The type of overload protection that protects the motor by disconnecting it physically instead of electrically is a(n) __________.

• A. overload clutch
• B. circuit breaker
• C. thermal fuse
• D. soft starter

Answer: (A)

Mechanical overload protection protects the motor by physically disconnecting it from the load. An overload clutch sits between the motor and the driven equipment and is designed to slip or disengage when the torque becomes too high. This stops power transmission to the load without cutting electrical power to the motor, preventing damage to belts, gears, and bearings while the motor can continue to run or stop depending on the design. Electrical protection devices like circuit breakers or thermal fuses interrupt current to stop the motor, and a soft starter modulates voltage during start-up rather than providing a mechanical disconnect. Therefore, the device described is an overload clutch.