Which statement best describes the difference between a motor starter and a motor contactor?

• A. A motor starter is connected to an overload, while a motor contactor is not
• B. A motor contactor is connected to an overload, while a motor starter is not
• C. They are identical
• D. A motor starter reduces voltage

Answer: (A)

In motor control, the essential difference is that a motor contactor is the heavy-duty switch that simply connects or disconnects power to the motor, while a motor starter adds protection and control to that switching action. A motor starter is the combination of the contactor with an overload-relay protection device. The overload relay monitors the motor current and automatically opens the circuit if the current becomes too high, protecting the motor windings from damage. That built-in protection is what sets a starter apart from the contactor alone.

So, the statement described is the best fit because it captures that distinction: the starter includes the overload protection, whereas the contactor by itself does not. The other ideas don’t fit as well because a contactor is not inherently connected to overload protection, the two are not identical, and a starter’s primary purpose isn’t to reduce voltage to the motor.