Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 83 of 1506

What is the purpose of an overload heater?

  1. To copy the motor's heating curve so the contact trips on time
  2. To burn open like a fuse and break the circuit when the motor is overloaded
  3. To protect the supply conductors from short circuits and ground faults
  4. To warm the motor windings in cold weather so the motor starts easily
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Correct answer: To copy the motor's heating curve so the contact trips on time

The heater mimics the motor's thermal behaviour on a small scale.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 5.2: Contactors

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026