What is the primary purpose of an overload relay?

The primary purpose of an overload relay is to prevent motor burnout due to excessive loads. Overload relays are crucial components in electrical circuits, particularly in motor applications, as they serve to protect the motor from overheating caused by prolonged overcurrent conditions. When a motor operates under conditions that exceed its designed load capacity, it can overheat, leading to insulation damage and eventual motor failure.

The overload relay continuously monitors the current flowing through the motor and will trip, or disconnect power, if it detects a continuous current above a preset level for a specific period. This automatic disconnection helps to preserve the integrity of the motor, allowing it to operate safely and effectively within its designed specifications.

In contrast, while other options touch on aspects that might be related to motor functionality, they do not capture the primary protective role of the overload relay as effectively as the chosen answer does. Enhancing energy efficiency and increasing operating voltage relate more to performance optimizations rather than protection mechanisms. Allowing for smoother starts pertains to starter configurations but does not align with the specific protective function of an overload relay.