deadman switch
Grip-release safety trigger
A deadman switch is a safety mechanism that activates when the operator becomes incapacitated—releasing a grip, failing to press a button, or otherwise ceasing to signal continued control.
Trains, lawnmowers, and heavy machinery use them to prevent runaway accidents.
The concept extends to digital systems designed to release information or trigger actions if someone dies or disappears: He set up a deadman switch to publish the documents if he didn't check in weekly.
Also spelled dead man's switch.
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
- fail safeProtective default mechanism
- bombExplosive device or disaster
- nuclear optionMost drastic available action
- safetyFreedom from harm
killswitch · timer · release · explosive · grip · grenade · pressure · handle · mechanism · vigilance · countdown · abort · interlock · panic · panic button · emergency · alert · pulse
- manual controlsmanual, hand-operated, lever, handle, button
- boat safetylife raft, lifebuoy, life vests, flare, distress signal
- Safety Switchescircuit breaker, GFCI, emergency stop, e-stop, fuse
- safety monitoringsmoke detector, fire alarm, carbon monoxide detector, security camera, motion sensor
- stopping methodsbraking, coasting, friction, emergency brake, hand brake
- train operationstrain operators, signal, engine drivers, throttle, dispatcher
deadman switchignition switch
Engine activation control
trigger · push button · toggle switch · push-button · on-off switch
deadman switchdoomsday device
Hypothetical total annihilation weapon
cruise control · autopilot · booby trap · tripwire · landmine
deadman switchautomated system
Machine-driven operation without intervention
toggle · autopilot · cruise control · timer switch · thermostat
dead, switch, deadman, deaden, deadly, death, manliness, mankind, manhood