Which sequence correctly describes how a motor starter begins motor operation?

Which sequence correctly describes how a motor starter begins motor operation?

• A. Push button activates control relay, which sends current to the motor
• B. Relay directly connects power to the motor
• C. A timer-based switch starts the motor
• D. A fuse protects the motor during startup

Answer: (A)

In a motor starter, the control circuit uses a push button to energize a relay (contactor). When you press the start button, the control coil is energized, and that coil pulls in the main contacts. As those contacts close, line voltage is connected to the motor, causing it to start running. The motor stays on because the relay maintains its coil energized (often through a holding contact) until a stop command or an overload interrupts the circuit. The fuse provides protection, not the starting action, and a timer-based switch would introduce a delay rather than describe the basic initiation sequence. So the correct sequence is: start push button energizes the control relay, which then sends current to the motor by closing the main contacts.

In a motor starter, the control circuit uses a push button to energize a relay (contactor). When you press the start button, the control coil is energized, and that coil pulls in the main contacts. As those contacts close, line voltage is connected to the motor, causing it to start running. The motor stays on because the relay maintains its coil energized (often through a holding contact) until a stop command or an overload interrupts the circuit. The fuse provides protection, not the starting action, and a timer-based switch would introduce a delay rather than describe the basic initiation sequence. So the correct sequence is: start push button energizes the control relay, which then sends current to the motor by closing the main contacts.