# Normally open contact

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/normally-open-contact
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: NO
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A contact shown open in the normal state defined for its device.

## What it represents

A normally open contact is open in the normal state defined for the device. Operating its relay, pushbutton or other parent device may close the contact. The meaning of normal must be established from the drawing convention and equipment documentation; it is not necessarily the current live condition of the installation.
A schematic usually identifies the parent device and the relevant terminals. Several contact representations can belong to one relay or contactor. Cross-references connect those representations to their coil or parent equipment.

## How to read it

- Read the parent device identifier before interpreting the contact function.
- Check the terminal identifiers and the state convention in the drawing legend.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify the parent coil or actuator.
- Use the documented terminal designation.
- Cross-reference other contacts belonging to the same device.

## Important distinction

Normally open describes the stated normal condition. A position indication or operating snapshot may use a different state convention.

## Facts

- Normal state: Open, as defined for the parent device
- Terminal designation: Manufacturer-specific
- Parent relationship: Coil, actuator or equipment cross-reference
- Public Autodesk reference names: HCR21, VCR21 (vendor identifiers, not IEC symbol IDs)

## Public references

- [Relays and contacts: public symbol reference](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-011C62B8-9EC8-485C-B47D-B22A3F7B7574.htm) — Autodesk. Public normally open relay contact categories.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.