How does a motor starter differ from a simple contactor?

• A. A motor starter includes a contactor coil plus overload protection; a contactor is a bare switching device used to control power to a load
• B. A motor starter is a simple switch; a contactor includes overload
• C. A motor starter has no switching function
• D. A contactor includes overload protection by design

Answer: (A)

A motor starter combines a switching device with motor protection. A contactor on its own is just the switch that opens or closes the circuit to power the motor. A motor starter adds overload protection, typically an overload relay, which senses excessive current or overheating and interrupts the circuit to protect the motor. So, a motor starter is essentially a contactor coil plus built-in (or integrated) overload protection, whereas a bare contactor does not include that protection. This is why the motor starter is the best description for combining reliable starting control with motor protection.