What could happen if the power line is connected to terminal P?

Connecting the power line to terminal P can potentially lead to the pilot duty switch contact melting down because terminal P is typically associated with the control and operation of pilot lights or pilot duty circuits. If power is improperly fed to this terminal, it can create conditions that cause excessive current to flow through the switch.

Pilot duty switches are designed to handle only a specific range of electrical loads. When subjected to a voltage or current level that exceeds its rated capacity—such as may occur when mistakenly connected to a power line—they can generate heat due to increased resistance. This excessive heat can ultimately cause the switch contacts to overheat and melt down, compromising the functionality of the switch and possibly damaging the equipment.

Understanding the correct operation of terminal connections is crucial in electrical systems, as improper configurations can lead to severe consequences, such as equipment failure or safety hazards.