The emergency stop switches is one of the most critical safety components on any machine or industrial control panel. Its role is simple yet essential: to stop operations quickly and safely whenever a hazardous situation arises.
For system designers, maintenance engineers, and safety professionals, choosing a reliable, compliant, and correctly specified emergency stop switch is crucial.
The ESSEN PB2 Series Push Button Switches offer a wide range of options, including Mushroom Head and Latching Mushroom Head variants, specifically designed to meet stringent industrial safety requirements.
This guide will help you understand the features, technical specifications, and ordering details for PB2 Emergency Stop Switches, ensuring safe and proper selection.
Core Technical Data & Safety Compliance
The PB2 Series is built for robust industrial applications, ensuring both durability and compliance with international standards.
Standards and Electrical Ratings
The PB2 Series meets critical electrical safety standards:
- IS: 13947 (Part 5/SEC-1)
- IEC: 947-5(1)
- IEC/EN-60947-5-1 – suitable for switchgear and control applications.
Electrical Ratings:
- Rated Insulation Voltage: Ui = 600V
- Maximum Thermal Current: 10A
- Rated Operating:
- AC-15: 3A, 250VAC
- DC-13: 0.27A, 250VDC
Durability and Environmental Protection
ESSEN PB2 Series switches are designed for long life and harsh industrial conditions:
- Mechanical Durability: 3 million operations
- Electrical Durability: 1 million operations at 3600 cycles/hr
- IP65 Protection: Resistant to dust and low-pressure water jets
- Operating Temperature: −29°C to +70°C
- Contact Type: Self-wiping, slow-break NO or NC contacts
This ensures reliable operation even in demanding industrial environments.
Latching Mushroom Head Switches for Emergency Stop
The Latching Mushroom Head is the standard PB2 switch for emergency stop functions. Its key feature: “Press to Lock, Turn to Release” for fast, unmistakable operation.
Ø 40 mm Latching Mushroom Head
- Ordering Codes:
- Type A: Actuator – PB2-BS 5()
- Type B: Actuator + metal bracket – PCB2-BS 5()
- Type C: Actuator + metal bracket + contact block – PCB2-BS 5()*
Important Notes:
- Available in Red & Black (Red is standard for E-Stop)
- Optional ‘E STOP’ marking can be added using suffix E in the code
Example: PCB2-BS 5()E* → Actuator with ‘E STOP’ marking
Contact Blocks and Accessories
Selecting the right contact block is crucial for proper operation.
Standard Contact Blocks
- NO Contact: PB2 BE101
- NC Contact: PB2 BE102
- Metal Bracket: PB2 B
Wiring & Terminals
- Terminal Marking: 1-2 (NC), 3-4 (NO)
- Terminal Capacity: 2×1.5 mm² or 1×2.5 mm² (min. 1×0.5 mm²)
- Short Circuit Protection: 10A HRC fuse recommended
Other Mushroom Head Switches
The PB2 Series also offers standard mushroom head switches (non-latching) for general push button applications. These switches do not have the “Press to Lock, Turn to Release” feature.
Ø 40 mm Mushroom Head
- Available in Red, green, and Black
- Ordering Types: Actuator (A), Actuator + bracket (B), Actuator + bracket + contact block (C)
Ø 60 mm Mushroom Head
- Available in Red, green, and Black
- Same ordering options as 40 mm
Colour Coding
PB2 Series switches use suffixes to specify actuator colour:
| Colour Suffix | Colour |
| 1 | White |
| 2 | Black |
| 3 | Green |
| 4 | Red |
| 5 | Yellow |
| 6 | Blue |
Example Ordering:
- Ø 40 mm Latching Mushroom Head Emergency Stop
- Red, single NC contact
- Code: PCB2-BS 5(4)2*
Red colour is mandatory for emergency stop to comply with safety standards.
Conclusion
The ESSEN PB2 Series Emergency Stop Switches combine reliability, compliance, and ease of integration. From Latching Mushroom Heads to standard Mushroom Heads, the series is designed for safety-critical industrial applications.
By choosing PB2 switches, you ensure:
- Fail-safe emergency stop operations
- IP65 protection against dust and water
- Long-term durability in harsh environments
- Compliance with international safety standards
For engineers and safety professionals, PB2 switches are a trusted choice for building reliable and safe control systems.