If contacts offer resistance to current flow, what is a likely consequence?

When contacts offer resistance to current flow, it can lead to overheating and potential failure of the contacts. The increased resistance reduces the efficiency of the electrical circuit, which can cause the components to work harder to overcome the resistance. This extra stress can result in wear and aging of the components faster than normal, ultimately leading to failure.

Failure can manifest in several ways, such as melting or welding of contacts, damage to the insulation, or even complete circuit failure. Therefore, when resistance is noted in electrical contacts, it is a strong indication that maintenance is needed to prevent these failure conditions. Regular inspections and measurements help in detecting issues with resistance before they lead to significant operational problems.