Motor controllers may be rated for full-load current and which other type of current?

The correct answer is that motor controllers may be rated for full-load current and locked-rotor current. Locked-rotor current is the maximum current that a motor will draw when it is first energized and the rotor is not rotating. This occurs at startup when the motor is trying to overcome inertia.

Understanding the importance of locked-rotor current ratings is crucial for proper motor protection and control. If the motor controller is not rated to handle this high level of current, it could lead to overheating, tripping of the circuit protection devices, or damage to the motor itself.

Other types of current, such as peak current or continuous current, do not specifically relate to the unique starting conditions of an electric motor. Peak current can refer to transient conditions that might not reflect typical operating scenarios. Continuous current generally denotes the flow that can be sustained without overheating, which does not encapsulate the initial surge experienced at startup as locked-rotor current does. Therefore, knowing the locked-rotor current helps ensure that motor controllers are properly sized to handle the demands during start-up.