What is the primary danger of using standard fuses and circuit breakers that are rated too high for motor protection?

Choosing a fuse or circuit breaker that is rated too high specifically for motor protection can significantly compromise the safety and functionality of the motor. The primary concern is that a protection device with a higher rating will not activate during an overload condition. This means that if the motor experiences a current that exceeds its rated capacity, the device will fail to trip, allowing potentially damaging current to continue flowing through the motor.

Over time, this unmitigated overload condition can lead to excessive heating, insulation breakdown, and ultimately motor failure. The purpose of these protective devices is to safeguard the equipment from damage due to overloads, and if they are rated too high, they defeat this purpose entirely. Therefore, it is crucial to select the appropriate rating for the fuse or circuit breaker to ensure reliable protection against overload conditions that motors may encounter during operation.