Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller
The GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller is a high-performance integrated safety and control platform that excels in complex emergency shutdown relay panels by combining deterministic control, advanced diagnostics, and native EtherNet/IP networking. It commands a premium price but reduces overall system cost for large or distributed ESD panels by replacing multiple discrete relays and separate controllers and offering superior scalability and diagnostics compared with the more relay-centric options on this list.
Deterministic safety
Integrated motion
Deterministic safety
Integrated motion
Review Summary
"Users praise the GuardLogix 5580 for its rock-solid reliability, integrated safety/control capabilities, and excellent Rockwell support, though they note a steep price and learning curve for new users."
Scales like LEGO
Integrated safety and standard control in one platform for centralized emergency shutdown logic.
Scales like LEGO
Integrated safety and standard control in one platform for centralized emergency shutdown logic.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller is a high-performance integrated safety and control platform that excels in complex emergency shutdown relay panels by combining deterministic control, advanced diagnostics, and native EtherNet/IP networking. It commands a premium price but reduces overall system cost for large or distributed ESD panels by replacing multiple discrete relays and separate controllers and offering superior scalability and diagnostics compared with the more relay-centric options on this list.
Deterministic safety
Integrated motion
Scales like LEGO
Integrated safety and standard control in one platform for centralized emergency shutdown logic.
Designed for high safety levels (SIL 3 / PLe capability) and supports redundant architectures.
Deterministic safety
Integrated motion
Scales like LEGO
Integrated safety and standard control in one platform for centralized emergency shutdown logic.
Designed for high safety levels (SIL 3 / PLe capability) and supports redundant architectures.
$5,000-12,000 USD
Schneider Electric Preventa XPS Universal Safety Module
The Preventa XPS Universal Safety Module delivers modular, universal I/O and flexible configurability that make it an economical choice for mid-size emergency shutdown relay panels where adaptability matters. It strikes a balance between the full-programmable controllers like GuardLogix and the fixed-function relays like SIRIUS, giving good technical flexibility and lower upfront cost for systems that need configurable safety channels without the complexity of a full safety PLC.
Universal interface
Plug-and-play ease
Universal interface
Plug-and-play ease
Review Summary
"Installers appreciate the Preventa XPS for its versatility, clear diagnostics and value for money; some mention that advanced configuration can be slower than competitors."
Rugged as ox
Configurable universal safety functions (E-stop, guard monitoring, two-hand control) tailored for panels.
Rugged as ox
Configurable universal safety functions (E-stop, guard monitoring, two-hand control) tailored for panels.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Preventa XPS Universal Safety Module delivers modular, universal I/O and flexible configurability that make it an economical choice for mid-size emergency shutdown relay panels where adaptability matters. It strikes a balance between the full-programmable controllers like GuardLogix and the fixed-function relays like SIRIUS, giving good technical flexibility and lower upfront cost for systems that need configurable safety channels without the complexity of a full safety PLC.
Universal interface
Plug-and-play ease
Rugged as ox
Configurable universal safety functions (E-stop, guard monitoring, two-hand control) tailored for panels.
Compact modular design with removable terminals to speed wiring and servicing.
Universal interface
Plug-and-play ease
Rugged as ox
Configurable universal safety functions (E-stop, guard monitoring, two-hand control) tailored for panels.
Compact modular design with removable terminals to speed wiring and servicing.
$350-900 USD
Siemens SIRIUS 3SK2 Safety Relay
The SIRIUS 3SK2 Safety Relay is a compact, purpose-built relay family optimized for straightforward emergency shutdown relay panels requiring fast response and simple wiring. Its very low complexity and competitive price make it ideal for basic ESD applications and retrofit jobs, offering an economical and space-saving alternative to more feature-rich modular systems such as Preventa or controller-based solutions like GuardLogix.
Compact footprint
Flexible wiring
Compact footprint
Flexible wiring
Review Summary
"The Siemens SIRIUS 3SK2 is widely regarded as a compact, durable and easy-to-wire safety relay with strong reliability in industrial environments; a few users report limited feature differences between variants cause occasional selection mistakes."
Pocket-sized hero
Slim, panel-friendly safety relays optimized for emergency stop and safety gate monitoring.
