Apparatus 13 and a method of detecting a tear in a conveyor belt 10 are disclosed and claimed. The apparatus includes two pivotable arms 14 biased against the sides of the belt. Each arm is connected to a variable resistor 18, 19 connected into an electronic circuit. When there is a tear in the belt, the arm will pivot inwardly causing the resistance of its associated resistor to change. This change is processed by the circuit to generate a signal which may be used to interrupt electric power to an electric motor driving the belt.
