What is one of the primary components of a reversing starter?

A reversing starter is designed to control the direction of a motor by allowing it to run in both forward and reverse. One of the primary components of a reversing starter is the contactor.

Contactors are electromechanical switches that are used to control high voltage devices using a low voltage signal. In a reversing starter, two contactors are typically employed: one for the forward direction of the motor and another for the reverse direction. When energized, these contactors help direct the electrical current in such a way that the motor's rotation can be reversed by switching the polarity of the connections.

In addition to the contactors, a reversing starter may include other components like overload relays for protection against overcurrent conditions and fuses for circuit protection, but the defining feature and primary component that specifically enables the reversal of the motor's direction is the contactor. Thus, understanding the role of contactors is essential for comprehending how reversing starters function effectively.