NotAusSignale

NotAusSignale is a term used in German-language safety engineering and industrial automation to describe the set of signals that indicate an emergency stop condition. The word combines Not-Aus (emergency stop) and Signale (signals). In practice, NotAusSignale refers to the indicators and communication cues that show a machine or process has been brought to a safe state or that an emergency stop has been triggered.

Purpose and scope

NotAusSignale serve to alert operators, maintenance staff, and control systems that a safety-critical condition requires immediate cessation of activity. They provide feedback about the current safety state and help coordinate safe restart procedures after an intervention.

Components and indicators

Typical components of NotAusSignale include emergency stop devices (such as mushroom-shaped pushbuttons or switches), emergency stop relays and safety interlocks, and visual indicators (red STOP lamps or LEDs) accompanied by audible alarms. These signals are commonly integrated into safety circuits and control architectures to ensure prompt and reliable conveyance of the emergency state.

Operation and restart

When a NotAus is activated, machinery or processes are brought to a safe state, often involving de-energization or the activation of a safe stopping sequence. A deliberate reset or safe restart procedure is usually required to restore operation. The signaling aspect provides ongoing feedback about whether the emergency stop remains active and whether it is safe to resume.

Standards and practice

NotAusSignale align with international and national safety standards governing emergency stop functionality, such as ISO 13850, IEC 62061, and IEC 60204-1. Designs emphasize fail-safe behavior, clear visibility of the emergency state, and dependable restart requirements. Naming variations exist, including Not-Aus-Signale or Not-Aus Signale, which are often used interchangeably in texts.