overload relay


overload relay

[′ō·vər‚lōd ‚rē‚lā] (electricity) A relay that opens a circuit when the load in the circuit exceeds a preset value, in order to provide overload protection; usually responds to excessive current, but may respond to excessive values of power, temperature, or other quantities. Also known as overload release.

overload relay

A relay in the circuit of a motor which causes the motor to be disconnected from its source of power if the current to the motor exceeds a predetermined value.