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What is the purpose of a motor starter's overload protection?

To reduce vibrations in the motor.

To improve efficiency of the windings.

To provide start torque for the motor.

To protect the motor from overheating by interrupting current if the load is too high.

Overload protection in a motor starter is designed to prevent damage from excessive current by interrupting the motor circuit when the current and resulting heat exceed safe levels. It uses a thermal or electronic overload device tuned to the motor's full-load amps; when the motor is overloaded or stalled and current stays high, the device trips, cutting power to the motor and allowing it to cool. This protects windings and insulation from overheating and prolongs motor life. It's not intended to reduce vibrations, improve winding efficiency, or provide starting torque; those functions come from other parts of the drive or starting method.