor lines, presses and machine tools, pump and compressor panels, lifts and cranes, in short anywhere people can be put at risk. Machinery safety standards make it mandatory on many machines.
Types and features
Emergency stop buttons have a red mushroom head on a yellow background. They usually have a normally closed (NC) contact behind them; extra contact blocks can signal an emergency stop lamp or a PLC. There are turn-to-release, pull-to-release, key-release and guarded versions.
What to watch out for
The emergency stop is wired with an NC contact and cuts the control supply directly; it is not just connected to a PLC input and left to software. When it is released the machine must not start by itself; a separate start command is needed. The button is mounted where it is visible and easy to reach.
Terminals
Emergency stop button
- Normally closed contact
- 11-12
- Normally open contact
- 13-14
Try it in the simulator.
This component is in CoilPath with its real look. Add it to a circuit, wire it and see how it behaves in the simulation.