What does "thermal overload" refer to?

Thermal overload refers to a condition in which electrical devices, such as motors or compressors in HVAC systems, overheat due to excessive current flowing through them. This overheating can lead to the deterioration of components, reduce the longevity of the device, or even cause a complete failure. It often occurs when a device is subjected to more current than it is designed to handle, either because the load is too high, or there is a malfunction in the system.

Understanding thermal overload is crucial for diagnosing issues in electrical systems and ensuring that devices are adequately protected from overheating by using devices such as thermal overload relays, which automatically disconnect power when excessive temperatures are detected. This helps maintain system reliability and prevents additional damage to components.

The other choices focus on different concepts: cooling electric motors pertains to improving efficiency, safety features concerning power fluctuations handle protective measures, and measuring electrical current deals with monitoring and assessing current usage. These processes do not define the phenomenon of thermal overload, which primarily concerns the risks and consequences of overheating caused by excessive current.