Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a safety feature that can immediately disable motor output when a configured input becomes active. The Kill Switch overrides all other control inputs and can be used as an emergency stop or safety interlock. In VESC Labs controllers the Kill Switch function does not use dedicated hardware, instead it relies upon the VESC firmware.

The Kill Switch mode can be configured in VESC Tool → App Settings → General.

The following modes are available:

• Disabled
• PPM Low
• PPM High
• ADC2 Low
• ADC2 High

When the Kill Switch is activated, the motor is disabled. If Timeout Brake Current is configured and greater than 0, braking can also be applied automatically.

Common applications include:

• Emergency stop buttons
• Safety interlocks
• Access door switches
• Machine guarding systems
• Operator enable switches

Example

An industrial conveyor system may use a safety access door switch connected to ADC2 and configured as a Kill Switch.

During normal operation, the conveyor can be controlled using the configured input method. If the access door is opened, the ADC2 input changes state and activates the Kill Switch. The controller immediately overrides all other inputs and disables motor output. If Timeout Brake Current is configured, braking can also be applied automatically.

In simple terms: A Kill Switch is an input that can immediately disable motor output regardless of what other control signals are doing. It is commonly used as an emergency stop or safety interlock.