What is a typical control voltage in a motor starter bucket?

• A. 24 volts
• B. 277 volts
• C. 120 volts
• D. 480 volts

Answer: (C)

The typical control voltage for a motor starter bucket is 120 volts. The control circuit powers the coil of the starter’s contactor, separate from the motor’s main supply. 120 V AC is widely used because it matches common pushbuttons, relays, and other control devices, and coils are readily available in this rating. Higher voltages like 277 V or 480 V are more often associated with main line voltages or specialized equipment, while 24 V appears in some control schemes but is less common for standard starter coils. So, 120 volts best fits the standard control voltage used to energize the starter and actuate the motor.