Contacts that are spring-held in a closed position are referred to as?

Contacts that are spring-held in a closed position are referred to as normally closed contacts. This means that in their default state, without any external influence or force acting upon them, the contacts remain closed, allowing electrical current to flow through. The term "normally closed" indicates that when the system is at rest or unactivated, the circuit is complete, and the contacts are in a position where they maintain continuity.

This configuration is commonly used in safety and control applications, where keeping the circuit closed ensures that a system operates properly or that safety mechanisms are engaged until an action is taken to open the contacts. For example, in safety switches, normally closed contacts will trigger an alarm or stop the operation if the safety mechanism is bypassed or interrupted. Understanding this concept is crucial for electricians and those working with electrical systems, as it plays a significant role in designing circuit responses and ensuring safety protocols are adhered to in various electrical applications.