Quick Q&A
Question: Why are NPNs referred to as "Normally Off" Devices?

Answer:

NPN transistors are referred to as "Normally Off" devices because when you connect a NPN transistor to a circuit, it does not conduct across the collector to the emitter, unless a sufficiently large enough current is applied to the base.

In other words, the NPN transistor does not conduct current without a current applied to the base. It is normally off, in the absence of any base current.

This is in contrast to PNP transistors, which are referred to as "normally on" devices. PNP transistors conduct current across the emitter to collector without any current applied to the base of the transistor. With sufficient voltage to the emitter terminal, current flows in the absence of any applied base current.