What is essential for protecting a motor during operation?

Overload protection is critical for safeguarding a motor during operation. This protection mechanism ensures that the motor does not draw excessive current beyond its rated capacity. When a motor operates under heavy loads, it may stall or encounter mechanical failures, which can result in overheating and irreversible damage to the winding insulation or other components. By implementing overload protection, the system can detect when the motor is exceeding safe operational limits and take action, such as disconnecting power or reducing load, thereby preventing potential failures and prolonging the lifespan of the motor.

While other options may contribute to the overall protection and efficiency of the motor—such as voltage control adjusting electrical input and temperature sensing monitoring heat levels—it is the specific role of overload protection that directly prevents damage resulting from excessive load conditions. This makes it a fundamental aspect of motor operation safety.