What is a motor control center primarily designed for?

A motor control center is primarily designed to contain one or more motor control units. This is central to its function, as motor control centers serve as a hub for powering and controlling electric motors in a facility. They provide a systematic way to manage and monitor motor operations, which can include starting, stopping, and protecting the motors through various forms of control devices such as starters and overload relays.

In addition to containing motor control units, these centers also facilitate ease of maintenance and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of motor operations. The design allows for grouped control of multiple motors, making it easier to manage larger systems.

The other options focus on different functions unrelated to the primary purpose of a motor control center, such as holding conductors and receptacles, providing emergency power, and distributing lighting. These functions may be associated with other equipment or systems but do not encapsulate the main role of a motor control center.