To prevent overheating when starting a motor, the motor should be ______.

• A. Loaded
• B. Idle
• C. Unloaded
• D. Running

Answer: (C)

Minimizing the torque the motor must develop at the moment of starting reduces the current surge and heat. When a motor starts, it draws a large inrush current to produce the initial torque. If there’s an external load, the motor must generate more torque right away to overcome it, which drives up current and heating during start. Starting unloaded means the motor only has to overcome internal friction and windage, so the current is lower and cooling needs are reduced as it accelerates. Once it’s up to speed, you can apply the load. Starting under load would cause more heating, and starting while already running or in an idle state doesn’t address the startup heat the same way.