Remotekontakt

Remotekontakt (remote contact) is a term used in electrical engineering and process automation to describe a contact that is actuated or monitored from a distance. The term refers to a binary switch element—open or closed—that is operated by another device, such as a relay coil, a transistor output, or a programmable logic controller. The remote contact itself is typically a dry-contact, meaning it carries no actuating power on the contact side; power is supplied by the monitored circuit, and the contact simply signals a change in state to a controller or signaling system.

Common configurations include normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts, and changeover (SPDT) arrangements in relays. Isolation between the actuation circuit and the remote contact is important, allowing safe signaling across different voltages or grounds. Applications include process automation, building management and safety interlocks, alarm signaling, and remote monitoring systems. In many cases the remote contact is used to trigger an event, log data, or interlock equipment, while the actual actuation occurs elsewhere.

Advantages include simple, low-cost signaling over a distance, compatibility with existing relay logic, and the ability to operate in hazardous or separate electrical domains. Limitations include contact wear, voltage/current rating, bounce, and potential for misalignment between control and indication without proper de-bounce and monitoring.