Ausschaltests

Ausschaltests, often written as Ausschalttests, is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe a set of tests that verify a system's ability to shut down safely and completely under predefined conditions. The tests apply to electrical, electronic, and control systems, and may cover both hardware and software components. They are typically part of broader functional safety testing and are used in industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and medical devices.

Test design typically includes scenarios such as power loss, emergency-stop activation, interlock or fault conditions, and software shutdown sequences. Key metrics include shutdown time, the state the system reaches after shutdown, residual energy, and the absence of hazardous transients. Tests may verify that safety interlocks engage, energy is safely dissipated, and that the system enters a known safe state even under fault conditions.

Procedures rely on specialized instrumentation to measure timing and electrical parameters, as well as simulation tools for fault injection. Results are used to support compliance with functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 for automotive systems and IEC 61508 for industrial safety, as well as sector-specific guidelines. Documentation typically includes test plans, traceability, and pass/fail criteria.

Applications include control units, power supplies, and safety systems where a rapid and predictable shutdown is required to prevent harm or damage. A well-documented Ausschalttest helps validate risk reduction and provides evidence for certification and maintenance audits.