VS2 Series shock and vibration switch for engine and pump shutdown protection
VS2 Series Vibration Switch
Tri-Planar Detection | Explosion-Proof Models Available | Field-Adjustable Sensitivity
Marine · Industrial · Oil & Gas

VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch for Equipment Shutdown Protection

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.

3-Plane Detection
IP54 Protection
Class I Div 1 Rating
5 Model 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.

  • Three-Plane Shock and Vibration Detection: Unlike single-axis sensors, the VS2 Series monitors shock and vibration across all three planes of motion simultaneously. This comprehensive coverage ensures that sudden impacts or abnormal vibration — regardless of their direction — are reliably detected and acted upon before damage occurs.
  • Magnetic Latch Mechanism for Reliable Tripping: At the heart of the VS2 is a magnetic latch that holds the tripping mechanism in a set position during normal operation. When vibration or shock exceeds the configured threshold, the magnet releases, allowing the spring-loaded latch to transfer the contacts and initiate shutdown. This design minimises false trips while ensuring positive action when it matters.
  • Fully Field-Adjustable Sensitivity: An externally accessible slotted sensitivity adjustment allows technicians to fine-tune the switch's response threshold directly on-site — no special tools or disassembly required. This makes the VS2 Series adaptable to different machinery types and operating environments without returning to the factory.
  • Explosion-Proof Models for Hazardous Locations: The VS2EX and VS2EXR variants are housed in CSA-certified explosion-proof aluminum alloy enclosures rated for Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D hazardous areas. The VS2EXRB extends coverage to Group B locations, offering shutdown protection in even the most demanding chemical and petrochemical environments.
  • Remote Reset Capability (VS2EXR & VS2EXRB): Equipped with a built-in electric solenoid, the remote reset option allows operators to reset a tripped switch from a safe, distant location — or to hold the circuit in reset during engine start-up sequences. Available in 115 VAC or 24 VDC configurations to match site power systems.
  • IP54 Environmental Protection: All VS2 Series models are ingress-protected to IP54 when mounted on a horizontal surface with drain holes positioned downward. This rating ensures reliable operation in dusty, wet, and outdoor industrial conditions without compromising the internal mechanism.
  • Multiple Contact Configurations: Depending on the model, available contacts include SPDT double-make leaf contacts (VS2/VS2C) and SPDT snap-switches (VS2EX/VS2EXR/VS2EXRB), with the VS2EXRB offering an optional DPDT configuration. This flexibility allows the VS2 to integrate into a variety of control and alarm circuit architectures.
  • Compact, Versatile Mounting Options: The VS2 supports base mounting as standard, while the VS2C variant offers a C-clamp mounting configuration complete with 45 ft (13.7 m) of pre-wired 2-conductor cable — ideal for installations where mounting near the process point is preferable.
  • Engines and Prime Movers: Protects diesel, gas, and electric motor-driven engines from excessive vibration caused by bearing failures, coupling imbalance, or mechanical looseness, enabling automatic shutdown before catastrophic damage occurs.
  • Centrifugal and Reciprocating Pumps: Commonly installed on pump skids where cavitation, impeller damage, or sudden impact can cause damaging vibration. The VS2 detects these anomalies and safely shuts the unit down.
  • Gas and Air Compressors: Compressors operating in continuous-duty cycles are susceptible to vibration spikes from valve failure or pressure imbalance. The VS2 provides a critical safety layer against unplanned mechanical failures.
  • Heat Exchangers: When used on motorised heat exchanger equipment, the VS2 Series detects structural shock that can indicate tube fouling, thermal stress, or mechanical loosening, triggering protective shutdown.
  • Pumping Units and Wellhead Equipment: Widely used in the oil and gas sector on wellhead pumping units where remote locations and unmanned operations make automatic vibration-triggered shutdown essential for equipment and environmental safety.
  • Hazardous Area Installations (Class I Div 1): The explosion-proof VS2EX, VS2EXR, and VS2EXRB variants are specifically designed for use in petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, refineries, and other environments classified as Class I, Division 1.

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)

How the VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch Works

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.

Technical FAQ

Common Questions Answered

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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.

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