What happens when a motor experiences an overload condition?

When a motor experiences an overload condition, it can lead to excessive current draw, which increases the temperature of the motor windings. The activation of the thermal protector is a critical safety feature designed to prevent damage to the motor. This device senses the elevated temperature and interrupts the power supply to the motor when it reaches a certain threshold. By enforcing this protective measure, the thermal protector helps prevent overheating, degradation of insulation, and ultimately, catastrophic failure of the motor.

This protective action is essential because continuing to operate under an overload can cause significant harm to the motor's components, potentially leading to permanent damage. The other options do not accurately represent the typical response of a motor under overload conditions. For instance, a motor would not increase in speed under overload, nor would it automatically shut down without the intervention of a protective device. Lastly, a motor cannot continue to operate without issue during overload; doing so poses serious risks to its performance and longevity.