Emergency Stop Push Buttons

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 three most common emergency stops are:

Push-pull: The emergency stop button is pushed in to stop and released by pulling the button back

Twist release: The E-Stop button is pushed in to stop, and released by twisting the button

Key release: The emergency push button is pushed in to stop and only released with a key

Foot and palm buttons: have a large actuator surface and are also tamper-proof. They can be actuated by 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 plus quick and easy to fit. They can also be used in 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 also ensure that a single point of failure does not result in a loss of the emergency stop function.
• Adherence to the regulations include 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. These may include illuminated E-Stop buttons or red emergency buttons to improve safety procedures during critical situations.

How to order Emergency Stop Buttons from RS?

RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of high-quality emergency stop switches from top brands likeRS PRO, Schneider Electric, TE Connectivity, and Omron. When ordering E-Stops from RS, you can choose between online or offline purchasing.

Delivery Information for Australia

Next working day delivery

• Place your order before 5 pm AEST Monday - Friday for next working day delivery of locally stocked emergency stop switches.
• Orders placed after 5 pm on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.

Same day delivery (Sydney metro orders)

• Available for E-Stop orders placed Monday - Friday before 11:45 am AEST.
• Available to all RS Business Account holders, excluding Extended Range and Calibrated Products.
• Relevant restrictions and charges apply. Please refer to our delivery page for more details.