In an electrical holding circuit, what type of contact is added to maintain power without holding a pushbutton?

In an electrical holding circuit, the correct type of contact to maintain power without holding a pushbutton is a normally open contact. This configuration is essential for the operation of a holding circuit, especially in control circuits for electric motors or other devices.

When the pushbutton is pressed, it closes the normally open contact, allowing current to flow and energizing the load. Once the load is energized, the normally open contact remains closed through the holding circuit created. This allows the device to continue operating even after the pushbutton is released, effectively latching the circuit into the "on" position.

The use of normally open contacts ensures that they are open when the circuit is deactivated (when the pushbutton is not pressed). This characteristic is crucial for holding circuits, where initial activation is required, and the circuit must remain activated automatically. Once the holding circuit is created, the pushbutton is no longer needed to maintain power to the load until a separate circuit reset or disconnection occurs, which can be managed by using additional devices, such as safety switches.