How to Wire an E-Stop Button

An E-stop or emergency stop button provides a quick way to disconnect the power for any device. They typically are used in work environments where a potentially harmful device is used by an operator. In an emergency situation, the E-stop button is pushed and the device powers down. As such, the switch should be mounted in a location that is quickly reachable.

Things You'll Need

• Non-contact voltage detector
• Wire cutters
• Screwdriver

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Instructions

• 1

  Turn the power off to the circuit you are working on at the distribution panel. Confirm the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the insulative cover of the wires.

• 2

  Cut the power wire for the device on which are installing the E-stop switch.

• 3

  Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the white and black wires on both sides of the cut ends.

• 4

  Loosen the two terminals on the E-stop switch with a screwdriver. Slide one of the black wires under one terminal and the other black wire under the other terminal. Tighten down the terminals.

• 5

  Twist the two white wires together with pliers and install a wire nut on top.

• 6

  Test the button to determine if it turns the power off to the device when pushed.