Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 19 of 1506

Which type of failure is statistically the most likely in control wiring and components?

  1. A short circuit across a coil
  2. An open circuit, such as a broken wire or blown fuse
  3. A reversed supply polarity
  4. A low-resistance ground on the neutral conductor
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Correct answer: An open circuit, such as a broken wire or blown fuse

Open failures are more likely than any other type, so fail-safe designs plan for them.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 6.5: Fail-safe Design

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026