Rugged Forklift Switches | EMEA

Risk of accident due to discolored emergency stop switches
As forklifts are often used outdoors, various parts become deteriorated and worn more readily than equipment used indoors. This condition is also the same for safety-related parts, and there are many cases where an emergency stop button, which must be pressed in times of emergency, becomes white due to deterioration over time but then it is just left in this state. There are probably users in such work sites and forklift manufacturers who think, "The switch is not broken and can still be pressed, so it really has no relation to safety.

"Are they right in thinking this? It is extremely possible that even a 0.1 second delay in judgment during an emergency could result in failure to prevent an accident and great loss. Isn't it probable that persons who normally think that "the emergency stop switch is red" would be confused by an emergency stop switch that had faded to white when they are flustered by an emergency? With our long history of safety measures, IDEC believes that discoloration of emergency stop switches creates a risk of accident. If an emergency stop switch is not red, it might not be able to provide its essential function in an emergency.

Using an emergency stop switch that does not fade is a better option
It is dangerous to continue using an emergency stop switch that has become white. If so, then there are probably many people who think, "You can't prevent fading, so the switch must be replaced as soon as it starts to fade in color." IDEC, however, believes that the best solution is to use emergency stop switches that are inherently resistant to deterioration as a means to prevent such danger by solving the root cause. For this reason, IDEC recommends that forklift manufacturers use our XW Series of emergency stop switches that are highly resistant to deterioration.

For the XW Series, IDEC took weather resistance into account when selecting materials to provide emergency stop switches that do not fade in color. These switches provide great long-term durability even when used outdoors to ensure continuous safety against any possible accident in your work site. Rapid judgment in emergencies using emergency stop switches with excellent weather resistance.

Be sure to come to IDEC if you need durable switches
IDEC, your switch specialists, has a lineup consisting of the XW Series (φ22), XA Series (φ16) and XN Series (φ30). All of them provide excellent weather resistance. These switches are not limited to forklifts, so you can definitely consider using IDEC emergency stop switches for other equipment in outdoor environments. Please feel free to contact us regarding any aspect of switches so we can provide you with the best possible solution.