The STO safety function is standardized
The STO function is defined in IEC/EN 61800-5-2:
"[…] [The inverter] does not supply any energy to the motor which can generate a torque (or
for a linear motor, a force)".
⇒ The STO inverter function conforms to IEC/EN 61800-5-2.
The distinction between Emergency Off and Emergency Stop
"Emergency Off" and "Emergency Stop" are commands that minimize different risks in the
machine or plant.
The STO function is suitable for achieving an Emergency Stop but not an Emergency Off.
Risk:
Risk of electric shock:
Risk of unexpected motion:
Measure to minimize
risk:
Safe switch off
Switching off the electric power supply
for the installation, either completely
or partially.
Safely stop and safely prevent restart‐
ing
Stopping or preventing the dangerous
movement
Command:
Emergency Off
Emergency Stop
Classic solution:
Switch off the power supply:
Switch off the drive power supply:
0
Solution with the STO
safety function inte‐
grated in the drive:
STO is not suitable for safely switch‐
ing off an electric voltage.
Select STO:
It is permissible that you switch off the
inverter power supply as well. Howev‐
er, switching off the voltage is not re‐
quired as a risk-reduction measure‐
ment.
Advanced commissioning
6.15 Safe Torque Off (STO) safety function
SINAMICS G120C converter
216
Operating Instructions, 09/2017, FW V4.7 SP9, A5E34263257B AF
