In a standard contactor, how are the contacts configured by default?

In a standard contactor, the contacts are configured to be normally open by default. This means that in their unenergized state, the contacts do not provide a path for electrical current to flow. When the contactor coil is energized, it attracts the armature, which closes the contacts, allowing current to flow through the connected circuit.

This configuration is essential for applications where the equipment should not operate unless there is an intentional action to engage the contactor—typically through a control signal. The normally open design provides a safety feature, ensuring that in the absence of power, the circuit remains open and the equipment is inoperable, which is necessary for safe operation in many industrial and commercial environments.

While there are other types of contact configurations, such as normally closed and interlocked connections, they serve different purposes. Normally closed contacts would allow current to flow unless the contactor is energized, which is contrary to the expected behavior for most control applications. Interlocked configurations are designed to prevent simultaneous operation of circuits, adding complexity that is not typical for a standard contactor's basic operation. Phase controlled refers to a method of controlling the power supplied to an electrical load (often seen in dimmers or motor speed controls) rather than to the basic function