Melting alloy and bimetallic overload relays are designed so that when current exceeds the designated capacity, it melts an alloy solder pot and

• A. Creates a tripping action of the starter control circuit, stopping the motor.
• B. Energizes the motor.
• C. Welds the contacts.
• D. Reduces the motor current.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is protection through a thermal trip. When the motor draws more current than its design allows, the overload element heats up. In melting alloy and bimetallic overload relays, this heat causes a solder pot to melt or a bimetal strip to bend, releasing a trip mechanism that opens the starter’s control circuit. Once the control circuit is opened, the contactor coil is de-energized, the main contacts drop out, and the motor stops to prevent damage from overheating. This action does not energize the motor, weld contacts, or directly reduce current; the purpose is to interrupt power to the motor when an overload condition occurs.