Which of the following protects the motor and control devices against overheating?

The choice of solid-state overload relays as the protector of motors and control devices against overheating is due to the way they operate. Solid-state overload relays monitor the current flowing to the motor and can detect conditions that indicate overheating or overload situations. When the current exceeds a preset limit for a specific duration, the relay will trip and disconnect the motor from the power supply. This disconnection prevents the motor from overheating, thus protecting it from damage.

Unlike mechanical counterparts, solid-state overload relays offer quicker response times and are often more reliable because they have no moving parts that can wear out over time. They can also provide additional functionalities, such as adjustable settings for different motor ratings and features like built-in diagnostic indicators that monitor the condition of the motor.

While fuses and circuit breakers provide overall circuit protection, they do not specifically monitor for motor overload conditions. Fuses can blow or circuit breakers can trip in response to excessive current flow, but they are not designed to provide continuous monitoring of motor temperature or load. Mechanical timers, on the other hand, are used to control the runtime of devices rather than protect against overheating or overload situations. Thus, solid-state overload relays are the most appropriate choice when it comes to protecting motors and associated control devices from