What is the difference between overcurrent protection and overload protection?

Overcurrent protection is provided at the point of supply for the circuit conductors, and is sized large enough to allow the high locked-rotor starting currents of the motor, while still protecting the conductors for short-circuit and ground-fault conditions Overload protection is provided at the end of the motor circuit conductors with the motor starter overload unit, which is designed to mimic the thermal characteristics of the motor and open the overload control circuit contacts before excessive heat can cause damage to the motor.