Emergency stop

How it is used

Usually called E-stop. You press or hit the E-stop, then release it (twist or pull) and reset the system before restarting. Engineers talk about E-stop circuits, stop categories and testing every E-stop during commissioning. It must never be used as a normal stop button.

Example sentences

1. The operator hit the emergency stop when the part fell off the conveyor.

2. We tested every emergency stop on the line before the handover.

Common collocations

• press the E-stop
• E-stop button
• reset the emergency stop
• emergency stop circuit
• stop category

Related terms

• protective stopA stop triggered automatically by a safeguard, such as an opened guard door, a light curtain or a cobot sensing contact. Unlike an emergency stop, it is part of normal safeguarding and usually allows a quick restart.
• interlockA safety or control function that prevents a machine from running unless certain conditions are met, for example a door switch that stops the robot when the guard door opens.
• enabling switchA three-position switch on the teach pendant that must be held in the middle position to let the robot move in manual mode. Releasing it or squeezing it hard stops the robot.
• risk assessmentA structured review of a machine or task that identifies hazards, estimates how likely and how serious harm could be, and decides which safety measures are needed.
• teach pendantThe handheld control unit, with a screen, keys and an emergency stop button, that is connected to the robot controller and used to move, program and monitor the robot.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• emergency stop · Industrial Engineering & Manufacturing

More terms: Machine and Robot Safety

• guarding
• lockout/tagout
• hazard
• light curtain
• collision detection