Nate Electrical Practice Exam

How is the coil of a lockout relay wired in relation to the contactor coil?

1. Series with the contactor coil and series with the contacts

2. Parallel with the contactor coil and parallel with the contacts

3. Series with the contactor coil and parallel with the contacts

4. Parallel with the contactor coil and series with the contacts

The correct answer is: Series with the contactor coil and parallel with the contacts

The coil of a lockout relay is wired in series with the contactor coil and parallel with the contacts to ensure proper operation and safety in electrical systems. When the lockout relay coil is wired in series with the contactor coil, it allows the relay to control the operation of the contactor. As the contactor coil is energized, the lockout relay also receives power, which helps maintain the state of the system following a disruption, such as an emergency stop or other safety condition. By setting up the lockout relay contacts in parallel with the contacts of the contactor, it ensures that, once the lockout condition is released, the system can return to normal operation without having to reset the lockout relay manually. This configuration prevents accidental restarts and maintains the effective control of the circuit during crucial safety conditions. This arrangement is critical in maintaining a safe operational environment, as it ensures that the control signal from the lockout relay takes precedence and offers enhanced safety protocols in various electrical applications.