🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) relay contact symbols • How IEC/ANSI diagrams show the rest (de‑energized) position of a contact • How a mechanical actuator or switch lever is drawn compared to a plain relay contact

💭 Think About

• First, identify which symbols show a simple relay contact without any external actuator or lever attached. Which letters can you eliminate because they clearly show a limit switch or mechanically operated device? • Between the remaining plain contact symbols, decide which one represents a path that is complete in the normal (de‑energized) state and which one represents a path that is open until the relay energizes. • Look closely at the small diagonal line or gap in the contact symbol: what does a straight gap between the contacts usually mean, and what does a slanted line touching one side usually indicate?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which symbol shows the contact already made (closed) in its normal, unenergized condition. • Confirm that the symbol you pick is not showing a changeover/limit switch with a moving actuator arm; it should be just a standard relay contact. • Double‑check that you are thinking of the contact’s state with the relay coil de‑energized, since that is what “normally closed” means.