What should the voltage reading be if the start pushbutton is pressed, assuming the circuit is operating properly?

When the start pushbutton is pressed in a properly functioning circuit, the system should allow full control voltage to pass through to the desired components, such as the motor starter relay or other control devices. This is because pressing the start pushbutton typically completes the circuit, allowing current to flow and activating the control relay.

With a full control voltage present, the relay coil receives the necessary voltage to energize. This energizes the connected components, initiating the motor operation or other intended actions within the system. In this configuration, the expected voltage reading at the point where the control voltage is measured would indeed be the full control voltage.

Understanding this principle is crucial for diagnosing circuit functionality, as any deviation from this expected voltage reading could indicate an issue with the circuit, such as a faulty pushbutton or a break in the circuit path.