What is the function of a motor starter and its overload relay?

• A. The motor starter provides energized contact closure to start and stop the motor; the overload relay interrupts current if overcurrent or overheating occurs to protect the motor.
• B. The motor starter converts AC to DC for motor operation.
• C. The overload relay regulates motor speed under varying load conditions.
• D. The motor starter provides remote communications with drives.

Answer: (A)

Starting and stopping a motor safely is the primary job of a motor starter, which is essentially a contactor paired with protective devices. When control power energizes the starter coil, the main contacts close and connect the motor to the power supply, allowing it to start. The overload relay watches for excessive current or overheating in the motor. If it detects an overload, it trips and opens the circuit (or de-energizes the coil), removing power to the motor and preventing damage. This combination gives you a simple, reliable way to control the motor and protect it from harm.

Other roles described in the alternatives don’t fit. Converting AC to DC isn’t what a motor starter does—that’s handled by rectifiers or drives. Regulating speed under varying load isn’t the overload relay’s job; that’s the function of speed controllers like VFDs or governors. Providing remote communications with drives also isn’t a standard function of a basic motor starter.