Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment, and components and brake cartridges for use in those safety systems, are disclosed. The safety systems, components and brake cartridges are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws.

Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may sense whether motion in a machine has stopped by monitoring the back emf produced on the motor leads as the motor coasts to a stop. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.