The VS2 Series shock and vibration switch is a precision-engineered safety device that detects harmful shock and vibration across three planes of motion and triggers an automatic shutdown of engine or electric motor driven equipment. With fully adjustable sensitivity and a reliable magnetic latch mechanism, it is built to prevent mechanical damage in demanding industrial environments — including hazardous locations when equipped with the explosion-proof EX variants.
The VS2 Series is a field-proven shutdown solution designed for rotating and reciprocating industrial machinery. When abnormal shock or vibration is detected, the switch instantly interrupts the control circuit, preventing costly mechanical failures before they escalate. Its fully adjustable sensitivity, robust magnetic latch, and availability in both standard and explosion-proof configurations make it a versatile choice across a wide range of industrial applications — from gas compressors to marine pumping units.
The VS2 Series is available in five model variants, each designed for specific installation environments and contact requirements. All models share a common tri-planar detection principle and field-adjustable sensitivity.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Normal Operating Temperature | -40° to 185°F (-40° to 85°C); CSA applications de-rated to -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C) |
| Environmental Protection | IP54 (when mounted horizontally with drain holes down) — all models |
| VS2 Contact Rating | SPDT double-make leaf contacts: 3A @ 240 VAC; 10A @ 120 VAC; 10A @ 32 VDC |
| VS2C (C-Clamp Mount) | Same contacts as VS2; includes 45 ft (13.7 m) 2-conductor cable and 5 cable clamps |
| VS2EX Contact Rating | 2 × SPDT snap switches: 5A @ 480 VAC; 2A resistive / 1A inductive @ up to 30 VDC |
| VS2EX Housing | Explosion-proof aluminum alloy; CSA certified for Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D |
| VS2EXR Contact Rating | 1 × SPDT snap switch + reset coil: 5A @ 480 VAC; 2A resistive / 1A inductive @ up to 30 VDC |
| VS2EXR Remote Reset | 115 VAC or 24 VDC (specify at time of order); Remote Reset Rating: 350 mA AC/DC |
| VS2EXRB Hazardous Rating | Class I, Division 1, Group B; no third-party certification; DPDT snap-switch option available |
| VS2EXRB Remote Reset | 115 VAC or 24 VDC (specify); 350 mA AC/DC |
| Conduit Entry | 1/2 NPT (VS2EX, VS2EXR, VS2EXRB) |
| Shipping Weight | VS2: 1.1 kg | VS2C: 3.2 kg | VS2EX: 2 kg | VS2EXR: 2.2 kg | VS2EXRB: 7.9 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions (VS2/VS2EX/VS2EXR) | 210 × 235 × 127 mm (8-1/4 × 9-1/4 × 5 in) |
| Shipping Dimensions (VS2EXRB) | 305 × 305 × 254 mm (12 × 12 × 10 in) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Externally accessible slotted adjuster — field-configurable without disassembly |
| Available Options | LC (Less Case) | LCC (Less Cable & Clamps, VS2C) | D (DPDT switch, VS2EXRB) | 15 (115 VAC reset coil) | 24 (24 VDC reset coil) |
The VS2 Series operates on a magnetic latch principle. During normal equipment operation, the tripping latch is held securely in a set position by a permanent magnet. When a shock event or abnormal vibration occurs, the resulting force displaces the internal armature beyond the magnetic holding point. Once released, the spring-loaded tripping latch transfers the switch contacts and initiates an immediate shutdown signal to the connected control circuit.
Sensitivity is set via an external slotted adjuster on the side of the housing, allowing technicians to calibrate the trigger threshold to match the expected vibration profile of the specific machine. Following a trip event, a manual reset button on the unit — or a remote electric solenoid reset on the VS2EXR and VS2EXRB variants — resets the latch back to its magnetically held position, ready for the next operating cycle.
The explosion-proof EX models add a certified aluminum alloy enclosure and snap-switch contacts suited for hazardous location installations, while the remote reset variants allow safe reset operations to be performed from outside the danger zone or during automated engine start-up sequences.
The VS2 Series is designed for use on engines, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and pumping units — essentially any engine or electric motor driven equipment where abnormal shock or vibration could indicate a developing fault. It is equally suitable for continuous-duty industrial installations and remote, unmanned sites.
Yes. The VS2EX and VS2EXR models are CSA-certified for Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D hazardous locations. The VS2EXRB is specifically designed for Group B environments — such as those involving hydrogen — although it does not carry third-party certification. Always verify the applicable area classification before selecting a model.
Sensitivity is adjusted via an externally mounted slotted adjuster located on the side of the housing. This can be set in the field using a screwdriver without opening the enclosure, allowing operators to tune the response threshold to match the normal vibration levels of the specific machine being protected.
The built-in electric solenoid allows the switch to be reset from a remote location after a trip event — useful on equipment installed in confined, hard-to-reach, or hazardous areas. It can also be used to hold the circuit in the reset position during engine cranking and start-up, avoiding nuisance trips caused by start-up vibration. The solenoid is available in 115 VAC or 24 VDC supply voltages.
Both models share the same sensing mechanism and contact ratings, but differ in mounting arrangement. The VS2 uses a standard base mount, while the VS2C features a C-clamp mount and comes pre-wired with 45 ft (13.7 m) of 2-conductor cable and five cable clamps — making it easier to install at a distance from the equipment body without additional wiring.
All VS2 Series models achieve IP54 ingress protection when mounted on a horizontal surface with the drain holes facing downward. This provides solid resistance to dust ingress and water splashing, making the VS2 suitable for outdoor and semi-exposed industrial installations such as open-air compressor skids, wellhead pumping units, and marine machinery rooms.
Our engineers will recommend the right VS2 Series model for your specific application, send you the full technical datasheet, and provide a competitive quote.