Overview
In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all new solar panel installations to include a rapid shutdown system. This labeled, readily accessible emergency stop provides firefighters and other first responders with clear guidance on how to perform a rapid shutdown of the unit when fighting a fire or when the risk of electric shock is present.
One of E-Switch’s customers who installs new field and rooftop solar panels asked our team for assistance with a rapid shutdown system. They needed an emergency stop switch featuring easy operation, robust features and the required agency approvals.
Challenge
Throughout the process of finding a suitable emergency stop for solar systems, this client was experiencing difficulties in finding a rugged switch with a small cutout size and high actuation force. They needed an e-stop that could match the required specifications, provide the necessary agency approvals, comfortably withstand harsh environments and limit human error.
Solution
E-Switch’s recently launched E100 and E200 emergency stop switches allowed us to provide this customer with the perfect solution. Both switches are easy to operate with eye-catching red actuators and multiple illumination options (LED, incandescent or neon), along with the required agency approvals.
These e-stops are rated IP65, require a high actuation force (2.0kgf) and a pushlock turn to reset, making them perfect for harsh and rugged industrial-use environments. They require a 16mm cutout size with 5.0mm MAX panel thickness, have an impressive mechanical life of 100,000 cycles minimum and operate from -25 to 55°C (with lamp) or -25 to 70°C (without lamp).
