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Murphy VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch

Description

Shutdown switch that trips on shock or vibration in three planes

The Murphy VS2 Series switches are shock-sensitive mechanisms for shutting down engine or electric motor powered equipment. They are designed to detect shock or vibration in three planes of motion and use a magnetic latch for reliable operation. The switches are fully adjustable in the field to the sensitivity each application needs.

Enovation Controls describes them as ideal for engines, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers and pumping units, wherever shutdown protection from damaging shock or vibration is wanted. Explosion-proof EX models are available for hazardous locations.

Technical specifications

Values are from Enovation Controls bulletin 96013. Model-specific data is listed per model.

Parameter Specification
Operating temperature -40 to 185 F (-40 to 85 C); for UL and CSA applications derated to -40 to 140 F (-40 to 60 C)
VS2 and VS2C IP54 (mounted on a horizontal surface, drain holes down); non-hazardous areas; SPDT double make leaf contacts: 3 A at 240 VAC, 10 A at 120 VAC, 10 A at 32 VDC
VS2C mounting C-clamp mount; includes 45 ft (13.7 m) 2-conductor cable and 5 cable clamps
VS2EX Base mount, explosion-proof aluminum alloy housing, IP54; Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D; UL and CSA listed; two SPDT snap switches: 5 A at 480 VAC, 2 A resistive and 1 A inductive up to 30 VDC
VS2EXR Same case and listings as VS2EX; one SPDT snap switch and a remote reset coil for 115 VAC or 24 VDC
VS2EXRB Explosion-proof aluminum housing designed for Class I, Division 1, Group B; no third-party certification; one SPDT snap switch with reset coil (two-switch option available); remote reset 115 VAC or 24 VDC
Shipping weight VS2 2 lb 8 oz (1.1 kg); VS2C 7 lb (3.2 kg); VS2EX 4 lb 8 oz (2 kg); VS2EXR 5 lb 8 oz (2.2 kg); VS2EXRB 17 lb 8 oz (7.9 kg)
Shipping dimensions VS2, VS2EX, VS2EXR: 8-1/4 x 9-1/4 x 5 in (210 x 235 x 127 mm); VS2C: 12 x 7 x 5-1/2 in; VS2EXRB: 12 x 12 x 10 in (305 x 305 x 254 mm)
Reset indication VS2EX, VS2EXR: Tattletale indication on the reset push button

How the latch works

Pushing the reset button moves the tripping latch into a magnetically held position. A shock or vibration moves the magnet beyond this holding position, which frees the spring-loaded latch to transfer the contacts and shut down the machinery. The VS2 and VS2C have a slotted sensitivity adjustment on the side of the case, while on the VS2EX the sensitivity is externally adjustable.

The remote reset option on the VS2EXR and VS2EXRB includes a built-in electric solenoid that resets a tripped unit from a remote location. Service parts listed in the bulletin include movement assemblies, glass and gasket, reset push button, mounting clamp, cable clamp, cover and gasket, snap-switch kits and reset solenoid assemblies, with notes on which snap-switch kit applies to units built before or after 1 September 1995.

Choosing the right VS2 version

Use the VS2 or VS2C where the area is non-hazardous. For Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D areas the VS2EX or VS2EXR is the listed choice. The VS2EXRB is built for Group B conditions but the bulletin states it has no third-party certification, so it should not be described as certified. Note that selected configurations only are third-party listed.

Before ordering confirm the model, reset coil voltage (24 VDC or 115 VAC code), single or double switch, C-clamp mounting kit (ordered separately for VS2EX and VS2EXR) and the supply and load. Enovation Controls lists this product family on its Legacy Products page, which describes those items as less popular or outdated but still available for purchase. Confirm current availability and any replacement part before ordering.

How the Murphy VS2 works

Pushing the reset button moves the tripping latch into a magnetically held position. A shock or vibration moves the magnet beyond its holding range and the latch trips. The tripped switch opens or closes its contacts and shuts the machine down.

Where the VS2 is used

  • Engines
  • Pumps
  • Compressors
  • Heat exchangers
  • Pumping units

Selection checklist for the VS2

  • Model variant
  • Mounting style
  • Contact rating
  • Supply voltage
  • Remote reset need
  • Housing material
  • Cable length
  • Sensitivity setting

Installation, commissioning and maintenance notes for the VS2

Mount the switch firmly on the machine in the position the bulletin shows. Set the sensitivity in the field, then reset it and test the trip. Check the mounting and the wiring at regular intervals.

Requesting a quotation for the Murphy VS2

Please send the model variant, the mounting style and the contact rating needed. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.

VS2 switch type

It is a shock and vibration switch.

VS2 maker

It is sold by Enovation Controls under the Murphy name.

VS2 purpose

It shuts down engine or electric motor powered equipment.

VS2 planes of motion

It detects shock or vibration in three planes of motion.

VS2 latch

A magnetic latch gives reliable operation.

VS2 adjustment

It is fully adjustable in the field.

VS2 sensitivity

The sensitivity is set to what each application needs.

VS2 operating temperature

It works from minus 40 to 85 degrees C.

VS2 contacts

The VS2 and VS2C use SPDT double make leaf contacts.

