What are the electrical contacts called in the burner safety switch that are closed by the bi-metal element?

• A. Hot contacts
• B. Cold contacts
• C. High-limit contacts
• D. Safety switch contacts

Answer: (A)

The contacts closed by the bi-metal element are called hot contacts. The bi-metal strip heats up from the burner flame and bends, which brings these contacts together to complete the burner circuit and energize the gas valve. If the flame goes out and the element cools, the strip returns to its original shape and the hot contacts open, cutting power to the burner as a safety shutoff. The other terms don’t describe the action driven by the heated bi-metal: cold contacts would imply a different, non-heated state; high-limit contacts refer to a separate safety function; and safety switch contacts is too generic.