What is the relay or solenoid component that can allow or interrupt current from flowing?

What is the relay or solenoid component that can allow or interrupt current from flowing?

• A. Coil
• B. Plunger
• C. Contacts
• D. Armature

Answer: (C)

The part that actually makes or breaks the electrical path is the contacts. In a relay or solenoid, the coil creates a magnetic field that moves a plunger or armature, and that movement is what opens or closes the circuit. The contacts are the conductive surfaces that carry the load current; when they close, current flows to the load, and when they open, the current is interrupted. The coil is just the energizing element, and the plunger/armature are the moving pieces that drive the switching action.

The part that actually makes or breaks the electrical path is the contacts. In a relay or solenoid, the coil creates a magnetic field that moves a plunger or armature, and that movement is what opens or closes the circuit. The contacts are the conductive surfaces that carry the load current; when they close, current flows to the load, and when they open, the current is interrupted. The coil is just the energizing element, and the plunger/armature are the moving pieces that drive the switching action.