Motor Protection

Motor protection is essential for any application where electric motors are used in some capacity. While motors come in various sizes and perform different roles, the risks are often the same. So, it's important you have the proper protection to prevent damage if something goes wrong. From excess torque to current overload, our motor protection products offer highly effective solutions.

RS stocks a comprehensive range of the parts and products you need. From motor protection relays to dependable circuit breakers, we'll help protect your equipment from damage, failures, and costly downtime. Make your choice from some of the world's leading manufacturers – such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, and E-T-A Circuit Protection and Control.

How does motor protection work?

A motor protection unit or device is specifically designed to intervene when the safety, durability, or performance of electric motors is at risk. Issues that can lead to situations where protection is needed include excess vibration, phase failures, and if too much current is being passed through to the motor. By intervening quickly, motor protection can reduce the impact of these problems.

What is a motor protection relay?

The role of a motor protection relay is to offer safeguards against various failures that an electric motor can experience. By measuring and monitoring the main power supply, these relays protect against overheating during applications where the motor is starting, stopping, or experiencing an overload of current. In such events, a relay intervenes to stop the supply of power to the motor.

What is a motor protection circuit breaker?

As the name suggests, a motor protection circuit breaker is an electromechanical unit that offers valuable safeguards when electric motors are used. In addition to protecting a motor from issues such as current overload, it also intervenes when the main circuit is interrupted. If there is a risk of damage or danger to the motor, a motor protection circuit breaker will turn it off immediately.

A motor protection circuit breaker can be a more cost-effective, space-saving solution as it often removes the need for a separate overload relay to be installed.

Why is motor protection important?

It's essential to have proper starter and motor protection in place. Electric motors are commonly used in domestic and commercial applications. Often, these components are integral to the long-lasting and reliable operation of equipment and machinery. If a motor is compromised due to an overload or short circuit, the impact can be significant – costing both time and money.

As motors are used in applications large and small, the scale of the impact can vary. In the most complex applications, however, motor failure can shut down an entire plant or assembly line. Not only that, but there's also an ever-present risk of damage to other equipment and electrical fires to consider. Motor protection can reduce these risks and achieve maximum operating time.

How to select the correct motor protection?

With the various motor protection options available to order from RS, it's essential to make the right choice. Ultimately, the correct device will deliver the correct level of protection for your chosen application. Otherwise, it may not have the intended effect.

In choosing a motor protection circuit breaker, for example, the voltage rating must be the same as the motor's nameplate voltage. The same applies to the current rating. Other factors you may wish to consider include its operating temperature, as well as its overall dimensions.

Using the search filters on this page, it's easy to select the correct motor protection unit for your chosen application. You can also contact our team if you need advice on making the right choice.

Where is motor protection used?

If an electric motor is used, there's a need for motor protection. With the many applications that now make use of motors for drive and control purposes, motor protection is used across a broad range of domestic and commercial settings. Some examples include:

• Food and beverage production
• Construction and civil engineering
• Industrial and manufacturing plants
• Property repair and maintenance
• Robotics
• Domestic appliances and electronics

Why order motor protection direct from RS?

For absolute confidence in your motor protection products, order online and direct from RS. We're the largest authorized components distributor in North America – and we're here to supply you with the products to suit any application or purpose.

No matter if it's a Siemens Thermistor motor protection relay or a Schneider motor protection circuit breaker you need – order with confidence today. Use our on-page filters to find exactly what you're looking for. Or enter the product name and/or number into the search bar for the products you have already identified as the ones that best match your application.

For all advice and questions, we'd be more than happy to hear from you. Contact our team of friendly electronics experts. Alternatively, you might prefer to consult our free expert content hub for additional support, technology tips, and industry insights that inform and inspire.