What is the normal position of starting relay contacts in a system?

In a refrigeration or air conditioning system, the starting relay plays a crucial role in enabling the compressor to start by connecting the run winding and disconnecting it once the system is up to speed. The normal position of the starting relay contacts is that the current path is normally open, which means that under normal conditions (when the compressor is not starting), the circuit is not complete and current does not flow.

When an initial voltage or potential is applied during the start-up phase, it activates the starting relay. This allows the current to flow, completing the circuit and enabling the compressor to function. Once the compressor reaches a designated speed, the relay opens the circuit to protect the system from running unnecessarily under load conditions that could lead to overheating or damage.

The designation of potential being normally closed usually applies to specific types of relays in different contexts; however, in the case of the starting relay contacts, the critical functioning aspect is that the current path begins as normally open. This ensures the compressor is started safely without continuous engagement of the starting mechanisms. Recognizing the typical behavior of these relays helps in troubleshooting and understanding their operation within a system properly.