Mittekontakt

Mittekontakt is a term used in Norwegian and Danish technical language that translates roughly to “middle contact” or “center contact.” It denotes a contact point within a multi-pin device that lies between outer contacts or serves as a common or reference node in a circuit. The exact meaning and usage can vary by context and manufacturer, so mittekontakt is best understood from the specific wiring diagram or component specification.

In practical terms, mittekontakt is often encountered in discussions of electrical connectors, switches and sensor interfaces that employ three or more terminals. In such arrangements, the middle contact commonly acts as a shared node, such as a common (COM) terminal in a SPDT switch, or as a reference or return path in a multi-pin connector. The designation may indicate a central position in the contact arrangement rather than a distinct power or ground role, depending on the design.

Because the terminology is not universally standardized in English-language documentation, mittekontakt is typically translated as center contact, middle contact, or common contact in technical manuals. Users should refer to the device’s labeling and circuit schematic to confirm the function of the middle contact in a given component.

See also: electrical connector, SPDT switch, center contact, common contact, three-pin connector.