During routine maintenance, an electrician notices that a motor starter's main contacts appear pitted and discoloured. The motor is operating normally, but the contacts show signs of wear. What is the most appropriate action for the electrician to take?

Question: During routine maintenance, an electrician notices that a motor starter's main contacts appear pitted and discoloured. The motor is operating normally, but the contacts show signs of wear. What is the most appropriate action for the electrician to take?

Answer options:

• Clean the contacts with fine-grit sandpaper.
• Flip the contacts over to use the other side.
• Replace the entire motor starter. ✅ Replace the worn contacts or contact assembly.

Correct answer: Replace the worn contacts or contact assembly.

Explanation: Pitted and discoloured contacts indicate wear and can lead to increased resistance and heat. Cleaning with sandpaper is generally not recommended as it removes the contact material's plating and can worsen the situation. Flipping them over is not an option for most designs, and replacing the entire starter is often unnecessary. Replacing just the worn contact parts is the most cost-effective and appropriate solution.