What is an overload protector?

Mounted on the compressor alongside the start relay, the overload opens when current or temperature exceeds safe limits and resets once things cool. It is the "click" you hear in a click-hum-click pattern. Like a thermal fuse, it is a symptom reporter rather than a cause — an overload that keeps tripping is telling you the compressor is struggling, the start device has failed, or airflow over the condenser has been lost.