# Why are START and STOP Push Buttons used in Motor Control Circuits?

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/why-are-start-and-stop-push-buttons-used-in-motor-control-circuits/14280>\
**Category:** Electrical\
**Tags:** switchgear\
**Created:** [July 29, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/why-are-start-and-stop-push-buttons-used-in-motor-control-circuits/14280 "2026-07-29T15:11:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/rabert/32/6784_2.png) [@Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/u/Rabert)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/why-are-start-and-stop-push-buttons-used-in-motor-control-circuits/14280/1 "2026-07-29T15:11:48Z")

</div>

START and STOP push buttons are the most common control devices used in industrial **[motor control circuits](https://forumelectrical.com/motor-control-center-mcc-testing-and-commissioning-procedure/)**. They allow operators to safely start and stop electrical equipment such as motors, pumps, conveyors, and industrial machines.

## START Push Button

The START push button uses a Normally Open (NO) contact. When pressed, the contact closes, allowing current to flow through the control circuit and energizing the contactor or relay to start the motor.

## STOP Push Button

The STOP push button uses a Normally Closed (NC) contact. Under normal conditions, the contact remains closed, allowing current to pass. When pressed, the contact opens, interrupting the control circuit and stopping the motor immediately.

 ![1 - Copy](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/e/e04b35330bcff2c3cf6faab59198b99bcc37e8e9.jpeg)

## Comparison Table

| **Feature** | **START Push Button** | **STOP Push Button** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Contact Type | Normally Open (NO) | Normally Closed (NC) |
| Normal State | Open | Closed |
| Action When Pressed | Closes the circuit | Opens the circuit |
| Function | Starts the motor | Stops the motor |
| Current Flow (Normal Condition) | No current | Current flows |
| Safety Purpose | Initiates operation | Provides safe shutdown |

## Common Applications

- Direct-On-Line (DOL) starters
- Star-Delta starters
- Conveyor systems
- Industrial machinery
- PLC control panels
- Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

The STOP push button is intentionally designed as Normally Closed (NC) to provide fail-safe operation. If a control wire breaks, a connection becomes loose, or power is lost, the control circuit opens automatically, causing the machine to stop and improving operator safety.