__________ couplings are used to act as a safety device if torque overload occurs.

• A. Clutch
• B. Flexible
• C. Rigid
• D. Magnetic

Answer: (A)

Clutch couplings are designed to slip or disengage when the transmitted torque reaches a set limit, acting as a safety device to protect the drive train from overload. This controlled disengagement stops the transfer of excessive torque, preventing damage to gears, bearings, and the motor. Flexible couplings mainly absorb misalignment and vibration, not provide a defined overload protection. Rigid couplings transfer torque without any slip, so an overload is passed through directly and can cause damage. Magnetic couplings transmit torque magnetically, but they aren’t typically used as a deliberate overload-safety disconnect. The intentional, limited-slip behavior of a clutch makes it the best fit for protecting equipment from torque overload.