The use of the colour red for on/off switches is now enshrined in history, and I see no reason to "outlaw" the practice, provided it "does not create a hazard". ( I must be getting old, if I am starting to use the "it has always been this way" argument).
Looking in catalogues for switches in common use in the UK, I can find many examples of switches with red neon indicators. For example, a wall mounted on/off switch used to isolate your stove, water heater, or furnace, invariably has such an indicator, and "everyone" knows that it is just indicating that power is "on". If your customer asks for a red neon indicator in the switch, and wants his product certified to 60950, I doubt if a certifying agency will make any comment. John Crabb, Development Excellence (Product Safety) , NCR Financial Solutions Group Ltd., Kingsway West, Dundee, Scotland. DD2 3XX E-Mail :[email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1382-592289 (direct ). Fax +44 (0)1382-622243. VoicePlus 6-341-2289. > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]] > Sent: 22 March 2000 18:48 > To: [email protected] > Subject: RE: Indicator Color and Safety > > Robert, I disagree with your premise but I believe your conclusion is > correct. Equipment can have a switch that does not comply as the primary > disconnect as long as it has an acceptable disconnect means such as an > appliance coupler. In that case, the switch provides a user function but > not > a safety function within the meaning of the standard. > > Any color indicator may be used as long as it is clear that the indicator > is > not related to safety. For example, a red activity indicator on a disk > drive > is acceptable. However, a red indicator on a power on/off switch may be a > problem even if the switch is not the primary disconnect. > > Richard Woods > ---------- > From: Robert Legg [SMTP:[email protected]] > Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000 12:34 PM > To: IEEE EMC-PSTC Forum > Subject: Indicator Color and Safety > > The on/off power switch for a module or system must surely be > considered > to be 'safety related', and therefore subject to the provisions of > IEC73. > > What do you do if a customer specifies an integral red neon > indicator in > the switch and certification to 60950? > > R.Legg > Tectrol Inc. > [email protected] > > ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: [email protected] Michael Garretson: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected]
