This read-write enumerated integer defines whether a given contact's baseline, non-alarm, wiring state is normally open(1) or normally closed(2). Admins set this to match how the physical sensor is actually wired, since a door sensor and a water-leak sensor might use opposite conventions for what counts as normal. Setting this to normalClose(2) for a leak sensor that closes its circuit when dry ensures the contact only reports abnormal when the circuit opens due to detected water.