The electric motors, transformers and controllers used in home and professional grade appliances are often subjected to mechanical overloads, overheating, stalls, lost neutral, severe overvoltages, humidity and other damaging factors. New polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) devices are designed for operation at line voltages of 120 VAC and 240 VAC, and can help appliance designers prevent safety and fire hazards, as well as reduce warranty return and replacement costs resulting from motor failure.