In a control switch, which contacts are open in the START position?

• A. 1 & 3
• B. 1 & 2
• C. 2 & 4
• D. 3 & 4

Answer: (C)

When you move a control switch to START, the design is to energize the starting path while breaking any path that would keep the circuit energized after release. That means the two contacts that normally provide the holding (latching) current are opened in the START position. Opening these holding contacts prevents the circuit from staying latched on the moment you press START, allowing the start sequence to occur correctly. The other contacts are arranged to either feed the start path or stay out of the way during starting, so they’re not the ones opened for START.