Emergency stop switches

The new range of emergency stop switches provides optimal safety by conforming to international approvals: UL, TUV, ATEX, CE, and CCC. Options include three plunger diameters (30, 40 and 60mm); three plunger colours (yellow, red and grey); the availability of Illuminated versions; 16, 22 and 30mm panel cut-outs; several methods of connection; four types of reset functions: twist, pull, both (when required) or key; reduced size; and greater flexibility in the number of contacts, from one to four with normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) variants.

IDEC has also developed two patented technologies that go beyond today’s most stringent standards.

By reversing the position of the spring, the contact’s relaxed state corresponds to its safety position (when contacts are open, the machine is at a standstill). The spring does not undergo any load once the plunger has been pressed down and as a result, all risks of malfunction are very significantly reduced, especially when the push-button has been damaged.

By using the safe brake action technology, the emergency stop is put in its safety position (contacts open) whenever the “On” button is not properly positioned, has been damaged or is detached. In this position, any risks resulting from poor installation or damage are completely avoided. This technology is especially useful in emergency stop switches that are in highly prominent positions or which have a detachable contact block and are more liable to be accidentally damaged.

Several of the new IDEC emergency stop switches are fitted with these innovations, including the XA, X6, XN1E/5E, XN4E, and XW.

Optional innovations are available for even more safety. On the XN4E series, padlock eyelets are provided so that emergency stop switches can be locked in their safety position and machines cannot be re-started whilst in use by other operators.

Several padlocks can be fitted at the same time, therefore allowing several operators to work safely on different areas of the installation at the same time, without fear that one can restart the machine before the others have finished and removed their padlocks.