What is a common first step in troubleshooting a malfunctioning motor control circuit?

• A. Replace the motor and start over with a new control circuit.
• B. Verify power is available to the control circuit and check for open fuses, tripped breakers, or blown overloads.
• C. Ignore power status and test by energizing the coil directly.
• D. Check the lubricant level in the motor bearings.

Answer: (B)

Verifying power to the control circuit and inspecting protective devices is the first step because nothing in the control logic will operate correctly if the circuit isn’t actually powered. By checking that power is available and looking for open fuses, tripped breakers, or blown overloads, you quickly determine whether the problem is simply a power issue or something deeper in the control circuitry. If the control isn’t receiving power or a protective device has opened, that must be resolved before testing relays, contactors, or timers; otherwise you risk unsafe conditions or chasing faults that aren’t present. The other options miss the foundational need to confirm power and protection status: replacing the motor and rebuilding the control circuit is premature, energizing the coil directly bypasses the control logic and can be dangerous, and lubricant level has no bearing on the electrical control pathway.