Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 17 of 1506

In a reversing circuit, a time-delay relay coil is wired in parallel with each contactor coil. How does its contact in the opposite start circuit act?

  1. It closes at once when the coil is energized, and then it opens after a set time delay
  2. It stays closed at all times, and its job is only to protect against overload
  3. It opens after a delay when the coil is energized, and then it stays open
  4. It opens at once when energized, then closes after a delay when off
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Correct answer: It opens at once when energized, then closes after a delay when off

This normally closed, timed-closed contact blocks the opposite direction until the motor has had time to stop.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 6.4: Motor Control Circuits

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026