Contacts

A contact is a device used to make or break electrical connections from one or more contacts to other contacts. It is essentially a mechanical switch. Contacts in relays, switches and contactors can be either normally open or normally closed when the device is in the unstressed or de-energized state. In the de-energized state, the contacts are kept open or closed by a spring-loaded mechanism. When electricity is applied to the contactor, it changes its shape and comes into contact with another contact, creating an electrical connection.

Spring Loaded and Pressure

Spring-loaded contacts or pressure points are common contact types in relays and switches. The contact point has two metal components that move together when the switch or relay is energized or de-energized. One of the components is spring-loaded and is able to move independently of the other component, creating tension when the switch is activated. This allows for better control of electrical current and allows for more reliable operation.

The other type of contact is the pressure-sensitive contact. This type of contact has two metal contacts that are held together by a flexible membrane. When pressure is applied to the membrane, it causes one of the contacts to move closer to the other contact, creating an electrical connection or breaking it. This type of contact is often used in buttons and switches as they allow for more precise control of current.

Both spring-loaded and pressure-sensitive contacts are used for relays and switches that must be able to change state quickly in response to external stimuli or conditions. They allow for a more reliable connection between the contacts, as well as faster and more precise control of the electrical current. This makes them ideal for applications such as security systems, heating and cooling systems, and automotive systems.