Emergency Stop Push Buttons

RS Australia is a trusted distributor of emergency stop buttons, supplying a wide range of E-stop switches across mushroom head, twist-to-release, pull-to-release, and key-release variants for manufacturing, machine building, and panel assembly applications. Our E-stop range covers everything from standard 22mm push-pull buttons to IP66-rated lockable emergency stop buttons for harsh industrial environments. Bulk discounts are available from 50 units for OEMs, machine builders, and panel manufacturers.

Some of the emergency stop button brands we stock include:

• Schneider Electric
• ABB
• Siemens
• IDEC
• Omron
• TE Connectivity
• EAO
• Eaton
• Banner
• RAFI
• IDEM
• RS PRO

With emergency shutdown switches held in local stock, RS offers Australia-wide next-day delivery on business orders over $40 excluding GST.

What Is An Emergency Stop Button

Emergency stop buttons, also known as E-Stops, are fail-safe control switches that provide safety, both for the machinery and for the operator. The purpose of the emergency push button is to stop the machinery quickly when there is a risk of injury or when the workflow requires halting. Other terms for E-Stops include lockable emergency stop buttons and emergency shutdown switches. All machinery requires an emergency stop switch to reduce risk. Buttons are typically red, often with a yellow background, or illuminated to ensure a vivid and easily identified solution. E-Stop buttons come in a wide range of variations with different mounting types, diameters, contact configurations, and IP ratings to suit different applications.

Types of Emergency Stops

The four primary emergency switch types are:

• Mushroom Head: The most widely recognised E-stop format, featuring a large-diameter actuator for fast, reliable activation under pressure. Available in standard and illuminated variants, including illuminated emergency stop buttons for high-visibility applications.
• Twist-to-Release: The emergency stop button is pushed in to stop and released by twisting the button. A common and cost-effective choice for general industrial use.
• Pull-to-Release (Push-Pull): The emergency push button is pushed in to stop and released by pulling the button back. Suits applications where accidental reset must be minimised.
• Key-Release: The emergency stop push button is pushed in to stop and only released with a key. Used where controlled restart authorisation is required, such as in automated machinery and restricted-access equipment.

Secondary variants include:

• Foot and Palm Buttons: Have a large actuator surface and are tamper-proof. They can be actuated using the foot or hand, and their simple design makes for a quick response. These types of emergency stop switches are ideal for harsh environment applications.
• Position Switches: Provide a link to the emergency stop actuating element. This type of emergency stop button is highly reliable and quick and easy to fit, and can be used across a wide range of applications.

Where Are They Used?

Emergency stop start switches 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. Some industries even use illuminated emergency stop buttons or red emergency buttons for greater prominence where required. It is also possible to have several emergency shutdown switches on one machine depending on what part of the machine has to be stopped.

E-Stops: Compliance with Australian Safety Standards

Ensuring the safety of workers and machinery is paramount, and Australian safety standards provide guidelines for the design and installation of emergency stop push buttons.

• Emergency stop switches need to be clearly identifiable, easily accessible, and must override all other functions and operations.
• Regulations also specify that E-Stops must be capable of handling high electrical loads and stresses, without losing effectiveness or reliability.
• Redundancy and fault detection standards ensure that a single point of failure does not result in a loss of the emergency stop function.
• Adherence to the regulations includes regular mandated inspections of E-Stop buttons.

Industrial Applications of Emergency Stop Push Buttons

As crucial safety devices, emergency shutdown switches are found in a wide range of industrial settings. Some examples include:

• Manufacturing and Assembly Lines
• Automated Machinery and Robotics
• CNC Machines and Metalworking
• Conveyor Systems

Some of these industries may require the use of highly visible lockable emergency stop buttons, illuminated E-stop buttons, or red emergency buttons to improve safety procedures during critical situations.

How to Order Emergency Stop Start Switches from RS

Ordering E-stop buttons throughRS Australia gives machine builders, panel manufacturers, and safety engineers direct access to a comprehensive selection of emergency stops. Whether you need a single illuminated emergency stop button for a control panel repair or bulk quantities of lockable emergency stop buttons for a new production line build, you can browse by actuator type, mounting diameter, release mechanism, IP rating, and contact configuration.

Emergency stop button brands available at RS include:

• Schneider Electric
• ABB
• Siemens
• IDEC
• Omron
• TE Connectivity
• EAO
• Eaton
• Banner
• RAFI
• IDEM
• RS PRO

Besides e-stops, RS Australia also carries related safety components such as emergency stop push button heads, pilot lights, and push button tools.

Delivery Information for Australia

RS offers Australia-wide next working day delivery on locally stocked emergency stop buttons, covering our full range of push-pull, twist-release, key-release, and illuminated E-stop variants. Place your order by 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday to qualify for next working day delivery. For a full overview of delivery options, fees, and exceptions, visit ourdelivery information page.