When troubleshooting a motor starter that fails to energize, a technician uses a multimeter to check for control voltage. If 120 V AC is present at the common terminal of the start/stop pushbutton station but not at the coil of the motor starter, which component should be checked next?

Question: When troubleshooting a motor starter that fails to energize, a technician uses a multimeter to check for control voltage. If 120 V AC is present at the common terminal of the start/stop pushbutton station but not at the coil of the motor starter, which component should be checked next?

Answer options:

• The motor windings.
• The main power circuit fuses. ✅ Continuity through the stop pushbutton and overload contacts.
• The PLC output module.

Correct answer: Continuity through the stop pushbutton and overload contacts.

Explanation: If voltage is present up to the common of the start/stop station but not at the coil, the break in the circuit must be between these two points. Typical components in series in this control voltage path, after the start/stop station and before the coil, include the normally closed (NC) stop pushbutton contacts, any emergency stop buttons, and the NC auxiliary contacts of the thermal overload relay. Checking continuity through these components will identify the open circuit.