Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 230 of 1506

Why are the power contacts of most motor contactors normally open?

  1. The coil needs open contacts to pull in
  2. The load turns off when the coil loses power
  3. They carry less current when left open
  4. Normally closed contacts cannot carry power
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Correct answer: The load turns off when the coil loses power

A normally open contact drops out when the coil loses power, so the load is switched off.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 5.2: Contactors

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026