Prepare for the NCCER Electrical Level 2 Control Systems and Fundamental Concepts exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

In sensor outputs, how do NO and NC differ when activated?

When a sensor uses a Normally Open (NO) contact, the circuit is open before actuation and closes on activation, allowing current to flow and turning the output on. With a Normally Closed (NC) contact, the circuit is closed before actuation and opens on activation, stopping current flow and turning the output off. So, on activation, the NO path completes and the output goes on, while the NC path opens and the output goes off. This distinction is why NO means the output is energized when the sensor is activated, and NC means the output is de-energized when activated.

When a sensor uses a Normally Open (NO) contact, the circuit is open before actuation and closes on activation, allowing current to flow and turning the output on. With a Normally Closed (NC) contact, the circuit is closed before actuation and opens on activation, stopping current flow and turning the output off. So, on activation, the NO path completes and the output goes on, while the NC path opens and the output goes off. This distinction is why NO means the output is energized when the sensor is activated, and NC means the output is de-energized when activated.