Frequently asked questions

FA111694

28 September 2021

Issue:
What does force guided contacts mean for Contactors and Relays ?

Product Line:
Contactors & Relays

Cause:
Definition needed

Resolution:
Linked contacts are contacts which are mechanically linked in such a way as to ensure that the normally closed and normally open contacts can never be closed at the same time.

Mechanical guiding (forced guiding) makes it impossible to close the normally closed and normally open contact simultaneously. If a normally closed contact becomes welded, it must be impossible for the normally open contacts to close when the coil is energized.
If a normally open contact becomes welded, it must be impossible for the normally closed contacts to close when the coil is de-energized. Also known as: forced contacts, positively activated contacts, guided contacts, and linked contacts.

This Forced guided contact feature is primarily required for Safety circuits and redundant control systems.