Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 865 of 1506

A relay is built so that energizing its coil opens a contact. What happens to that contact when the coil loses power?

  1. It stays open.
  2. It welds open.
  3. It springs back closed.
  4. It opens even further.
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Correct answer: It springs back closed.

Relays can be made to work in reverse. The contact is closed at rest and opens when the coil is energized.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 14.2: Electromagnetism

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026