A motor is controlled by a start/stop station. The operator pushes the start button. The motor starter makes odd noises and heats up. This is more likely a ___ problem.

• A. Wiring problem
• B. Control problem
• C. Power problem
• D. Mechanical problem

Answer: (B)

When you press the start button, the control circuit energizes the motor starter coil and the contactor should close to feed power to the motor. If the starter itself is making odd noises and heating up, the fault is in the control path that drives that starter. This points to a control problem—things like miswired control wiring, a faulty start/stop interlock, a sticking or welded contactor, or the wrong coil voltage being applied. These control-side issues can cause arcing, chatter, or overheating in the starter while the motor and main power supply are still essentially fine. A power problem would show up as voltage or current issues at the motor itself, and a mechanical problem would show bearings, gears, or coupling noise rather than abnormal heating and noise in the starter. So the symptoms align with a control problem.