Push Buttons & Hold Contact

Thanks Mr Tornado.

Typically used with a motor starter that also has overloads. Contact off over load is in the seal in circuit for start / stop.

Thanks Mr. fixitorelse

Why do you refer to a maintaining contact as a seal? I've seen it a few times and curiosity has got the better of me.

Can't tell if you're being fecesious* or not. Just in case, it's ""seal in", not just seal. But it is curious now that you mention it as to why that term is used. It may be related to the use of "seal" here in the US to mean "finish" or "complete", as in "seal the deal" or "seal with a kiss". That stems from the concept of the old British taxation system for us "colonies" that mandated a government stamp or wax seal be placed on all transactions indicating that the proper taxes had been paid to the Crown. So no action was compkete until it was "sealed" by a government official. Ultimately that sparked a rebellion, but the concept and lexicon (and in many states, the practice) lived on.

(* yes, I know it's spelled wrong, it's a joke)

JR,

The question wasn't in the slightest facetious, it was genuine interest. Yes I can see "seal" is to close something, it's just after 40 years I've got used to "maintain."

Sorry but to me seal is totally out of context in any logical electrical system. Other than to seal the supply companies equipment.

If you take things further:

To maintain something is to keep it in a steady state. To seal something is to stop it.

Americans are weird

Only in fun.

Thnaks eltech

...and usually, restarting the motor has to be a deliberate act on the part of the person pushing the start button. One wouldn't want it to restart after a single act, i.e. releasing the emergency stop button or closing its isolator; a second act is normal and required by many jurisdictions.

If in doubt, consult a qualified local Electrician.