safeoff

SafeOff is a term used in multiple domains to denote a mechanism or state that safely disables or terminates operation of a system. It is not a single standardized technology but a label applied to different safety-related shutdown concepts.

In hardware, safe-off describes circuits and interlocks that force a system into a safe, non-operating state when a fault is detected or when a manual stop is engaged. Common elements include safety relays, interlock switches, and defined fail-safe off conditions that cannot be overridden by ordinary control signals. The goal is to prevent continued operation that could cause damage or injury.

In software and control systems, a safe-off routine or function provides an explicit shutdown path. It aims to terminate processes, flush or persist critical data, release resources, and place connected equipment into a safe state. In safety-critical contexts, the safe-off path is designed to operate reliably even when other subsystems fail (fail-safe behavior).

In product labeling, SafeOff can appear as a feature name or branding to indicate emergency stop or safe shutdown capability. Because there is no universal standard for SafeOff, its exact meaning varies by manufacturer and domain.

See also: emergency stop, safety interlock, lockout-tagout, kill switch.