ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What is a device that is not immediately connected to voltage called?

1. Wet contact closure

2. Dry closure contact

3. Voltage-free switch

4. Type B connection

The correct answer is: Dry closure contact

The term "dry closure contact" refers to a type of contact that does not have a continuous power supply directly connected to it. Instead, it signifies that the device operates without an applied voltage at the contact points. This characteristic makes it suitable for various applications where it can act as a switch to control other devices or circuits without providing or requiring a source of voltage. Dry contacts are commonly used in alarm systems, HVAC equipment, and other control systems. When a load is connected, it is often powered by external sources, and the dry contact simply completes or interrupts the circuit based on its status, allowing for greater versatility and safety in circuit design. In contrast, the other terms refer to contacts or connections that imply some form of powered state or voltage presence, making them unsuitable for describing devices that are not directly connected to voltage. Understanding the distinction between dry and wet contacts is vital for alarm technicians, as it affects how different devices interact within a system.