Red Seal Electrician Practice
Wiring and componentsQuestion 403 of 1506

A capacitor is placed across contacts that open. What does it help prevent?

  1. Overheating of the contactor coil
  2. Arcing across opening contacts
  3. A rise in the supply voltage
  4. Loss of the equipment ground
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Correct answer: Arcing across opening contacts

Capacitors absorb stray currents and reduce arcing.

Source: Electrical Fundamentals Competency (Industry Training Authority of BC), 5.9: Capacitors

Practice wiring and components

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026