What device is used before a motor that allows electricity to flow to the motor?

The motor starter is a device specifically designed to control the operation of electric motors. It serves several essential functions, including providing a means to start and stop the motor safely and efficiently. One of its primary roles is to manage the electrical flow to the motor during startup and operation.

Motor starters typically include components such as overload relays, contactors, and circuit protection devices. They help to prevent damage to the motor and ensure safe operation by limiting the current flow during start-up, which can be significantly higher than during normal running conditions. Additionally, motor starters protect the motor from overload conditions, which can lead to failure if not addressed.

In contrast, control relays are generally used for switching smaller loads and providing control functions rather than directly managing motor operation. Solenoid valves are used in pneumatic or hydraulic applications to control fluid flow and are not directly related to electrical motor management. Conductors, while essential as the physical medium for electrical flow, do not provide control functions for starting or stopping a motor.

Thus, the motor starter is the correct answer, as it plays a vital role in safely controlling the electrical flow to the motor, enhancing both its functionality and longevity.