Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 95 of 1506

Why do engine auto-start controls for emergency generators use time-delay relays?

  1. Fuel and oil pumps must stabilize before the starter cranks
  2. The engine must warm up with the load connected before it can be cranked
  3. The generator must run backward first, to clear the stator windings
  4. The relay must test the overload contacts before the engine cranks
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Correct answer: Fuel and oil pumps must stabilize before the starter cranks

Timers sequence the auxiliary devices before the engine cranks.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 5.3: Time-delay Relays

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026