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

• A. Short circuits the supply
• B. Low voltage to the motor
• C. Blows the fuse
• D. Creates a tripping action of the starter control circuit, stopping the motor

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how overload protection in a motor starter works. When the motor drawing too much current overheats the overload element, the melting alloy pot and the related bimetal mechanism release a latch that trips the starter’s control circuit. This de-energizes the contactor coil, causing the contactor to open and the motor to stop. It protects the motor by interrupting the control circuit so power to the motor is cut, rather than creating a direct short, reducing voltage, or blowing a fuse.

So the best answer is that the overload action trips the starter control circuit, stopping the motor.