Contacts that are spring-held in an open position are referred to as normally what?

Contacts that are spring-held in an open position are referred to as normally open. This means that in their default state, without any external force or voltage applied, the contacts remain open and do not allow current to flow through them. This configuration is commonly used in various electrical and control systems, particularly in applications where the circuit needs to be activated by a specific action, such as pressing a button or turning a switch.

When the contact is activated, typically by closing a switch or pressing a button, it closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow. Understanding the concept of normally open contacts is essential, especially in circuit design and troubleshooting, as it defines how the contacts operate under normal conditions and how they respond during operation.