What is a holding contact and what is its purpose in motor control?

• A. A holding contact remains closed while the coil is energized to keep the circuit energized after pressing Start.
• B. A holding contact opens when energized
• C. A holding contact is used to measure resistance
• D. A holding contact provides overload protection

Answer: (B)

A holding contact is an auxiliary contact of a contactor that closes when the coil is energized to create a path that keeps the control circuit energized after the Start button is released. When you press Start, the coil energizes, and its holding contact closes, forming a parallel path around the Start switch. This latches the circuit so the coil remains energized and the motor keeps running even after you let go of Start. Pressing Stop interrupts that path and drops the coil, turning the motor off. It’s not used for measuring resistance or for overload protection—its sole purpose is to maintain the ON state in a motor-control circuit.