A motor is controlled by a start/stop station. The operator pushes the start button. The starter energizes, but the motor does not run. This is more likely a ____ problem.

A motor is controlled by a start/stop station. The operator pushes the start button. The starter energizes, but the motor does not run. This is more likely a ____ problem.

• A. control
• B. wiring
• C. power
• D. overload

Answer: (C)

When the start/stop station energizes the starter coil, the control path is confirmed to be working. If the motor still doesn’t run, the fault is in the power path feeding the motor, not in the control circuit. The next step is to verify that the motor is actually receiving line voltage at its terminals, and that all power-side components are intact—such as the motor feeder, main disconnect, and any fuses or breakers. A missing voltage, open phase, loose or damaged wiring, or a tripped disconnect can prevent the motor from starting even though the starter coil is energized. If voltage is present at the motor but it still won’t run, the issue may lie with the motor itself (seized winding, internal fault) or with the motor’s overload protection, though the symptom described most strongly points to a power-path problem.

When the start/stop station energizes the starter coil, the control path is confirmed to be working. If the motor still doesn’t run, the fault is in the power path feeding the motor, not in the control circuit. The next step is to verify that the motor is actually receiving line voltage at its terminals, and that all power-side components are intact—such as the motor feeder, main disconnect, and any fuses or breakers. A missing voltage, open phase, loose or damaged wiring, or a tripped disconnect can prevent the motor from starting even though the starter coil is energized. If voltage is present at the motor but it still won’t run, the issue may lie with the motor itself (seized winding, internal fault) or with the motor’s overload protection, though the symptom described most strongly points to a power-path problem.