Which statement best describes the function of a line starter?

Which statement best describes the function of a line starter?

• A. Stores energy
• B. Controls a motor and provides overload protection
• C. Regulates voltage
• D. Measures current

Answer: (B)

Line starters are used to energize a motor while protecting it from overload. They combine a contactor, which acts as the switch to connect the motor to the power supply, with an overload relay that monitors current (and sometimes temperature) and can trip the circuit if the motor is drawing too much current or overheating. This pairing lets the motor start smoothly and run safely, preventing damage from overload. They don’t store energy (that’s for capacitors or batteries), they don’t regulate voltage (that’s the job of regulators or transformers), and they aren’t primarily for measuring current (that’s what meters do); their main function is to start the motor and provide overload protection.

Line starters are used to energize a motor while protecting it from overload. They combine a contactor, which acts as the switch to connect the motor to the power supply, with an overload relay that monitors current (and sometimes temperature) and can trip the circuit if the motor is drawing too much current or overheating. This pairing lets the motor start smoothly and run safely, preventing damage from overload. They don’t store energy (that’s for capacitors or batteries), they don’t regulate voltage (that’s the job of regulators or transformers), and they aren’t primarily for measuring current (that’s what meters do); their main function is to start the motor and provide overload protection.