R018
V2.0
Mechanically linked contacts and Mirror
contacts ?
I- Type of publication
Typical application Level 2 use
Best know Method (BKM) Internal use
Troubleshooting guide Customer
II- Product
- Product range : - Product family :
TesysD LC1D/LC2D
III- Introduction
This document aims at explaining the terms “mechanically linked contacts” and “mirror
contacts” and the difference between them. Moreover, as these features are described in IEC 60947-
5-1 and IEC60947-4-1 standards, the objective of this document is to summarize the requirements
and definitions given in the standards and give examples of applications.
TeSys D contactors include both mechanically linked and mirror contacts features and therefore, they
can be used for safety related applications and wherever reliability of auxiliary contact state is critical.
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IV- Description
Mechanically linked contacts (in accordance with IEC 60947-5-1– Annex L)
Definition: a combination of normally open contacts and normally closed contacts
designed so that they cannot simultaneously be in the closed position
– When a normally open contact is closed, none of the normally closed contacts
may be closed.
– When a normally closed contact is closed, none of the normally open contacts
may be closed.
aux. aux.
contact contact
Area of application: mechanically linked auxiliary contacts integrated in control devices
where the actuating force is provided internally. Control circuit devices actuated
externally (e.g. push-button or limit-switches) do not have an actuating force limited to a
maximum value, so they cannot have mechanically linked contact elements.
Mechanically linked contact elements have previously been referred to as forced contacts,
positively activated contacts, or linked contacts, or, in French: "contacts forcés" or in
German: "Zwangsgeführte Kontakte".
Symbols used (in accordance with IEC 60947-5-1– Annex L)
Example of representation of NO and NC contacts
which are mechanically linked and NC non-linked contact
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Mirror contacts (in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1 Annex F)
Definition:
A normally closed auxiliary contact cannot be in a closed position at the same time as one of the
main power contacts (a pole, normally open) on the same contactor. So the “mirror contacts”
feature concerns the mechanical link between the auxiliary contacts and the power contacts
of a contactor.
aux. pole
contact
These auxiliary contacts are called "mirror contacts" to avoid any confusion with
"mechanically linked contacts" which only concern auxiliary contacts (IEC 60947-5-1)
However, an auxiliary contact may well conform to both recommendations.
A typical application of mirror contacts is to have, in the machine control circuit, a highly
reliable monitoring of the status of the contactor. However, mirror contact should not be
relied upon exclusively as a means to ensure safety.
Mirror contacts have previously been referred to as positively safety contacts, forced
contacts, linked contacts or positively driven contacts.
Symbols used (in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1– Annex F)
Mirror contact
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R018
V2.0
Mechanically linked contacts and mirror contacts are included in TeSys D
Mechanically linked auxiliary contacts
NO and NC mechanically
linked auxiliary contacts,
designed to make it
impossible for them both to
be closed at the same time.
Mirror contacts
Go NC mirror contact :auxiliary
contact cannot be closed at
Preventa the same time as a normally
open power contact.
Stop .
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