The difference is what happens when electrical power is lost: a spring-applied brake engages without power and uses an energized coil to release; a power-on brake engages when its coil is energized and releases when power is removed. Choose based on the required power-loss behavior, then verify that the brake is rated for the load, stopping duty, and installation.
How each brake works
Spring-applied, power-off
In a spring-applied brake, springs press the armature and friction surfaces together—or engage teeth in a tooth-brake design—when the coil is de-energized. Energizing the coil creates a magnetic field that pulls the armature away and releases the shaft. The brake can therefore apply when electrical supply is lost; Lenze also describes this behavior for mains failure or a broken cable. Lenze’s overview and SEPAC’s overview explain the operating principle.
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Terminology varies: manufacturers may call this design spring-operated, spring-loaded, spring-set, power-off, or fail-safe. Specify what the brake does when energized and de-energized rather than relying on a label.
Power-on, magnetically applied
A power-on brake uses coil current to create the magnetic field that pulls an armature into contact with a friction plate or interlocking teeth, producing braking torque. Removing power releases it. Its default behavior is therefore the opposite of a spring-applied brake. See Electromate’s power-on brake information.
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What happens when power is lost?
| Brake type | Coil de-energized | Coil energized | Power-loss behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring-applied (power-off) | Brake engages by spring force | Magnetic force releases the brake | Applies |
| Power-on (magnetically applied) | Brake releases | Magnetic force engages the brake | Releases |
A spring-applied brake is the relevant type when the brake itself must default to holding or braking without electrical power. A power-on brake may fit where braking is commanded by energizing the coil and release on power loss is acceptable. Do not treat “fail-safe” as proof that a complete machine is safe: the brake still has to be correctly selected, integrated, and validated for the application. SEW-EURODRIVE says the system manufacturer is primarily responsible for designing the compliant safety concept; see its project-planning information, Edition 04/2026.
Holding a load is not the same as stopping motion
A holding brake resists movement when a load is stationary. It does not automatically qualify to repeatedly stop a rotating motor. During a dynamic stop, the brake’s friction surfaces absorb kinetic energy, creating a thermal demand that depends on the motion and stopping pattern. Siemens states in its Motion Control D 41 catalog, published in 2017 and updated in April 2018, that “the holding brake is not a working brake for braking the rotating motor.” Consult the Siemens catalog documentation and the Electromate discussion of holding and emergency-stop brake sizing.
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For repeated dynamic stops, assess the energy per stop, stop frequency, allowable consecutive stops, and the model’s thermal limits. A nominal holding-torque value alone does not establish that a brake can stop a moving load safely or repeatedly.
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Compare the application against the brake’s current, model-specific documentation. A label such as “power-off” or “power-on” answers only the default-state question.
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- Dependable Braking: Engages automatically when power is interrupted or switched off, providing a reliable braking mechanism for enhanced safety.
- Compact Size: Designed with a small footprint, allowing for easy installation into various systems without taking up excessive space.
- Low Maintenance: Due to its simple and robust design, this power - off brake requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and costs in the long run.
- Power-loss behavior: Must the brake apply or release if supply disappears?
- Duty: Is it for static holding, occasional emergency stopping, or repeated dynamic braking?
- Torque: What load torque must it resist, and what rated torque applies under the actual mounting and operating conditions?
- Mechanical fit: Check shaft or bore, mounting pattern, axial and radial space, hub or coupling, and any manual-release arrangement.
- Electrical fit: Verify coil voltage, current, supply or rectification arrangement, and control behavior.
- Thermal and environmental conditions: Account for stop energy and frequency, ambient and coil temperature, contamination, moisture, and enclosure needs.
Spring-applied brakes are used in areas such as industrial automation, machine tools, material handling, packaging equipment, hoists, cranes, and vertical axes; these are examples from Lenze’s product-family information, not a guarantee that a particular model suits every use. Power-on products are also described for controlled-cycle dynamic stopping, horizontal axes, and clutch/brake packages. Treat those as application examples, and assess gravity-loaded or hazardous motion separately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the exact model before installation
Torque ratings, mounting dimensions, allowable air gap, wear limits, and coil requirements differ by model. Use the selected brake’s current datasheet and installation instructions rather than assuming values transfer between product families. Siemens’ catalog provides model-specific holding-torque information, while NORD’s FDB installation manual describes model construction and manual release. NORD FDB manual (2011)
Rank #4
- Dependable Braking: Engages automatically when power is interrupted or switched off, providing a reliable braking mechanism for enhanced safety
- Compact Size: Designed with a small footprint, allowing for easy installation into various systems without taking up excessive space
- Low Maintenance: Due to its simple and robust design, this power - off brake requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and costs in the long run
- Applications: Can be easily integrated into conveyor systems, printing presses, packaging equipment, etc
- After-sales resolution: Should any issues arise, I shall provide you with a prompt resolution
Manual release is model-dependent. Where fitted, it mechanically pulls the armature to release the rotor; NORD cautions against changing the manual-release adjustment for safety reasons. Operate and maintain it only as the applicable manufacturer instructions specify.
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