A contact block is a kind of electrical circuit connector designed to make or break an electrical circuit. These blocks are most frequently connected to protective devices, including switches, relays, and circuit breakers. Furthermore, when these protection devices are active, the blocks allow current to flow and complete a circuit.
Contact Block Types
Contact-blocks are virtual devices designed to fit a specific device and are crucial to match the correct contact block and device. Various contact configurations are available for these blocks, with various ranges capable of changing the circuit of the primary device in several ways. The following are the broadly available configurations:
- 1NO: (One Normally Open Contact)
- 1NC: (One Normally Closed Contact)
- 2NO: (Two Normally Open contacts)
- 2NC: (Two Normally Closed Contacts)
- 1NO/1NC: (1 Normally Open and One Normally Closed)
- 2NO/2NC: (2 Normally Open and Two Normally Closed)
Applications of Contact Blocks
Contact-blocks are commonly used and connected to push buttons, relays, and circuit breakers. Once engaged, these devices are active, which allows current to flow and complete a circuit. Typical applications include:
- Motor Control Schemes
- Industrial Control
- Power Plants
What is a Light Block?
A pushbutton light block is an addon block that acts as an indicator light and is designed to mount to the rear of a pushbutton switch alongside the contact blocks. These light-blocks turn on upon pressing the pushbutton, which illuminates with the button head.
Light Block Types
These blocks are available in two basic types:
- LED: This light-block has a fixed bright LED designed for the long-lasting life of the pushbutton. They are available in several colours to match the buttons.
- Incandescent: These light-blocks are equipped with a changeable incandescent bulb which produces a white light and shines through the button head to produce the required colour.
Applications of Light Blocks
Light-blocks have a wide range of applications in:
- Industrial Farming
- Packaging
- Medical Equipment
- Aviation
