Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Protective devices and interlocks

Reset function

Also known as: reset

German: Rücksetzen

In machine safety, a reset function is a deliberate action that restores readiness after a protective function has been triggered. Reset must not initiate hazardous motion; a separate start command is needed.

  • Machine safety
  • Human factors

In one sentence

A reset function restores readiness after a safety stop, but must never start the machine itself; restart always requires a separate start command.

Example

After an emergency stop on a packaging line, the operator releases the emergency stop button, presses the blue reset button and then presses start to resume.

How it applies

  • Machine safety: Reset separates “safe to start” from “start”. Combining the two in one button creates an unexpected startup risk.
  • Design: Reset should only be possible when the triggering condition has been cleared, for example the guard is closed or the emergency stop device released. Automatic reset may be acceptable only where nobody can remain undetected in the hazard zone.
  • Systems engineering: Reset is a state transition in the machine's state model. Specify which states allow reset and what the machine does afterward.
  • Technical documentation: Describe the full recovery sequence after each type of safety stop, in the order the operator must follow it.

Reset function vs. restart prevention

The reset function is the action that restores readiness. Restart prevention is the function that ensures motion does not resume automatically.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on ISO 13849-1:2023, Safety of machinery — Safety-related parts of control systems — Part 1: General principles for design

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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