VS2 contact rating

Contacts carry 3 A at 240 VAC, 10 A at 120 VAC and 10 A at 32 VDC.

VS2C mounting

The VS2C has a C-clamp mount.

VS2C cable

It includes 13.7 m of 2-conductor cable and 5 cable clamps.

VS2EX housing

The VS2EX has a base mount and an aluminum alloy housing.

VS2EX switches

It has two SPDT snap switches rated 5 A at 480 VAC.

VS2EX reset indication

A tattletale indication shows on the reset push button.

VS2EXR remote reset

The VS2EXR adds a remote reset coil for 115 VAC or 24 VDC.

VS2EXR switch

It has one SPDT snap switch.

VS2EXRB housing

The VS2EXRB has a larger aluminum housing.

VS2EXRB switch options

It has one SPDT snap switch with a reset coil, and a two-switch option is available.

VS2 weight

The VS2 ships at 1.1 kg.

VS2C weight

The VS2C ships at 3.2 kg.

VS2EX weight

The VS2EX ships at 2 kg.

VS2EXRB weight

The VS2EXRB ships at 7.9 kg.

VS2 shipping size

The VS2 ships in a box of 210 x 235 x 127 mm.

Switch records for the VS2

Record the variant, the sensitivity setting and the test date.

Choosing the right VS2 variant

Choose the variant from the mounting style, the contact rating and the reset method.

Documents and quotation

The attached bulletin 96013 (revision 2016/09/07) is the source for the values above. Seven Star LLC supplies Murphy products as an independent supplier in Muscat. Send the model code, reset voltage, hazardous area class and quantity with your enquiry. See vibration monitoring products for other options.

Datasheets & Documents
  • PDF Datasheet Murphy VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch bulletin 96013 (rev. 2016/09/07) Download
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About brand

Murphy is an American brand of engine and equipment protection controls that began in 1939 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founder Frank W. (Pat) Murphy combined an indicating gauge with a switch that stops an engine on low oil pressure or high coolant temperature, first installed on unattended oilfield engines. That SWICHGAGE remains the brand's best-known product.

Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat. We list selected Murphy gauges, switches and controllers for engines, generator sets, pumps and compressors in Oman and the GCC.

Murphy company profile

Founded 1939, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, by Frank W. (Pat) Murphy
First product The SWICHGAGE, a gauge with a built-in shutdown switch
Original market Unattended engines in oilfields
Product families SWICHGAGE gauges and switches, TATTLETALE annunciators, PowerView displays, engine and compressor control panels, liquid level switches and vibration switches

Milestones

  • 1939: Pat Murphy develops the Murphy safety switch and starts FW Murphy in Tulsa.
  • Today: SWICHGAGE gauges are still among Murphy's best-selling products.

Murphy product series

The classic range includes the 20P and 25P pressure Swichgage and the 20T and 25T temperature Swichgage, gauges with built-in switch contacts for alarm and shutdown, B-Series Murphygage gauges, the L150 and EL150K1 level Swichgage, ESPS-100 and ESTS senders and switches, Tattletale annunciators and magnetic switches, the VS2 shock and vibration switch, the MP3298 magnetic pickup and exhaust pyrometers for diesel engines.

Newer products include the PowerCore MPC-20 configurable engine controller and the PowerView 780B 7-inch display with CAN J1939 communication, and the Sentinel 300P battery charger keeps starting batteries charged.

Where Murphy products are used

Gas compressor packages, engine-driven pumps and fire pumps, generator sets, irrigation and dewatering pumps and mobile equipment, where the instruments protect the engine against low oil pressure, high temperature, overspeed and vibration.

Murphy products we list

Family Examples
Pressure Instrumentation 20P / 25P Series Pressure Swichgage Gaug…, B-Series Murphygage Pressure, ESPS-100 / ESTS Engine Pressure and Temp…
Temperature Instrumentation 10705147 Single-Port and 10705146 Dual-P…, 20T / 25T Series Temperature Swichgage G…
Vibration Monitoring MP3298 Magnetic Pickup for Engine Speed…, VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch
Level Instrumentation L150 / EL150K1 Level Swichgage for Engin…
UPS and Batteries Sentinel 300P Series Programmable Switch…
Controllers & Data Acquisition Tattletale Annunciators and Magnetic Swi…

Ordering Murphy parts: what we need

Send the full model code, range or scale, thread, voltage and any options. Because many Murphy parts are legacy designs, we check configuration and current availability against Enovation Controls documents before quoting.

Facts checked against the Murphy history published by Enovation Controls, October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the VS2 detect?
Shock and vibration in three planes of motion, using an adjustable magnetic latch that releases and transfers the contacts.
Which VS2 models are for hazardous areas?
VS2EX and VS2EXR are CSA and UL listed for Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D. VS2EXRB is built for Group B but has no third-party certification.
Can it be reset remotely?
Yes. VS2EXR and VS2EXRB have a built-in solenoid for remote reset, specified as 115 VAC or 24 VDC.
What enclosure protection does it have?
The bulletin gives IP54 when mounted on a horizontal surface with the drain holes down.
Is it a legacy product?
Enovation Controls lists the VS2 series on its Legacy Products page as still available for purchase.