Pocket-sized hero
Slim, panel-friendly safety relays optimized for emergency stop and safety gate monitoring.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The SIRIUS 3SK2 Safety Relay is a compact, purpose-built relay family optimized for straightforward emergency shutdown relay panels requiring fast response and simple wiring. Its very low complexity and competitive price make it ideal for basic ESD applications and retrofit jobs, offering an economical and space-saving alternative to more feature-rich modular systems such as Preventa or controller-based solutions like GuardLogix.
Compact footprint
Flexible wiring
Pocket-sized hero
Slim, panel-friendly safety relays optimized for emergency stop and safety gate monitoring.
Clear LED status indicators and positive-guided contacts simplify commissioning and verification.
Compact footprint
Flexible wiring
Pocket-sized hero
Slim, panel-friendly safety relays optimized for emergency stop and safety gate monitoring.
Clear LED status indicators and positive-guided contacts simplify commissioning and verification.
$250-700 USD
Phoenix Contact PSR-SCP-24DC/ESD/5X1/1X2
The PSR-SCP series from Phoenix Contact is a slim, configurable safety relay solution well suited for distributed emergency shutdown relay panels and dense DIN-rail installations, offering robust diagnostics and channel monitoring in a compact footprint. Financially competitive with other relay-based products, it provides higher IO density and clearer diagnostic feedback than many basic relays, making it a strong choice where panel space and retrofit visibility are priorities.
Diagnostic LEDs
Snap-in modularity
Diagnostic LEDs
Snap-in modularity
Review Summary
"Phoenix Contact’s PSR-SCP series is commended for modularity, diagnostic capabilities and build quality, though newcomers sometimes find the configuration options and labeling a bit dense."
Configurable wizardry
DIN-rail mountable safety relay with multiple safety contacts for reliable E-stop and feedback loops.
Configurable wizardry
DIN-rail mountable safety relay with multiple safety contacts for reliable E-stop and feedback loops.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The PSR-SCP series from Phoenix Contact is a slim, configurable safety relay solution well suited for distributed emergency shutdown relay panels and dense DIN-rail installations, offering robust diagnostics and channel monitoring in a compact footprint. Financially competitive with other relay-based products, it provides higher IO density and clearer diagnostic feedback than many basic relays, making it a strong choice where panel space and retrofit visibility are priorities.
Diagnostic LEDs
Snap-in modularity
Configurable wizardry
DIN-rail mountable safety relay with multiple safety contacts for reliable E-stop and feedback loops.
Plug-in design and visual diagnostics reduce panel build time and simplify maintenance.
Diagnostic LEDs
Snap-in modularity
Configurable wizardry
DIN-rail mountable safety relay with multiple safety contacts for reliable E-stop and feedback loops.
Plug-in design and visual diagnostics reduce panel build time and simplify maintenance.
$180-420 USD
Eaton Safety Relay ESR5-NO-31-24VDC
Eaton’s ESR5 safety relays are built for industrial robustness and predictable performance in emergency shutdown relay panels, delivering dependable switching and straightforward integration in harsh operating environments. Positioned between simple safety relays and full safety controllers on price and capability, they are an attractive option when long-term reliability and industrial-grade construction matter more than advanced networked diagnostics or programmability.
Straightforward wiring
Reliable switching
Straightforward wiring
Reliable switching
Review Summary
"Eaton’s ESR5 relays receive consistent praise for dependable performance and straightforward wiring, with occasional feedback about documentation clarity and availability in some regions."
Field-proven grit
Economical safety relay offering straightforward emergency stop and safety circuit functionality.
Field-proven grit
Economical safety relay offering straightforward emergency stop and safety circuit functionality.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Eaton’s ESR5 safety relays are built for industrial robustness and predictable performance in emergency shutdown relay panels, delivering dependable switching and straightforward integration in harsh operating environments. Positioned between simple safety relays and full safety controllers on price and capability, they are an attractive option when long-term reliability and industrial-grade construction matter more than advanced networked diagnostics or programmability.
Straightforward wiring
Reliable switching
Field-proven grit
Economical safety relay offering straightforward emergency stop and safety circuit functionality.
Robust 24 V DC operation with positive-guided outputs and clear status LEDs for diagnostics.
Straightforward wiring
Reliable switching
Field-proven grit
Economical safety relay offering straightforward emergency stop and safety circuit functionality.
Robust 24 V DC operation with positive-guided outputs and clear status LEDs for diagnostics.
$140-360 USD