Yes—many brakes are intended primarily for emergency stopping and holding, especially in fail-safe configurations. In such systems, routine speed control and normal stopping may be handled by the drive (VFD, regenerative braking), while the mechanical brake is reserved for parking, holding, and emergency events such as E-stops or power loss.
However, “emergency use” does not mean you can ignore thermal and duty requirements. An emergency stop can involve high energy, and some applications may require multiple emergency stops within a short period. The brake must be rated for the maximum energy per stop, acceptable stopping time, and the expected number of emergency events without fade or damage.
If the brake is only for emergencies, confirm: response time, fail-safe behavior (spring-applied), ability to hold the load after stopping, and compatibility with control interlocks. Also ensure the brake is maintained and tested regularly—an emergency-only brake can fail silently if clearances drift, linings glaze, or release mechanisms degrade. Emergency brakes are safety devices and require disciplined inspection.
