Which statement is true regarding the operation of a manual starter?

The statement that a manual starter prevents accidental start after power loss is accurate. This feature is vital for ensuring safety during maintenance or when equipment is being serviced. A manual starter typically requires an operator to physically reset the device after a power interruption before the motor can be restarted. This design prevents the motor from automatically restarting when power is restored, which could pose dangers to personnel working on or near the equipment.

The other statements, while possibly holding some truth in specific contexts, do not align as closely with the primary functions and characteristics of a manual starter. For instance, the operation of a manual starter is typically reliant on a power supply, and while it may have some inherent protection against overloads, it does not inherently provide complete protection from them. Additionally, while a manual starter can be simple and may avoid complex electronic components, there are various types of starters that can include electronic elements. Thus, the prevention of accidental starts after power loss is a definitive and critical function that reinforces why the selection is correct.