GE Potential Relays are used for assisting in the initial function of capacitor start, induction run and capacitor start, capacitor run motors. The motors are the larger sized compressor motors for residential central air conditioning systems and larger pump motors (over 1/3 hp at 120 VAC and 3/4 hp at 240 VAC). Smaller motors used on residential refrigeration systems generally use current type starting relays or thermal/resistance devices such as PTCR's. In order to use a potential type starting relay, the motor must have a start capacitor, but it may or may not also have a run capacitor.
