KUKA Robot codes
KUKA RobotSystemIntermediate

KRC0420

KUKA Robot KRC0420 - Local Protective Stop (QE)

Local Protective Stop (QE)

This alarm indicates that the local protective stop circuit (QE - Quittierung Ebene) has been activated, interrupting the safety chain at the robot controller cabinet level. The protective stop is triggered by external safety devices such as emergency stop buttons, safety gates, or light curtains connected to the X11 safety interface. Robot motion is immediately halted and drives are disabled until the safety chain is restored and acknowledged.

Common Causes

  • Emergency stop button on the cabinet or external station is pressed or mechanically stuck in the activated position
  • Safety gate or guard door interlock switch is open due to door being opened or switch malfunction
  • Wiring fault or loose connection in the X11 safety circuit between external safety devices and the KRC4 safety module
  • Faulty safety relay or contactor in the external safety circuit preventing proper signal return to the controller
  • Safety configuration mismatch in SafeOperation where expected safety inputs do not match actual field wiring state

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. 1Step 1: Visually inspect all emergency stop buttons on the cabinet and teach pendant to verify none are pressed or stuck, twist to release if activated
  2. 2Step 2: Check all safety gates and guard doors are fully closed and interlock switches are making proper contact, listen for relay clicks when closing
  3. 3Step 3: Access the cabinet and measure continuity through the X11 safety circuit chain using a multimeter, verify 24VDC signal path is complete
  4. 4Step 4: In WorkVisual, navigate to Safety Configuration and compare configured safety inputs against actual field device states shown in the diagnostics screen
  5. 5Step 5: Inspect all safety relay modules and contactors for proper energization, check for burnt contacts or mechanical failure preventing closure
  6. 6Step 6: If safety chain appears intact but alarm persists, perform a safety configuration download from WorkVisual and contact KUKA support for safety module diagnostics

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