Thermal overload relays are electromechanical protection devices for the power circuit. They offer reliable protection for motors in the event of overload or phase failure. The thermal overload relays are three pole relays with bimetal tripping elements. The motor current flows through the bimetal tripping elements and heats them directly and indirectly. In case of an overload (over current), the bimetal elements bend as a result of the heating. This leads to a release of the relay and a change of the contacts switching position (95-96/97-98).