emergency stop (e-stop)
E-Stop means Emergency Stop and stands for the shutdown of an operation in emergency situations. Such an emergency stop is intended to prevent damage to operating personnel, machines and production equipment. However, disproportionate use of the emergency stop switch does not necessarily increase the safety of the user.
An emergency stop switch, also referred to as an EPO (Emergency Power Off) switch, should only be used in emergency situations to end a dangerous situation and prevent or reduce injury or damage to personnel and machinery. The push button of an E-Stop switch is red and usually has the shape of a mushroom cap. It is easily recognizable and marked with the words Emergency or Emergency. Pressing the pushbutton triggers the emergency situation and immediately interrupts the circuit to the machine or system.