Big red button

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A big red button is an actual or fictional button with various functions. The purpose of being big and red is for its quick identification.

Possible usages:

A shut-down switch for catastrophic circumstances to avert further damage or to cause it, e.g., "Emergency Power-Off" button.
Help call in emergencies or for disabled persons ^[1]
Firing or detonating a weapon, typically a nuclear device.

1 Symbolism
2 Computing and industrial
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Symbolism

A Big Red button

The Big Red Button means a device(s) used to launch nuclear weapons. A person in charge may be referred to as "having his/her finger on The Button." (This use of the term is often capitalized).

This symbolism spawned some others. One is a symbolism for "self-destruct". Another one is to apply a drastic or radical, "nuclear", solution to a problem, possibly resembling "cutting the Gordian knot".

[edit] Computing and industrial

In computing, the Big Red Button has historically referred to the red momentary electrical switch used to reboot a computer system.^[2] This switch was often located on the front of a personal computer or on the back next to the power supply.

In an IT setting, a kill switch is most frequently seen near the door of a data center. In this case, it often releases the fire suppression systems as well.

Industrial safety often mandates use of a kill switch to cut all power to a device in an emergency. It is similar in usage to a nuclear reactor's Scram Button.